Canon today announced three new LCD multimedia projectors, including the first to have WXGA-resolution (1280×800), a widescreen model, a 3,000 lumen XGA model, and a 3,500 lunmen XGA model. Boasting high brightness and improved image quality, the projectors are said to be relatively inexpensive for their category, and can be used in conjunction with whiteboards as well as on traditional screens.
For details, read the Canon USA press release:
CANON U.S.A. INTRODUCES THREE FEATURE-PACKED, USER-FRIENDLY AND AFFORDABLE LCD PROJECTORS IDEAL FOR USE IN EDUCATIONAL & BUSINESS ENVIRONMENTS
Includes a Widescreen WXGA-Resolution Model with 3,000 Lumens and XGA-Resolution Models with 3,500 and 3,000 Lumens
LAKE SUCCESS, N.Y. – March 17, 2009 – Canon U.S.A., Inc., a leader in digital imaging, has expanded its notable line of LCD Multimedia Projectors with a first-ever native WXGA-resolution (1280 x 800) widescreen model, a 3,000 lumen XGA model and a 3,500 lumen XGA model. These projectors share an impressive set of user-friendly features, improved ergonomic design and attractive pricing – making them ideal for both educational and business environments.
“These three new Canon LCD Multimedia Projectors incorporate several of the same outstanding user-friendly features as Canon’s exceptional REALiS LCOS Multimedia Projectors,” stated Yuichi Ishizuka, senior vice president and general manager, Consumer Imaging Group at Canon U.S.A. “We are pleased to be able to offer this level of control and convenience on our LV-Series Multimedia Projector line for both portable and installation applications.”
The new Canon LV-8300 Multimedia Projector provides a native WXGA-resolution and aspect ratio of 16:10 which allows it to support data and imagery from widescreen notebooks and desktop computers. As a result of the projector’s native widescreen format, this model supports popular WXGA-resolution computers in their native format, avoiding the need for compression and/or unsightly distortion.
Key User-Friendly Features
All three new Canon LV-Series Multimedia Projectors share several key user-friendly features and benefits, making them ideal for both large and small classrooms/meeting rooms in the educational and business environments. Key features include:
• 1.2x Zoom Lens
• High Brightness
• Compatibility (multiple inputs)
• Flexible Image Settings
• Whiteboard Mode
• Screen Color Correction
• Ergonomic Design
• Network Connectivity
• Simplified Maintenance
The 1.2x Zoom Lens offers flexibility by ensuring a wider range of throw distances, allowing these projectors to fit multiple screen sizes, whether in large or small rooms. In addition, the high brightness these projectors emit ensures they can be used in environments where excessive ambient light exists and cannot be controlled, and in classrooms/meeting rooms where notes need to be taken and turning out the lights to darken the room is not preferred.
The multiple inputs offered by these projectors add to their flexibility, as they support notebook/desktop computers, Blu-ray and DVD players, VCRs, digital cameras and camcorders. The DVI-I interface ensures a digital connection supports the HDCP and high-definition contents available today (HD signals supported include 1080i and 720p). The flexible image settings offer added versatility with five modes to select from (Standard, Presentation, Cinema, Video and sRGB), allowing the presenter to optimize their projected images and videos. Also included in the flexible image settings is a function that allows users to adjust the aspect ratio according to the type of projection desired.
With the rising popularity of whiteboards in the education market, these projectors offer a Whiteboard Mode to dramatically reduce reflective white spots when projecting on a whiteboard. For those projecting on to more traditional surfaces, the Screen Color Correction will automatically adjust and compensate for wall or screen colors.
Key Features for Portable Applications
The new projectors sophisticated ergonomic design includes a convenient built-in carry handle, allowing these 7.3 lb lightweight units to be transported from location to location easily. The Quick Startup and Shutdown functions allow for timely set-up and breakdown, while the simplified control panel buttons, remote control and easy tab-style on-screen menus (which are available in 21 languages) make operating these projectors a cinch. The Auto-Keystone Correction feature also plays an important role as built-in sensors automatically detect any tilt in the projector, in relation to the screen, and quickly correct any vertical image distortion.
Key Features for Installation Applications
An important feature for installed applications is the built-in RJ-45 port for Network Connectivity. This feature, most popular among colleges/universities and those managing larger AV systems, allows users to connect their projectors to an existing network to conveniently control them from a remote location. Maintenance has also been made simpler with an easy-to-open top panel cover to gain access to the lamp fixture, making it easier to change on installed units. Additionally, the re-styled lens cover prevents dust from entering the gaps of the zoom lever/focus ring for better performance.
Canon has designed these projectors to be more energy conscious with the power management function automatically turning the projector off after a designated period of non-operation. In addition, the OFF Timer function can be set to automatically turn-off after a specific time and the Computer Synchronization feature allows the projector to automatically turn-on when a PC or notebook is connected.
Other features available on all three projectors include closed captioning and a high-output 7-watt speaker. Both features are geared towards further enhancing presentations and the viewing experience, particularly in larger classrooms/meeting rooms. For those users in need of more advanced functionality, the color management feature allows for the manual fine-tuning of colors and black tones.
Pricing, Availability and Warranty Information
The new Canon LV-8300 Multimedia Projector is scheduled to be available in mid-March at a manufacturer’s suggested list price of $1,399*. The new Canon LV-7375 and LV-7370 Multimedia Projectors are scheduled to be available in mid-March at a manufacturer’s suggested list price of $1,799* and $1,299*, respectively. All three projectors are backed by Canon U.S.A.’s Three-Year Limited Warranty and Projector Protection Program (“Triple P”). The Triple P is a FREE service program, available on all Canon projector models during the Three-Year Canon U.S.A. Limited Warranty period, that provides a loaner projector of equal or greater value in the event that a unit is in need of repair.**
