London November 16 : the great global Tri-LCD solutions giant, Epson, introduced its latest devices, giving us a taster of what’s to come in the Home Theatre world.
European Epson team around the EMP-TW1000
That’s how we got a chance to check out their latest Full HD projector. It obviously sports the more advanced technologies like Tri-LCD and C² Fine that supports D6 matrices. The latter definitely plays a major part in picture quality, especially the blacks that are usually a weak point for LCDs but here Epson pulls off a true black!
1080p Matrix
See the Video Clip presentation of the American ‘sister’ model shown at the CEDIA USA 2006
Specs shortlist :
- Super-high contrast ratio of 12000:1
- Brightness of 1200 ANSI Lumens
- Optical zoom 2.1x
- Connect to a range of input sources including HDMI v1.3, video, YUV S-Video, RGB and SCART
- Further enhance image quality with six-axis color adjustment and customized gamma adjustment
- Native 16:9 aspect ratio for a genuine home cinema experience
- Three year warranty on Epson’s 170W UHE (E-TORL) lamp
- Six different color modes to suit the viewing environment:: Dynamic, Living Room, Natural, Theatre, Theatre Black1 and Theatre Black 2
- Vertical and horizontal lens shift allows easy positioning
- True 10-bit colour processing for detailed colour and smooth gradation
- Quiet projection of 26db
Equipped with the new Epson Cinema Filter, the new projector applies optical adjustments automatically to ensure precise color re-production. All this for less than 4,000€ and out in February 2007.
Epson EMP-TW1000
Epson took note of customers’ increasing need for bigger and bigger screens at no extra cost and has therefore introduced new products answering those needs (in both HD and SD). Looking at the HD Ready range, we find the excellent EMP-TW700 and EMP-TW620 (1800€ and 1500€), along the same tech lines as the more upmarket products.
Epson EMP-TW700
For Home Theatre aficionados not yet ready for HD, the still very up to date EMP-TW20 is a sure bet. Initially launched at 900€ it now costs 700€.
Epson EMP-TW20
The Epson EMP-TWD3, Epson’s first combo projector to feature a built-in DVD player with a pair of integrated stereo speakers is already the second version of the famous “cube”. Based on the home entertainment all-in-one concept, the projector is handy enough to be carried around. The minimalist design means users only need to connect the power supply and the home cinema projector is ready to beam.
The integrated optical disk player plays multiple video formats including*DVD, Video CD and Super Video CD. It also spins audio CDs, MP3s and WMA files. For optimal sound reproduction, the two 10W speakers are rear facing and are fully capable of delivering rich natural sounds. The player also reads JPEG images and can present them as slide shows.
Aside from just playing video and music data from disk sources, the EMP-TWD3 has several ports which allow users to connect external devices such as laptops and media devices such as tuners. The projector features a short focus lens capable of a 1.5X wide zoom, 1200 ANSI lumens, 1000:1 contrast ratio, and Epson’s E-TORL (Epson-Twin Optimise Reflection Lamp). Comes with an 80in screen and priced at 999€.
Epson EMP-TWD3
Epson used this opportunity to announced three year guaranties on its lamps and a new recycling programme for used ones. Indeed, mercury is used in their manufacture.
Another surprise during the course of the day was the presentation of two prototypes. The first is a miniature projector packed with 3LCDs of 0.55in and boasting 30 lumens luminosity. Also equipped with LED technology, it works on almost nothing (you can use a battery) and doesn’t heat up. Basically, it holds in the hand and offers great features except for luminosity. That’s why Epson are going to wait a bit before they roll them out…
Mini prototype projector on demonstration
The second prototype is a new “mini” the combo based on LED and Tri-LCD technologies, integrating a DVD and no heavier than 500g…
These products reflect Epson’s desire to see videoprojection take a new place in all fields ranging from portable electronics through high-end Home Theatre installations.