The strong demand and response towards new age movie entertainment was enough to prove to IMAX and VieShow Cinemas to come into an agreement to open an additional 6 new IMAX Theatres in Taiwan. At the moment, plans are to have these new IMAX theaters completed by 2014, all utilizing the IMAX digital projection technology.

The opportunity came from their very first theatre at the Sun VieShow Cinemas multiplex in Taipei. After the showing of films such as DreamWorks Animation’s Monsters v.s. Aliens: An IMAX 3D Experience, followed by Paramount Pictures’ Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen: The IMAX Experience, numbers showed that accommodation and profits will only get higher. From the two movies alone, they grossed $125,469 on its opening weekend.

IMAX’s revolutionary digital projection system delivers The IMAX Experience and helps drive profitability for studios, exhibitors and IMAX theatres by eliminating the need for film prints, increasing program flexibility and ultimately increasing the number of movies shown on IMAX screens. The system can run both IMAX and IMAX 3D presentations.

(Source) Press

To enhance their brand and help ensure that digital cinema is spread over Asia, Sony Pictures Releasing International Corporation (SPRI) has entered into an agreement with Sony Electronics’ Digital Cinema Solutions and Services (DCSS) group for 4K DCI-compliant digital cinema deployments in Hong Kong, Japan, Korea, Singapore and Taiwan.

Sony Electronics’ 4K digital projection technology will provide exhibitors and distributors with technology that will make it possible to offer consumers a wider selection of programming choices including 3-D and alternative content. To support this digital deployment effort, SPRI will supply its upcoming releases, when booked, in digital form; and provide financial contributions for a limited time to promote DCI-compliant technology.

“The growth of digital cinema is a worldwide technological reality, so it makes sense that any agreement covers the broadest reach possible,” said Mike Fidler, Senior Vice President of Sony Electronics’ Digital Cinema Solutions and Services Group. “We’re extremely pleased to be working with SPRI on our expanded joint efforts.”

(Source) Press

Epson unveils a new potential projector solutions for people who need large-scale projection in small places in the Epson Powerlite 410W projector. An upgrade to the incredibly popular PowerLite 400W - the industry’s first short throw, widescreen 3LCD projector - the PowerLite 410W offers native WXGA resolution (1280×800) for use with widescreen computers and 16:10 interactive whiteboards, and additional enhancements including a shorter throw lens, increased brightness and an optional wall mount for added flexibility.

Featuring a shorter throw lens than the previous model, the PowerLite 410W projects a 60-inch 16:10 image from two feet away, making it ideal for wall mounting. This improved design gives more space to students and teachers in smaller classrooms, while drastically reducing shadows from presenters.

The new projector also features 2,000 lumens white light output and 2,000 lumens color light output(2) for brilliant and vibrant image quality without excessive glare. In addition, the PowerLite 410W offers an adjustable optional wall mount to suit a wide variety of screen sizes. This wall mount option allows for quick installation with increased flexibility at a low cost.

The new PowerLite 410W offers several classroom-centric features, including:

• Extended Lamp Life: Epson’s exclusive E-TORL(R) lamp technology offers more lumens (brightness) per watt than lamps used with competitive projection technology offering similar lumens specification, leading to increased energy efficiency and cost savings over time; using E-TORL, lamp life can last up to 4,000 hours in economy mode(3), and replacement E-TORL lamps cost up to $200 less than competing replacement lamps
• Flexible Communication: Powerful internal 10-watt speaker and built-in closed captioning decoder make presentations accessible to viewers with hearing impairments with no added cost, and help meet section 508 compliance
• Epson 3LCD Technology: Features Epson’s latest, 3-chip 3LCD optical engine to deliver amazing color and detail for powerful presentations
• Network Monitoring and Control: RJ-45 wired LAN connectivity for remote monitoring and control via a school’s IT network helps saves time and money, regardless of the projector’s physical location
• Easy Operation: Direct power on/off for remote-free power control on installed units
• Setup Flexibility: 1.35x digital zoom and +/-15 degree vertical keystone correction allow for immediate set-up when sharing a projector among multiple classrooms
• Versatile Presentation Modes: Eight special color modes, including blackboard and whiteboard modes, allow for presenting in a variety of environments

The Epson PowerLite 410W projector will be available in late April 2009 for an estimated street price of $1,299 through national resellers, pro audio/visual dealers, mail order, and distribution. Epson’s PowerLite projectors come with a two-year limited warranty that includes two elite technical support services - two-year Epson PrivateLine phone support to directly access an expedited support telephone line by using a phone card that is included with the product, and a two-year Road Service projector replacement program that includes projector exchange in one business day.

(Source) Press

Epson has announced the availability of four new affordable projectors today, great visual aid solutions for educational institutions and are relatively easy to use.

The new PowerLite 84, 85, 825, and 826W offer extended lamp life up to 6,000 hours, a built-in closed captioning decoder, USB Plug ‘n Play technology, a powerful internal 10-watt speaker, network connectivity for remote presentations (via wired LAN), and optional wireless connectivity.

The new models are also the first to offer a dedicated microphone input, allowing teachers to amplify their voice using the internal speaker to ensure all students can hear.

The Epson PowerLite 84 and 85 will be available in May 2009, and the PowerLite 825 and 826W will be available in June 2009 through national resellers, pro audio/visual dealers, mail order, and distribution. Epson’s PowerLite projectors come with a two-year limited warranty (three years for Brighter Futures customers) that includes two elite technical support services - two-year Epson PrivateLine phone support where projector owners can directly access an expedited support telephone line by using a phone card that is included with the product, and a two-year Road Service projector replacement program that includes projector exchange in one business day.

The new suite of projectors offers classroom-centric features, including:

• Extended Lamp Life: Epson’s exclusive E-TORL(R) lamp technology offers more lumens (brightness) per watt than lamps used with competitive projection technology offering similar lumens specification, leading to increased energy efficiency and cost savings over time; using E-TORL, lamp life can last up to 6,000 hours in economy mode, and replacement E-TORL lamps cost up to $200 less than competing replacement lamps
• Microphone Input: Dedicated input allows teachers to use a wireless or wired microphone to amplify voice using the internal 10W speaker, saving the teacher’s voice and ensuring all students can hear; volume can be adjusted using projector or remote control buttons
• USB Plug n’ Play Connectivity: Epson’s proprietary technology offers a unique USB connection for “plug-and-play” projection, including video display with control of PowerPoint presentations using the “page up” and “page down” buttons on the remote
• Closed Captioning: Built-in closed captioning decoder makes presentations accessible to viewers with hearing impairments with no added cost, and helps meet section 508 compliance
• Epson 3LCD Technology: Features Epson’s latest, 3-chip 3LCD optical engine to deliver amazing color and detail for powerful presentations
• Network Monitoring and Control: RJ-45 wired LAN connectivity for remote monitoring and control via a school’s IT network helps saves time and money, regardless of the projector’s physical location
• Easy Maintenance: Dust filter protects projector investment and is located on the side of each projector for easy filter replacement
• Hassle-Free Operation: Instant On and Instant Off(R) to avoid delays when starting and finishing lectures
• Versatile Presentation Modes: Eight special color modes, including blackboard and whiteboard modes, for presenting in a variety of environments
• Setup Flexibility: 1.6x optical zoom and +30 degree automatic vertical keystone correction for easy and convenient operation in multiple classroom settings

(Source) Press

Sony offers the new VPL-MX20 slim projector of its MX series. Boasting of a slim design, it features a 650:1 contrast ratio, 2500 lumens brightness and up to 150-inch image output.

The VPL-MX20 projector also accepts RGB input and S-video, composite and component inputs. It based on 3LCD projection technology and offer 1024×768 XGA resolution.

The expected release date for the Sony VPL-MX20 Projector will be this March.

(Source) Sony Japan

LCD Technology has been one of the focal points of being competitive today. It covers a lot of the new technological breakthroughs in the market and apparently, there is one brand that stands out above the rest. 3LCD continues to lord it over the rest as it continues to show market share growth worldwide.

3LCD’s continued growth is credited to the vast array of new 3LCD projector models introduced during 2008. Product features include outstanding color performance, efficient light engines, impressive contrast ratios offering rich details and deep blacks, lens-shift technology and road-tested reliability.

“With the continuing contributions and support from our OEMs, 3LCD has maintained steady market share growth year over year. Repeatedly outselling our closest competitor is a sign that consumers recognize our innovation and advantages,” said Rina Bhuva, senior strategic marketing manager, 3LCD.

(Source) Press