Epson’s latest entry-level LCD projector has an integrated iPhone and iPad dock, so is intended to live on a coffee table or bookshelf rather than be screwed to the ceiling.
The pop-out docking tray will support any iPod, iPhone or iPad, letting you play photo slideshows, music and videos from wherever you are in the room using the slim remote control. Epson's interface is responsive and intuitive, so we had no problem finding and playing our files. We also liked that we could play music through the speakers when the projector was in standby mode, although this is definitely no replacement for a good quality iPod dock.
Beyond the dock, connectivity is rather limited – a single HDMI input is ideal for connecting a games console, Blu-ray player or AV amplifier, but with only one component and one composite input, you may need to switch cables around when connecting multiple devices. There are also only two analogue RCA inputs and a single 3.5mm microphone input for audio devices. A USB host type B port lets you drive the projector from your PC over USB, and standard USB host port will let you display photos directly from a USB flash drive.
The MG-850HD can only project up to 720p video, which isn't such a problem as Apple devices can only output standard definition video through the dock. However, unlike other low-end and mid-range projectors from other manufacturers, the MG-850HD is an LCD rather than DLP projector. This means there are no rainbow effect problems to spoil the image.
Video quality was impressive for such a budget projector – the picture was incredibly sharp and very bright in a dark room. The 2,800 lumens lamp helps greatly, bringing surprisingly vivid colours. Unfortunately, a downside to the high brightness was disappointing black levels – even in complete darkness, it was difficult to pick out some of the detail in certain scenes.
If you can’t mount your projector completely perpendicular to your wall, you have the choice of digital vertical keystone correction and a slider on the top of the projector for horizontal keystone correction. You'll lose some quality when using it, though.
Sound quality was reasonable, with the two 10w speakers managing to create a clear mid-range and crisp high-end. Unsurprisingly, bass response was lacking without a dedicated subwoofer. Although it’s possible to use it without a set of dedicated speakers, if you want your film watching experience to rival the cinema you’ll definitely need to invest in some.
The MG-850HD isn’t aimed at anyone looking to add a projector to a home cinema setup – even though image quality is above average, you won’t be able to play high definition video from an iPad or iPhone, and you'll be limited to 720p from other sources. It makes a great middle ground between office and home use, particularly for iPad owners, but if you’re looking to buy your first projector for the living room, you can find better value elsewhere.
2012年2月20日星期一
2012年2月19日星期日
Casio Signature XJ-M145 Review
The Casio Signature XJ-M145 and their other projectors in Casio’s new “Signature” line use their new hybrid LED light source. Casio’s new light source can essentially last for the life of the projector also it is mercury free. The XJ-M145 is just over the $1,000 price point, so it is a little expensive for your average Joe. Casio had a little brother called the Green Slim, for under $1,000 but it contains more features. Read on for the nits and grits of the projector.
The XJ-M145’s light source is rated at 2,500 lumens. It lacks in resolution at only 1,024 by 768. The projector produces red color with LEDs, blue with lasers, and green by shining the blue laser light on a phosphor. This light is then directed through the DLP chip then out through the lens. An outstanding advantage of the hybrid LED light source is its gigantic 20,000 hour lifetime. And that is long enough to run it 8 hours a days, 5 days a week for 10 years. For comparison for a standard lamp can last from 2,000 to 5,000 hours, and costing up to $500 per bulb to replace. The projector has an intelligent brightness control which automatically controls the brightness of the output of the lens. The lens is able to project a nice image even in a decently lit room.
The XJ-M145 measures 3.3H by 12.2W by 9.6D inches weighing in at 8.2 pounds which is on the large side of today’s projectors. It comes with a soft carrying case, with pocket for your cables. Some of the great hookup capabilities include USB connectivity. It is able to read JPG and AVI files from a USB memory key. Which is great if you need to show a presentation at work but you do not want to bring your laptop. All you have to do is plug-in a USB stick and it automatically switches to USB input. The feature that made me really smile was its capability to connects wireless to Wi-Fi-enabled Android, iOS, and Windows Mobile devices. This also includes computers running the MobiShow software. Other connectors include a HDMI port for a computer or video source; a VGA port for a computer, S-Video, composite video; audio in, audio out, a serial port, and an Ethernet LAN connection. With the built-in 5-watt mono speakers you can get a decent amount of volume. For the use of the 3D projection you will need active-shutter DLP-link compatible 3D glasses.
The XJ-M145’s light source is rated at 2,500 lumens. It lacks in resolution at only 1,024 by 768. The projector produces red color with LEDs, blue with lasers, and green by shining the blue laser light on a phosphor. This light is then directed through the DLP chip then out through the lens. An outstanding advantage of the hybrid LED light source is its gigantic 20,000 hour lifetime. And that is long enough to run it 8 hours a days, 5 days a week for 10 years. For comparison for a standard lamp can last from 2,000 to 5,000 hours, and costing up to $500 per bulb to replace. The projector has an intelligent brightness control which automatically controls the brightness of the output of the lens. The lens is able to project a nice image even in a decently lit room.
The XJ-M145 measures 3.3H by 12.2W by 9.6D inches weighing in at 8.2 pounds which is on the large side of today’s projectors. It comes with a soft carrying case, with pocket for your cables. Some of the great hookup capabilities include USB connectivity. It is able to read JPG and AVI files from a USB memory key. Which is great if you need to show a presentation at work but you do not want to bring your laptop. All you have to do is plug-in a USB stick and it automatically switches to USB input. The feature that made me really smile was its capability to connects wireless to Wi-Fi-enabled Android, iOS, and Windows Mobile devices. This also includes computers running the MobiShow software. Other connectors include a HDMI port for a computer or video source; a VGA port for a computer, S-Video, composite video; audio in, audio out, a serial port, and an Ethernet LAN connection. With the built-in 5-watt mono speakers you can get a decent amount of volume. For the use of the 3D projection you will need active-shutter DLP-link compatible 3D glasses.
2012年2月16日星期四
Living Large With Big-Screen Home Theater
There’s a new dimension to entertainment, bringing on what many have called a second golden age of 3D.
The number of movies filmed in 3D is growing, as well as the number of movies that are being converted from 2D to 3D to boost their box office appeal.
Since the smash hit “Avatar,” many more films have been shot in 3D, including “Alice in Wonderland,” “Sanctum,” “Pirates of the Caribbean,” “Mars Needs Moms” and “The Green Hornet.” Films such as “Green Lantern” and “The Smurfs” were filmed in 2D and converted, while “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2” and “Puss in Boots” were shot in 2D but also shown in Imax 3D.
This year, many more are coming to theaters while old movies are now available in 3D Blu-ray discs for home enjoyment. And with the increasing popularity of this medium, more people want to enjoy the bold images of 3D on a large screen at home.
To meet that demand, there’s growing interest and innovation in 3D projectors. For example, Mitsubishi Electric’s new 3D projector, the HC7800D, brings the 3D experience home. The projector uses DLP technology to create exciting, vibrant 3D images in full high-definition, 1080p resolution. When paired with a Blu-ray disc player capable of 3D movie playback, 3D projectors like this bring movie enjoyment to a whole new level never before experienced at home.
The projector shows impressive 3D images viewable through its high-performance proprietary active-shutter glasses. The HC7800D also boasts one of the industry’s best 2D to 3D conversion technologies that can transform ordinary 2D classics like “It’s a Wonderful Life” and “Ben-Hur” into a seamless 3D experience with near-perfect 3D simulation that makes content jump off the screen.
The projector’s frame rate conversion technology also produces high-speed image reproduction for showing fine, smooth details and reducing any motion blur, especially in fast action scenes, so even watching sports and games becomes an event to look forward to, whether it’s in 2D or 3D.
The number of movies filmed in 3D is growing, as well as the number of movies that are being converted from 2D to 3D to boost their box office appeal.
Since the smash hit “Avatar,” many more films have been shot in 3D, including “Alice in Wonderland,” “Sanctum,” “Pirates of the Caribbean,” “Mars Needs Moms” and “The Green Hornet.” Films such as “Green Lantern” and “The Smurfs” were filmed in 2D and converted, while “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2” and “Puss in Boots” were shot in 2D but also shown in Imax 3D.
This year, many more are coming to theaters while old movies are now available in 3D Blu-ray discs for home enjoyment. And with the increasing popularity of this medium, more people want to enjoy the bold images of 3D on a large screen at home.
To meet that demand, there’s growing interest and innovation in 3D projectors. For example, Mitsubishi Electric’s new 3D projector, the HC7800D, brings the 3D experience home. The projector uses DLP technology to create exciting, vibrant 3D images in full high-definition, 1080p resolution. When paired with a Blu-ray disc player capable of 3D movie playback, 3D projectors like this bring movie enjoyment to a whole new level never before experienced at home.
The projector shows impressive 3D images viewable through its high-performance proprietary active-shutter glasses. The HC7800D also boasts one of the industry’s best 2D to 3D conversion technologies that can transform ordinary 2D classics like “It’s a Wonderful Life” and “Ben-Hur” into a seamless 3D experience with near-perfect 3D simulation that makes content jump off the screen.
The projector’s frame rate conversion technology also produces high-speed image reproduction for showing fine, smooth details and reducing any motion blur, especially in fast action scenes, so even watching sports and games becomes an event to look forward to, whether it’s in 2D or 3D.
2012年2月15日星期三
Heralding a wave of invisible computing
Imagine this. You slide a finger across your smartphone screen to copy a file on the finger, literally making the digit a human storage device. You later copy that file from the finger onto any screen—be it a laptop, liquid crystal display (LCD) screen or any surface, for that matter—by simply touching that.
This isn’t a scene from a sci-fi movie. It’s a technology that India-born Pranav Mistry, a 31-year-old computer scientist doing his PhD with the Media Lab at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Cambridge, demonstrated on Wednesday while delivering the technology keynote address on the second day of the Nasscom India Leadership Summit in Mumbai.
He has christened the technology ‘Sparsh’ (touch).
“I often wondered why I couldn’t simply elongate my arms to open the door or switch off the lights of a lamp rather than walk and do these tasks. After all, Indian mythological figures could do that,” Mistry said.
“The digital world—laptop, TV, smartphone, e-book reader—all rely upon the cloud (metaphor for the Internet) of information. Sparsh lets you transfer media from a device to your body and pass it to another device by simple touch gestures using the cloud,” said Mistry. The lamp, for instance, is connected to the Internet (similar to the ‘Internet of Things’ concept wherein gadgets talk to each other).
Mistry has also developed ’TeleTouch,’ which allows users to see through the smartphone’s camera and control home appliances like the television, alarm system and music players by simply manipulating them on a screen.
Mistry did not provide details; the technology is patented and being developed by some electronic companies for commercial use.
The MIT scientist, who prefers to call himself a designer rather than a computer scientist, is also the creator of THE Sixth Sense digital prototype which he developed under the guidance of associate professor Pattie Maes. The device consists of a pocket projector, mirror and web camera bundled in a wearable, pendant-like gadget.
The projector can turn anything into a touch screen. The webcam (and colour-coded finger-gloves worn on the index finger and thumb) can recognize the movements of a user’s hands, which enables gesture commands. A “square frame” gesture, for instance, will prompt the device to take a photograph.
The device can also recognize a book that the user selects from a bookstore—either by image recognition or radio frequency identification (RFID) tags—and project information, like an Amazon rating, onto it. The system can also project a keyboard to type on, detect items on grocery shelves and compare online prices. A newspaper can prompt the device to search for news video clips (the device’s smartphone uses an Internet connection to retrieve information).
“The possibilities are immense but it’s a work in progress,” said Mistry.
The “Sixth Sense” device, which MIT has patented, helped him get closer to his childhood dream of melding the flexibility of the digital world with the physical one. The current prototype system costs some $350.
Mistry has created other technologies too. Consider this. You and your spouse want to watch a movie on a TV screen or in the theatre. She loves romantic movies but you prefer action ones. So you enter the theatre with a special pair of glasses each, and both come out content—you having watched a martial arts movie while she has had her fill of romantic cinema.
Called “thirdEye”, the technique enables multiple viewers to see different things on the same display screen simultaneously.
“With thirdEye, we can have a public sign board where a tourist at the New Delhi airport sees all the instructions in his language while others see it in their own languages. We don’t need to have the split screen in games now. Each player can see his/her personal view of the game on the TV screen. Two people watching TV can watch their favourite channel on a single TV screen. A public display can show secret messages or patterns,” said Mistry, adding that imagination is the only limitation.
Brought up in Gujarat, Mistry did his master’s in design in visual communication from the Indian Institute of Technology-Bombay, and later worked with the Microsoft India Development Centre—first as an intern, then as an employee—on several projects including Akshar, which was basically an attempt to create a mechanism for inputting Indic scripts in digital devices like mobile phones, kiosks, interactive TVs and personal computers.
One of Mistry’s earlier projects, Sandesh, attempted to bridge the digital divide. It contains a message-receiving unit in villages and kiosks in cities with visual aids and uses print—or sound-based media to convey messages. And his “mouseless” technology does away with the need for an external computer mouse. The device consists of an infrared (IR) laser beam and an IR camera—both embedded in the computer. Users cup their hand, just as they would do if a physical mouse were present underneath, and the laser beam lights up the hand that is in contact with the surface.
The IR camera detects the bright IR blobs using computer vision. The change in the position and arrangements of these blobs are interpreted as a mouse cursor movement and clicks. When users tap their index fingers, the size of the blob changes and the camera recognises the intended mouse click. It costs around $20 to build a fully functional working prototype system of “Mouseless”.
Mistry said all these technologies highlight a trend called “invisible computing”. “When any industry becomes mature, you move to the next level. Similarly computers will stay but move into the background becoming invisible,” he said.
This isn’t a scene from a sci-fi movie. It’s a technology that India-born Pranav Mistry, a 31-year-old computer scientist doing his PhD with the Media Lab at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Cambridge, demonstrated on Wednesday while delivering the technology keynote address on the second day of the Nasscom India Leadership Summit in Mumbai.
He has christened the technology ‘Sparsh’ (touch).
“I often wondered why I couldn’t simply elongate my arms to open the door or switch off the lights of a lamp rather than walk and do these tasks. After all, Indian mythological figures could do that,” Mistry said.
“The digital world—laptop, TV, smartphone, e-book reader—all rely upon the cloud (metaphor for the Internet) of information. Sparsh lets you transfer media from a device to your body and pass it to another device by simple touch gestures using the cloud,” said Mistry. The lamp, for instance, is connected to the Internet (similar to the ‘Internet of Things’ concept wherein gadgets talk to each other).
Mistry has also developed ’TeleTouch,’ which allows users to see through the smartphone’s camera and control home appliances like the television, alarm system and music players by simply manipulating them on a screen.
Mistry did not provide details; the technology is patented and being developed by some electronic companies for commercial use.
The MIT scientist, who prefers to call himself a designer rather than a computer scientist, is also the creator of THE Sixth Sense digital prototype which he developed under the guidance of associate professor Pattie Maes. The device consists of a pocket projector, mirror and web camera bundled in a wearable, pendant-like gadget.
The projector can turn anything into a touch screen. The webcam (and colour-coded finger-gloves worn on the index finger and thumb) can recognize the movements of a user’s hands, which enables gesture commands. A “square frame” gesture, for instance, will prompt the device to take a photograph.
The device can also recognize a book that the user selects from a bookstore—either by image recognition or radio frequency identification (RFID) tags—and project information, like an Amazon rating, onto it. The system can also project a keyboard to type on, detect items on grocery shelves and compare online prices. A newspaper can prompt the device to search for news video clips (the device’s smartphone uses an Internet connection to retrieve information).
“The possibilities are immense but it’s a work in progress,” said Mistry.
The “Sixth Sense” device, which MIT has patented, helped him get closer to his childhood dream of melding the flexibility of the digital world with the physical one. The current prototype system costs some $350.
Mistry has created other technologies too. Consider this. You and your spouse want to watch a movie on a TV screen or in the theatre. She loves romantic movies but you prefer action ones. So you enter the theatre with a special pair of glasses each, and both come out content—you having watched a martial arts movie while she has had her fill of romantic cinema.
Called “thirdEye”, the technique enables multiple viewers to see different things on the same display screen simultaneously.
“With thirdEye, we can have a public sign board where a tourist at the New Delhi airport sees all the instructions in his language while others see it in their own languages. We don’t need to have the split screen in games now. Each player can see his/her personal view of the game on the TV screen. Two people watching TV can watch their favourite channel on a single TV screen. A public display can show secret messages or patterns,” said Mistry, adding that imagination is the only limitation.
Brought up in Gujarat, Mistry did his master’s in design in visual communication from the Indian Institute of Technology-Bombay, and later worked with the Microsoft India Development Centre—first as an intern, then as an employee—on several projects including Akshar, which was basically an attempt to create a mechanism for inputting Indic scripts in digital devices like mobile phones, kiosks, interactive TVs and personal computers.
One of Mistry’s earlier projects, Sandesh, attempted to bridge the digital divide. It contains a message-receiving unit in villages and kiosks in cities with visual aids and uses print—or sound-based media to convey messages. And his “mouseless” technology does away with the need for an external computer mouse. The device consists of an infrared (IR) laser beam and an IR camera—both embedded in the computer. Users cup their hand, just as they would do if a physical mouse were present underneath, and the laser beam lights up the hand that is in contact with the surface.
The IR camera detects the bright IR blobs using computer vision. The change in the position and arrangements of these blobs are interpreted as a mouse cursor movement and clicks. When users tap their index fingers, the size of the blob changes and the camera recognises the intended mouse click. It costs around $20 to build a fully functional working prototype system of “Mouseless”.
Mistry said all these technologies highlight a trend called “invisible computing”. “When any industry becomes mature, you move to the next level. Similarly computers will stay but move into the background becoming invisible,” he said.
2012年2月14日星期二
Epson brings affordable, engaging learning to South African classrooms
Epson has introduced its second generation of ultra-short-throw projectors to the education market, with four new models now available to enhance the education and learning experience.
Epson is the world's leading projector manufacturer, and has developed new features for the ultra-short-throw range, such as more responsive interactive pens and PC-free connectivity, to help bring engaging learning to more classrooms.
The interactive EB-485Wi and EB-475Wi projectors feature two interactive pens. They allow teachers and students to write on the screen at the same time, making collaborative work easier. These lightweight pens are highly responsive and easy to use, and include the new 'hover' function that accurately detects when they are not in contact with the projection surface.
In addition to working with popular computer software, these projectors have a PC-free functionality and 'instant annotation' tool. Teachers can make any flat surface interactive without being connected to a PC and can even annotate moving images and photos when the device is linked up to a DVD player. The projectors can be mounted in four positions, including under glass-top tables, to offer greater interactive options for engaging group work.
Like the interactive projectors, the non-interactive versions, the EB-485W, EB475W, EB-480 and EB-470, can project large images from a very short distance, ensuring shadows are minimised. All projectors are easy to install, as everything needed to do so is included in the box.
Horizontal keystone correction enables straightforward picture alignment, while the plug-and-play USB functionality, plus a built-in 16W speaker, means that one cable is all that's needed for image, sound and page up-down control in a complete multimedia package.
Kelvin Reynolds, general manager at Epson Southern Africa, says: “These new projectors are the perfect tool for schools to capture young minds in a more engaging learning environment. With Epson's 3LCD technology, teachers and students can experience high-quality images with vivid, natural colours and deep blacks, even in daylight, and with the addition of HDMI inputs, high-definition content can be shown with maximum clarity.”
Reynolds adds: “We realise the economic climate is tough for many schools and authorities, so we've developed six different models to suit a variety of budgets and help keep running costs low. One way we've managed this is with the long lamp and filter lifespans, which means they don't have to be replaced as often.”
Epson is the world's leading projector manufacturer, and has developed new features for the ultra-short-throw range, such as more responsive interactive pens and PC-free connectivity, to help bring engaging learning to more classrooms.
The interactive EB-485Wi and EB-475Wi projectors feature two interactive pens. They allow teachers and students to write on the screen at the same time, making collaborative work easier. These lightweight pens are highly responsive and easy to use, and include the new 'hover' function that accurately detects when they are not in contact with the projection surface.
In addition to working with popular computer software, these projectors have a PC-free functionality and 'instant annotation' tool. Teachers can make any flat surface interactive without being connected to a PC and can even annotate moving images and photos when the device is linked up to a DVD player. The projectors can be mounted in four positions, including under glass-top tables, to offer greater interactive options for engaging group work.
Like the interactive projectors, the non-interactive versions, the EB-485W, EB475W, EB-480 and EB-470, can project large images from a very short distance, ensuring shadows are minimised. All projectors are easy to install, as everything needed to do so is included in the box.
Horizontal keystone correction enables straightforward picture alignment, while the plug-and-play USB functionality, plus a built-in 16W speaker, means that one cable is all that's needed for image, sound and page up-down control in a complete multimedia package.
Kelvin Reynolds, general manager at Epson Southern Africa, says: “These new projectors are the perfect tool for schools to capture young minds in a more engaging learning environment. With Epson's 3LCD technology, teachers and students can experience high-quality images with vivid, natural colours and deep blacks, even in daylight, and with the addition of HDMI inputs, high-definition content can be shown with maximum clarity.”
Reynolds adds: “We realise the economic climate is tough for many schools and authorities, so we've developed six different models to suit a variety of budgets and help keep running costs low. One way we've managed this is with the long lamp and filter lifespans, which means they don't have to be replaced as often.”
2012年2月13日星期一
IMAX Corporation Selects Barco as Exclusive
Barco, a worldwide leader in the Digital Cinema industry, announced today that it has been selected by IMAX Corporation as the exclusive, worldwide projection technology partner for its IMAX theaters for the next seven years. Through its selection of Barco’s Guinness World Record winning Xenon lamp-based digital projectors, IMAX will immediately enhance The IMAX Experience in its global cinema network. In addition, IMAX theaters will benefit from a new generation of high-performance, laser-based projectors, which are expected to be deployed in 2013.
Over the years, IMAX has established its reputation as the leading provider of awe-inspiring, immersive cinema experiences. In Barco, it has found an industry acclaimed technology partner that is able to further differentiate and maximize The IMAX Experience. In the first phase of the partnership, the parties will integrate an enhancement of Barco’s existing Xenon-based projectors for use in IMAX’s current backlog and new system signings. This solution will be available in the second half of 2012. Simultaneously, Barco and IMAX will co-develop leading-edge laser technology – benefiting from Barco’s unique laser innovations and IMAX’s licensed Kodak IP. The companies will work together exclusively to manage the transition from Xenon-based to high-performance, laser-based projectors, which are expected to be deployed in 2013.
“Being selected by IMAX as the exclusive supplier for the world’s most immersive cinema experience is a strong endorsement of our leadership in the Digital Cinema projection business,” explains Wim Buyens, Senior Vice President of Barco’s Entertainment Division. “This partnership will strengthen our position as the premium provider of state-of-the-art cinema technologies that provide the perfect match for every screen, whether small or large. What’s more, it will enable us to further ramp up our manufacturing scalability and to continue setting the standard for future technologies.”
“As we continue to expand globally, it is critical that our technology partner keeps pace with our ambitions around innovation and growth,” said IMAX Chief Business Development Officer Robert D. Lister. “Barco is that partner. A leader in advanced digital and laser technology, Barco is well-known for its quality and integrity. We believe the result of this collaboration will further differentiate The IMAX Experience for consumers, strengthening our value proposition for studios and exhibitors.”
Todd Hoddick, Vice President for the Barco Entertainment Division in North America, adds: “We are honored to have been selected by IMAX as their worldwide and exclusive digital projection technology partner. We are both excited and committed to bring the full weight of Barco’s operational excellence, integrity and ability to deliver on the ideals of the IMAX brand. Together we are determined to redefine the immersive cinema experience.”
The agreement with IMAX underscores Barco’s commitment to offer exhibitors the most comprehensive suite of products and solutions to create a premium movie experience in their auditoriums at the lowest cost of ownership. This is exactly what has made Barco a valued technology leader, – as illustrated by its long list of industry firsts and its Guinness World Record for the brightest projector – as well as a global market leader – reflected in the company’s 40% worldwide market share, market leadership in China and a strong global customer base.
Being appointed as the exclusive supplier of projection technology for the largest screens in the industry is a new milestone for Barco’s Entertainment Division, which has a long history of providing high-quality equipment to the Advertising, Rental & Staging, Branding & Retail, Sports, Digital Cinema and Corporate AV industry. In these markets, Barco continues to innovate with a full portfolio of pioneering imaging and sound products that optimize productivity and range from compact, reliable projectors for mid-sized businesses to the most powerful projectors, LED displays and image processors for operation in a broad spectrum of entertainment venues and outdoor events.
Over the years, IMAX has established its reputation as the leading provider of awe-inspiring, immersive cinema experiences. In Barco, it has found an industry acclaimed technology partner that is able to further differentiate and maximize The IMAX Experience. In the first phase of the partnership, the parties will integrate an enhancement of Barco’s existing Xenon-based projectors for use in IMAX’s current backlog and new system signings. This solution will be available in the second half of 2012. Simultaneously, Barco and IMAX will co-develop leading-edge laser technology – benefiting from Barco’s unique laser innovations and IMAX’s licensed Kodak IP. The companies will work together exclusively to manage the transition from Xenon-based to high-performance, laser-based projectors, which are expected to be deployed in 2013.
“Being selected by IMAX as the exclusive supplier for the world’s most immersive cinema experience is a strong endorsement of our leadership in the Digital Cinema projection business,” explains Wim Buyens, Senior Vice President of Barco’s Entertainment Division. “This partnership will strengthen our position as the premium provider of state-of-the-art cinema technologies that provide the perfect match for every screen, whether small or large. What’s more, it will enable us to further ramp up our manufacturing scalability and to continue setting the standard for future technologies.”
“As we continue to expand globally, it is critical that our technology partner keeps pace with our ambitions around innovation and growth,” said IMAX Chief Business Development Officer Robert D. Lister. “Barco is that partner. A leader in advanced digital and laser technology, Barco is well-known for its quality and integrity. We believe the result of this collaboration will further differentiate The IMAX Experience for consumers, strengthening our value proposition for studios and exhibitors.”
Todd Hoddick, Vice President for the Barco Entertainment Division in North America, adds: “We are honored to have been selected by IMAX as their worldwide and exclusive digital projection technology partner. We are both excited and committed to bring the full weight of Barco’s operational excellence, integrity and ability to deliver on the ideals of the IMAX brand. Together we are determined to redefine the immersive cinema experience.”
The agreement with IMAX underscores Barco’s commitment to offer exhibitors the most comprehensive suite of products and solutions to create a premium movie experience in their auditoriums at the lowest cost of ownership. This is exactly what has made Barco a valued technology leader, – as illustrated by its long list of industry firsts and its Guinness World Record for the brightest projector – as well as a global market leader – reflected in the company’s 40% worldwide market share, market leadership in China and a strong global customer base.
Being appointed as the exclusive supplier of projection technology for the largest screens in the industry is a new milestone for Barco’s Entertainment Division, which has a long history of providing high-quality equipment to the Advertising, Rental & Staging, Branding & Retail, Sports, Digital Cinema and Corporate AV industry. In these markets, Barco continues to innovate with a full portfolio of pioneering imaging and sound products that optimize productivity and range from compact, reliable projectors for mid-sized businesses to the most powerful projectors, LED displays and image processors for operation in a broad spectrum of entertainment venues and outdoor events.
2012年2月12日星期日
Southeastern students wrestle real-world issues in mock town meeting
A presentation flashes on the overhead projector, and a small group explains the benefits of solar power and how it could benefit the town.
Others listen politely and ask questions about the technology. Later, another group outlines the town’s criminal codes, sparking a lively, well-informed debate about how to balance individual freedom against public safety.
It’s a scene that could be taking place at any town meeting in the state – except here, the town doesn’t exist and the presenters are sophomore students at Southeastern Regional Vocational Technical High School in Easton.
The mock town meeting is part of a program called the Innovation Academy, which combines five majors at the school and has students work in teams. It’s the second year for the academy, but the first for the town meeting.
“It’s to show the kids how all the shops are connected,” said teacher Pam Foster.
Justin Harris of Brockton is a member of the mock Board of Selectmen.
“Our job is to make sure the meeting is running as it should,” he said.
He likes playing the part but said it’s unlikely politics is in his future.
“I don’t think I’ll run for anything,” he said.
Jonathan Berry is the town clerk. An Easton resident, he said he’s been to an actual town meeting once or twice, but found it boring. However, now that he’s a part of the process, he’s enjoying it.
“I understand what’s going on a lot better,” he said.
On Tuesday, students came together to hear proposals on how the town should handle water and power issues, as well as how to establish a code of criminal conduct.
The legal and protective services students working on the town’s set of laws produced the most interesting discussion on Tuesday. Students wrestled with real-world issues like sexting and gun control – even setting a driving age. One student wanted a strict set of animal cruelty laws to prevent illegal puppy mills.
Students like the independence the program gives them.
“It’s good because you can choose your own work pattern,” said Stephen Akikie of Stoughton. “The teacher turns into kind of a boss instead of just a teacher.”
“This is your town,” said Forster at the beginning of Tuesday’s meeting.
Foster said the full town meeting, which will take place in a couple weeks, is modeled on Easton’s open town meeting, complete with moderator, a Board of Selectmen and Finance Committee members.
Others listen politely and ask questions about the technology. Later, another group outlines the town’s criminal codes, sparking a lively, well-informed debate about how to balance individual freedom against public safety.
It’s a scene that could be taking place at any town meeting in the state – except here, the town doesn’t exist and the presenters are sophomore students at Southeastern Regional Vocational Technical High School in Easton.
The mock town meeting is part of a program called the Innovation Academy, which combines five majors at the school and has students work in teams. It’s the second year for the academy, but the first for the town meeting.
“It’s to show the kids how all the shops are connected,” said teacher Pam Foster.
Justin Harris of Brockton is a member of the mock Board of Selectmen.
“Our job is to make sure the meeting is running as it should,” he said.
He likes playing the part but said it’s unlikely politics is in his future.
“I don’t think I’ll run for anything,” he said.
Jonathan Berry is the town clerk. An Easton resident, he said he’s been to an actual town meeting once or twice, but found it boring. However, now that he’s a part of the process, he’s enjoying it.
“I understand what’s going on a lot better,” he said.
On Tuesday, students came together to hear proposals on how the town should handle water and power issues, as well as how to establish a code of criminal conduct.
The legal and protective services students working on the town’s set of laws produced the most interesting discussion on Tuesday. Students wrestled with real-world issues like sexting and gun control – even setting a driving age. One student wanted a strict set of animal cruelty laws to prevent illegal puppy mills.
Students like the independence the program gives them.
“It’s good because you can choose your own work pattern,” said Stephen Akikie of Stoughton. “The teacher turns into kind of a boss instead of just a teacher.”
“This is your town,” said Forster at the beginning of Tuesday’s meeting.
Foster said the full town meeting, which will take place in a couple weeks, is modeled on Easton’s open town meeting, complete with moderator, a Board of Selectmen and Finance Committee members.
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