Laser-LED hybrid HD 1080p laser projector launched by ViewSonic
Walnut, CA--Visual solution products company ViewSonic Corporation announced the availability of its first full high-definition (HD) 1080p (1080 pixel), laser-LED hybrid projector called the Pro9000. Like the Casio Green Slim projector, the Pro9000 uses laser and light-emitting diode (LED) illumination technology to enhance green spectrum performance and enrich overall color rendition. Natural light is formed by a combination of red, green and blue colors; with the green spectrum playing a crucial role by occupying around 60% of color composition. This technology combines blue and red LEDs and blue lasers along with green phosphors. The blue laser passes through a clear part of the wheel and excites green phosphors on the other half as the primary colors of light are consolidated. A digital light processor smaller than a postage stamp contains a matrix of hinged micromirrors that pivot to generate a complete image that is reflected into the lens. By enhancing the green spectrum through solid-state blue laser and blue and red LED light sources, this technology enhances the color gamut by 50%.
ViewSonic says the Pro9000 is the first laser-LED hybrid projector to offer Full HD 1920 x 1080p native resolution, with 50% increased color performance with 1600 lumens of brightness and a 100,000:1 ultrahigh contrast ratio. As a result, cinema enthusiasts experience vibrant, vivid high quality images and a rich color spectrum. Equipped with TI DarkChip technology, standard dual HDMI ports, multiple video inputs (Component, Composite and S-video), RS232 control capabilities and integrated speakers, the Pro9000 is ideal for enjoying dynamic multimedia HD content from Blu ray players, game consoles and set-top-boxes.
"As opposed to conventional lamp-based projection, the Pro9000 employs a laser LED hybrid light engine technology. By eliminating the color wheel, our Pro9000 projector produces astonishing, razor-sharp images, while dramatically decreasing ghost images and rainbow effects," said Roger Chien, product manager for ViewSonic. "We are proud to have been the first manufacturer to announce a Full HD hybrid projector of this kind, and are thrilled to announce its availability to cinema enthusiasts, audio-video and commercial installer pros."
Mercury-free laser and LED light sources provide a lifespan of up to 20,000 hours, more than 5X that of conventional lamp projectors, dramatically reducing total cost of ownership. An instant on/off feature prevents the risk of damage from overheating, while the lamp-free, filter-free design requires virtually zero maintenance, says ViewSonic. The Pro9000 is now available for an ESP of $2,999, and comes standard with a 3-year limited parts, labor and light source warranty, and 1-year of Express Exchange Service.
SOURCE: ViewSonic; www.viewsonic.com/company/news/vs_press_release_678342.htm
Gail Overton | Senior Editor (2004-2020)
Gail has more than 30 years of engineering, marketing, product management, and editorial experience in the photonics and optical communications industry. Before joining the staff at Laser Focus World in 2004, she held many product management and product marketing roles in the fiber-optics industry, most notably at Hughes (El Segundo, CA), GTE Labs (Waltham, MA), Corning (Corning, NY), Photon Kinetics (Beaverton, OR), and Newport Corporation (Irvine, CA). During her marketing career, Gail published articles in WDM Solutions and Sensors magazine and traveled internationally to conduct product and sales training. Gail received her BS degree in physics, with an emphasis in optics, from San Diego State University in San Diego, CA in May 1986.