High-Def Projection for the Masses

By Nick Mokey October 21, 2007

High-Def Projection for the Masses

While high-def projection systems have previously been the domain of only the wealthy, advances in projection technology are pulling down prices in the market just as LCD and plasma prices continually fall. Epson’s latest projector fills the niche for reasonably price HD projectors by offering true 720p native resolution and a price well under $1,500.

The PowerLite Home Cinema 720 takes many of the features from Epson’s pricier projectors and brings them down to a more practical price point. For instance, the unit uses a true 3LCD projection system, with a three-chip optical engine and 10-bit color processing – meaning it can accurately display more than a billion colors with a contrast ratio of 10,000:1. It also includes a lens shift function that allows users to shift the projected image without moving the projector, making installation easier. The projector’s bulb is rated for an impressive 1,600 ANSI lumens and should last up to 4,000 hours.

Epson will make the PowerLite Home Cinema 720 available in late October for $1,299. It includes a two years of Epson’s Road Service, which means the company will overnight a replacement projector to you in the event of a breakdown.

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Epson’s EpiqVision Ultra LS650 is a new option for fans of UST laser projectors

Epson EpiqVision Ultra LS650.

Epson has a new 4K ultra short throw (UST) laser projector to add to its arsenal. The EpiqVision Ultra LS650 Smart Streaming Laser Projector boasts a three-chip imaging system with a claimed 3,600 lumens of brightness, for images that can scale as large as 120 diagonal inches. The LS650 will come in white or black, however Epson won't be sharing pricing or availability until late October. Given where the new model sits in Epson's lineup, it should be more affordable than its EpiqVision Ultra LS800 flasghip.

Ultra short throw laser projectors -- and their very similar cousins, the laser TV -- are a great way to project big, vivid images onto just about any flat surface without needing to place a noisy projector in the middle of your living room. The EpiqVision Ultra LS650 should be an ideal way to do just that.

Deals

This Epson Home Cinema Projector is $100 off for Black Friday

Epson Projector in Living Room

The pandemic probably broke up your usual cinema-going habits. Now could be the time to resume them ... but why not improve them instead? As part of Best Buy Black Friday deals, we've got a home cinema projector at a big discount for you. Make your home the cinema instead when you get the Epson Home Cinema 880 for just $500, a big $100 off of the typical $600 price. But be sure to order now while the deal lasts; you can get your popcorn later.

Why you should buy the Epson Home Cinema 880
There are a lot of Black Friday TV deals going on today, and a lot of them are for really smart TVs with all of the modern features. So, why might a projector compete? Freedom. When you get a portable projector, you aren't getting a fragile machine that's best set up and left alone. Instead, you're getting a tough box that you can take with you, and this is especially so with the hard plastic — but still under 6 pounds — body of the Epson Home Cinema 880. Complicated setups and plugins are out, too, with USB plug-and-play functionality and simple-to-use HDMI connection.

Audio / Video

Sony to bring over-the-counter hearing aids to the masses

sony ws audiology announce partnership ota hearing aids widex moment sheer aid

Sony announced today that it has partnered with Danish hearing device experts WS Audiology to develop consumer-friendly, over-the-counter (OTA) hearing aids that users can "just pick up and use as naturally as contact lenses," Sony's Osamu Hajimoto says in a video from Sony Global.

Sony and WS Audiology announce partnership | Official Video