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projectors

Nikon's projector cam gets more useful

In 2009, Nikon released the Coolpix S1000pj, a compact camera that had one very notable feature: a built-in projector for on-the-spot viewing of photos and videos. It was otherwise a fairly standard point-and-shoot, and since you couldn't beam content other than what was taken with the camera, it definitely fell under "niche product"--especially at $430. It was a solid idea, though, so it's nice to see a second generation on its way in the form of the S1100pj.

This time around the 14-megapixel camera is fuller featured, but most importantly you can connect it to … Read more

3D projectors

It's a slightly slow news day, considering Monday was the Apple keynote.

As anyone who loves technology knows, an Apple keynote is like the Super Bowl. No one expects to make much noise in the sporting world immediately following the biggest game of the year.

Nevertheless, there are still news stories moving and shaking. From Tuesday morning's edition of Loaded:

• Apple launches Safari 5 for Mac and Windows PCs

• Adobe partners with Greystripe to bring Flash to the iPhone, iPad, and iPod Touch in a roundabout way

• Sanyo shows off 3D projectors

• Nike launches … Read more

Aaxa's L1 laser pico projector: Nice features, high price

Pico projectors were supposed to be the next big thing, but they haven't taken off as quickly as some might have thought. Part of the problem is that while they're tiny, they just can't produce a bright enough image to be that useful. For that reason, we had high hopes for Aaxa's L1 ($599) since it uses a laser-based light source and an LCoS imager. Yes, it costs more than your typical pico projector does, but for cutting-edge technology, you have to pay a little extra--in this case, about 40 percent more.

Let's start with … Read more

Don't buy a sound bar, unless. . .

There's no shortage of new sound bars to review, and I still believe they're a great solution for some home theater buyers. They simplify setup chores, and eliminate the hassles associated with placing five or more speakers and running wires to all the speakers. Some self-powered sound bars offer a range of inputs, including HDMI connectivity, so there's no need to buy a receiver.

The best ones get close to the room-filling sound of a bona-fide 5.1 system. The latest Yamaha Sound Projectors like the YSP-4100 and YSP-5100 do a better job at creating a passable facsimile of a surround experience than most, but those two models are priced around $2,000! And those substantial MSRPs don't include the price of a subwoofer. So figure another 300 or more dollars for a sub.

For that kind of investment you can buy a significantly better-sounding 5.1 channel component-based system. If sound quality takes priority over ease of setup and installation, check out Aperion's Intimus 5B Fusion SD satellite/subwoofer system ($1,559) mated with an Onkyo TX-SR507 receiver ($399).

It'll trounce the YSP sound bars on every count, with dramatically better, more-enveloping surround sound, greater dynamic impact--plus, the Aperion/Onkyo system will sound better with music. That last one is a common failing; few sound bars cut it with two-channel music. So if you intend to play CDs in your home theater, steer clear of sound bars.… Read more

Cheap big-screen 3D: Acer's new Nvidia Vision 3D-compatible projectors

Later this year, TV manufacturers will begin releasing their new 3D TVs. No, the 3D price premium won't be outrageous, but you're still going to have to pay a lot of money for a very large TV (65 inches), which is probably what you want if you're looking for a truly immersive 3D experience.

The other alternative is to go for a 3D-ready projector that can cast a very large image on your wall. Acer's touting just this concept with a pair of new affordable DLP projectors equipped with Nvidia 3D Vision technology: the H5360 ($699) and X1261 ($579).

Both models offer "advanced" lamp technology with illumination of up to 2500 ANSI lumens and a 3200:1 contrast ratio. The H5360 offers native 16:9 720p video (1,280x720) while the step-down X1261 delivers XGA resolution in a 4:3 format.

The specs:… Read more

Aaxa laser Pico projector set to ship in limited quantities

Aaxa Technologies, which makes a line of Pico projectors, is about to release what it calls "the world's first laser pico projector with an internal media player and storage."

So far we haven't been terribly impressed with the first few batches of Pico projectors, but some laser-based models appear to be more promising--though expensive. The Aaxa L1 has a $599 price tag and a ship date of February 12. Pico projectors that use LED-based light sources tend to range in price from about $250 to $350.

Aaxa says the L1 uses its PCOS technology, which combines … Read more

WowWee's Cinemin pico projector: A must-have iPhone accessory?

WowWee's Cinemin Swivel is one of the more distinct pico projectors on the market thanks to its swiveling design, which allows you to project images at various angles, including straight up at the ceiling.

In case you don't know what a pico projector is, as its name implies, it's a miniature handheld projector that's capable of casting a big image (WowWee says the Cinemin Swivel can project an image from 8 inches to 50 inches). The key to these pint-size projectors is that they use an LED light source that's very energy efficient.

Pico projectors … Read more

Is 3M's MPro120 pico projector bright enough?

While 3M has already announced a third-generation pico projector, the MPro150, we finally got around to reviewing its current second-generation model, the $300 MPro120.

In case you don't know what a pico projector is, as its name implies, it's a miniature handheld projector that's capable of casting a big image (3M says the MPro120 can project an image from 8 inches to 50 inches). The key to these pint-size projectors is that they use an LED light source that's very energy efficient.

While Pico projectors come in different shapes and sizes, most cost between $300 and $… Read more

ViewSonic's sleek, new projector

LAS VEGAS--Can't have a corporate presentation or a movie-in-the-driveway night without a projector, right? Well, I guess you could, but it would probably not be worth the trouble. Luckily for us, companies continue to push projector technology forward.

Case in point, the ViewSonic PJD6531. A wide-screen 120Hz and 3D-ready DLP projector that uses BrilliantColor tech?nology to purportedly produce more vibrant colors.

According to the specs, the projector delivers 3,000 lumens with a 1,280x800 WXGA, 16:9 native wide resolution. So, given that resolution, no quite ideal for projecting Avatar on Blu-ray several months from now, which … Read more