The latest models offer native 4K, portability, ultra-short-throw lenses, and more features that show off their versatility.
Sony Native 4K Projectors
Sony’s two new native 4K (4096 x 2160) home cinema projectors are powered by “X1 for projector,” a picture processor based on technology used for Sony’s BRAVIA TV series that has now been optimized for projectors. This processor combines innovative technologies for high-precision frame analysis, enabling unique features like Dynamic HDR Enhancer and Reality Creation. The new VPL-VW1025ES model and VPL-VW325ES model will replace the VPL-VW995ES and VPL-VW295ES, respectively. Like the models’ predecessors, these new projectors feature input lag reduction mode, improving performance of the display reaction speed and ensuring gamers enjoy the best possible experience.
According to Sony, the VPL-VW1025ES 2200lm laser model with premium All-Range Crisp Focus (ARC-F) lens and VPL-VW325ES 1500lm lamp model offer immersive viewing experiences that deliver the creator’s true intent for the consumer, integrator, and custom installation (CI) channels.
XGIMI HORIZON Pro
The XGIMI HORIZON Pro has True 4K technology and 2200 ANSI lumens. XGIMI’s patented X-VUE image technology enhances the image quality by adopting 120 Hz motion compensation technology that works with XGIMI’s MEMC (Motion Estimation, Motion Compensation) to solve any potential image flutter or tailing problems that might occur when projecting high dynamic images. Through a specific algorithm, this increases the clarity and fidelity of dynamic pictures on the XGIMI HORIZON series, according to the company. Through its partnership with Harman Kardon, XGIMI’s HORIZON series projectors feature built-in 16-watt combined full-range bass performance Bluetooth transducer speakers.
XGIMI’s Automatic Keystone Correction and integrated AI-powered image-sensing algorithm intelligently identify and avoid obstacles in the projection area. The XGIMI HORIZON series can automatically identify the screen area and adjust the image accordingly. This enables it to fill the projection space even if it’s turned on its side. The Auto Focus function adjusts the image focus even when the projector is moved, keeping the projection image clear and sharp at all times.
Epson EpiqVision Ultra LS500
Epson’s EpiqVision Ultra line combines modern design with advanced laser-array technology, dedicated screen options, and Android TV for a complete entertainment solution. The Epson EpiqVision Ultra LS500 4K PRO-UHD Laser Projection TV — now shipping — pairs an ultra-short-throw projector with a custom-built, high-resolution ambient light rejecting screen designed specifically for the LS500. This combined solution delivers immersive 4K HDR content up to 120 inches. The LS500 is equipped with proprietary 4K PRO-UHD4 3LCD technology. Sitting just inches from the wall, this all-in-one solution displays bright, colorful, and sharp pictures in virtually any lighting environment. Powered by Android TV, the LS500 keeps households connected with live TV through popular streaming apps and includes a remote with built-in Google Assistant.
Optoma CinemaX P2
The Optoma CinemaX P2 is an ultra short throw projector that features 3000 lumens of brightness, premium laser technology, and an ultra short throw lens. Using customer feedback from the CinemaX P1, Optoma engineered the next-gen CinemaX P2 to deliver 25 percent more contrast and vibrant color performance than its predecessor. It features an integrated Enhanced Gaming Mode and a digital exhibit feature. The Optoma CinemaX P2 brings the movie theater experience into your home with a wide color gamut and six segment RGBRGB color wheel for life-like color reproduction. The ultra short throw glass lens casts up to 120-inch images. The P2 also comes with a built-in 40-watt Dolby Digital 2.0 soundbar.
LG CineBeam PH30N
Now available at a suggested retail price of $399.99, the LG PH30N’s convenient and lightweight design — 5 x 5 x 1.5 inches and weighing 1.1 pounds — allows consumers to carry it anywhere while providing a home theater experience with a deep and rich picture in 1280 x 720 HD resolution up to 100 inches (measured diagonally), and brightness of 250 ANSI lumens. The PH30N all-in-one solution will fit in virtually any size bag or pack when on the move, offering consumers the flexibility to take it anywhere for an impromptu backyard movie night, business or personal presentation, and entertainment when on the road.
When placed 10.8 feet from a wall or screen, the CineBeam PH30N projector provides up to a 100-inch diagonal image that delivers an HD picture. The LG CineBeam projector also offers wireless and cable-free experience with the included built-in battery that lasts up to two hours and wireless smartphone mirroring and Bluetooth sound.
Digital Projection Satellite MLS
Digital Projection has officially launched its attention-grabbing Satellite Modular Laser System (Satellite MLS) for the North American market. The keystone feature of this system is the separation of the pure laser light engine, with the associated power and thermal management, to a remote location. This enables a compact and virtually silent projection “head” that primarily contains optics, video processing, and cooling related to the image modulators. Given the modular components that comprise the Satellite MLS system, integrators can design a custom one-to-many, or many-to-one configuration between the MLS light sources and the Satellite projection heads.
In a one-to-many configuration, a single 10,000-lumen MLS light module illuminates multiple projection heads, equally splitting and providing matched brightness to each head through the life of the illumination system. Intelligent control mechanisms ensure lumen matching of up to four Satellite projection heads, while reducing system downtime for scheduled maintenance. In a many-to-one configuration, multiple 10,000-lumen MLS light modules can be combined to illuminate a single, ultra-compact Satellite projection head. This creates compact and quiet projection heads that produce up to 40,000 lumens.
BenQ LU935ST Golf Sim Projector
BenQ set out to transform golf sim with the release of the fist projector purpose-built for simulation. The LU935ST is a maintenance-free projector calibrated to deliver color-accurate, immersive images that replicate the fine details of fairways and greens — all for $3999. Coupled with a GCQuad launch monitor and simulator, this projector gives golfers the realism of playing at the world’s best courses. The LU935ST was released in May 2021 at a special event held in conjunction with the AT&T Byron Nelson golf tournament in Dallas.
A great golf stroke demands focus, which can be lost in golf simulation if the picture is unrealistic. BenQ’s LU935ST WUXGA 5500-lumen short-throw laser projector provides an immersive image at a high value. It delivers color accuracy and realism utilizing the same 92 percent Rec. 709 color space coverage as the BenQ premium 4K UHD LK953ST laser projector. Leveraging Texas Instruments’ DLP chip technology, the LU935ST’s picture is 2.3 million pixels strong and features a 3,000,000:1 contrast.
Sony VPL-GTZ380
The Sony VPL-GTZ380 native 4K projector achieves high resolution by pairing Sony’s X1 processor with a super high contrast 10,000 lm Z-Phosphor laser light source and a DCI-P3 wide color space. A 100 percent DCI-P3 wide color gamut is achieved without sacrificing the high brightness of 10,000 lm by using a 3-channel laser light source. A high-intensity blue-laser activates the phosphor light source for wide gamut white light, while additional balanced red and blue laser light sources negate the need for a color filter.
The VPL-GTZ380 uses Sony’s X1 Ultimate for projector, which uses advanced algorithms to cut noise and boost detail with high-precision frame analysis. Dynamic HDR Enhancer powered by X1 Ultimate for projector enhances contrast scene by scene in combination with iris-controlled light output control to deliver 4K HDR images. The three SXRD imagers produce device contrast, and reproduce deep blacks by improving the flatness level of the pixel surface.
