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.

2013 Chevrolet Malibu Revealed on Facebook

General Motors has just unveiled the all-new 2013 Chevrolet Malibu in a “Live Reveal” on Facebook. With heavy styling influence from the Chevy Camaro, the 2013 Chevrolet Malibu will make its debut across 100 markets worldwide by early 2012.

The 2013 Chevrolet Malibu will come a “sporty, sophisticated and easy to live with” interior, that will feature an all-new dual cockpit, intuitively located controls and ample storage space. With luxurious use of leather, chrome and wood accents on the interior, the 2013 Malibu offers one of the most impressive interiors on any mid-size sedan. The vehicle meanwhile offers a more spacious cabin that comes with almost 4 cubic feet of additional interior space, while also providing more shoulder and hip room.

The 2013 Malibu will also feature a high-resolution seven-inch touch screen radio display with impressive UI controls. The touch screen display on the Malibu can make way to a six-inch deep storage behind it – a feature that will be seen in the U.S. for the first time. The 2013 Chevrolet Malibu will also come equipped with Chevrolet’s new MyLink infotainment package that comes with OnStar security, while also allowing users to integrate their smartphone’s music services like Pandora Internet Radio and Stitcher SmartRadio with the it.

The 2013 Chevrolet Malibu will feature an all-new 2.5L four-cylinder direct injection engine in North America. The engine will be mated to a Hydra-Matic 6T40 six-speed automatic transmission, and can generate up to 190 hp and 180 lb.-ft. of torque. The 2013 Malibu is expected to deliver class leading mileage at up to 35 mpg on the highway. While no performance numbers have been specified as of now, Chevrolet representatives promise that it will beat the figures of the current generation Malibu.

The “Camaro Influence” on the 2013 Chevrolet Malibu cannot be over stated – from the low-profile head lamps to the optional projector HID lamps, the dual-element tail lamp frames, the Chevrolet bow-tie badges on the front and rear, and a range of 17, 18 and 19 inch wheels all brings out the sporty side that its Camaro counterpart made a standard. “The exterior design of the all-new Malibu carries DNA from its sister vehicles, the Camaro and Corvette, to bring a sporty sensibility to the family sedan segment,” said Bryan Nesbitt, executive director for General Motors exterior design.

While the 2013 Chevrolet Malibu is slated to make its debut at the Shanghai Auto Show today, it will make its U.S. debut at the upcoming New York International Auto Show on Wednesday, April 20th. Although we will get to know more about the 2013 Malibu in the next week or so, Chevrolet announced that it wont hit dealerships until some time in early 2012.