3D Projection in Your Home

With the boom in 3D movies at commercial theaters, there has been a lot of buzz recently about 3D projection in your home. Fortunately for those of you that are ready to add a 3rd dimension to your home theater experience, 3D projection in your home is now a reality. The technology is still very new, with new information being released daily. We hope that this FAQ will help you get started and we plan to continually update as new information comes up. For now, the basics:

What equipment do I need to do 3D projection?

• A 3D Compatible Projector or 3D Compatible Plasma or LCD Display – Technically speaking, a projector or display only needs to have the ability to display an image with a 120 hz refresh rate to work with 3D. That being mentioned, you shouldn’t have to work too hard to figure which ones work with 3D, since it should be stated clearly in the main features of the projector or display.
• A 3D Source – You will need a DVD player or Blu-Ray player that is compatible with 3D content. Firmware upgrades will be available to allow recently purchased players to work with 3D content, but only on select models. A computer with a graphics card specifically designed for 3D content will also work.
• 3D Content – For your DVD and Blu-Ray player, you must have 3D specific DVD’s or Blu-Ray Discs along with your 3D sources. For computers, there are some 3D gaming titles coming out as well as some 3D educational content. 3D broadcast TV is also right around the corner. ESPN is planning on a dedicated 3D channel and plans to broadcast the World Cup in 3D.
• Special 3D Glasses – And not your daddy’s cardboard glasses either. You will need special wireless stereoscopic 3D glasses that receive signals to produce the 3D image real-time. If you’re estimating your budget, keep in mind that these glasses run from $150-$200, and of course every viewer will need a pair.
• Proper Cabling – There is a new HDMI 1.4 Cable standard to will accommodate 3D. Some higher end manufacturers’ cables that exceeded the previous standards will work, but older, lower quality HDMI cables will need to be replaced. Fortunately, HDMI regulators are going to force cable manufacturers to specifically list what functions the new HDMI 1.4 cables are capable of on the packaging, so it will be easy to see whether the cable you’re getting will work.

Can I watch my regular DVD/Blu-Ray Discs in 3D on a 3D projector or 3D plasma / LCD Display?
Unfortunately, no. Only specifically made 3D content will come out in 3D. And of course you’ll need everything else listed above, too.

Can I watch my regular TV programming in 3D on a 3D projector or 3D plasma / LCD Display?
Not as of this writing, but as mentioned above, ESPN is working on it and other networks are sure to follow suit once 3D picks up in popularity.

What projectors will work with 3D content?
In order to display 3D content, a projector needs to have a 120hz refresh rate. Here are some current models that we carry that will work with 3D content:

Mitsubishi XD600U DLP Projector – $1,695.00

Viewsonic FuHzion PJD6220-3D DLP Projector for 3D Projection – $699.00

Optoma HD66 DLP Projector – $699.00

BenQ MP776ST DLP Projector – $1,599.00

Optoma TX762 DLP Projector – $1,399.00

Stay tuned to our blog for more 3D content info as information on this exciting technology releases. We hope to get a our hands on a demo soon to do a video demonstration.

Eiki Extends Their Christmas Promo Through Easter!

Eiki has extended their holday special to go through the end of March! When you purchase a select, high brightness Eiki projector, you can purchase a brand new portable series projector for only $199.00! You must purchase the two projectors at the same time to claim this offer and you must call in your order to receive the special pricing.

Purchase a brand new Eiki LC-XB200 Portable LCD Projector for only $199 (normally $995) when you purchase a new Eiki LC-XT5 LCD Projector!

Purchase a brand new Eiki LC-XB100 Portable LCD Projector for only $199 (normally $845) when you purchase a new Eiki LC-X8 LCD Projector!

Purchase a brand new Eiki LC-WB100 Portable LCD Projector for only $199 (normally $895.00) when you purchase a new Eiki EIP-HDT20 LCD Projector!

Purchase a brand new Eiki LC-XBL25 Portable LCD Projector for only $199 (normally $695) when you purchase a new Eiki LC-X85 LCD Projector!

Purchase a brand new Eiki LC-XBL25 Portable LCD Projector for only $199 (normally $695) when you purchase a new Eiki LC-X80 LCD Projector!

Fender Introduces their New Passport Series of Portable PA Systems

Fender Audio has released their brand new line of Passport Portable PA Systems for ‘10. (ETA is early February as of this writing.)

Fender’s Passport Series has been a wildly popular solution for education, sporting and worship events; meetings, seminars and presentations; gigs at parties, outdoor movies, small clubs and coffeehouses…virtually any application where a high output, portable audio system is needed. Most of the new models are updated versions of the previous models, but they’ve also introduced a brand new system call the Executive. Here is a rundown of each new model along with some key features and improvements over their replacements.

Fender Passport 150 PRO Sound System – 069-4401-000 – $369.00
The new four-channel Passport 150 PRO system boasts lighter weight (a full 3 lbs. lighter than the earlier Passport 150 system), two stereo channels (up from one on the earlier Passport 150 system) and improved speaker voicing.

Fender Passport 300 PRO Sound System – 069-4403-000 – $599.00
The six-channel Passport 300 PRO takes its predecessor, the Passport PD-250, to the next level, with 300 watts of power (up from 250 watts), sub-out jack for an external powered sub-woofer, lighter weight (a full 12 lbs. lighter than the earlier Passport 250 system), smaller physical dimensions, phantom power and a redesigned speaker system with improved clarity.

Fender Passport 500 PRO Sound System – 069-4405-000 – $849.00
The eight-channel Passport 500 PRO is the new top-of-the-line Passport system. The 500 model has always had the most power and the best clarity; now it also has a port that lets you record your performance with CD quality (.wav) straight to a USB flash drive, CD-quality .wav and mp3 file playback, sub-out jack for an external powered sub-woofer, lighter weight (a full 9 lbs. lighter than the earlier Passport 500 model), smaller physical dimensions, and a redesigned speaker system with 10” woofer and improved clarity.

Fender Passport Executive Portable PA System – 069-4000-000 – $549.00
The new Passport Executive is about the size of a small briefcase, it’s easy to use, easy to move and easy to set up, all of which make it easy to like as the perfect solution to all of your small-group audio support needs. The Passport Executive lets your voice be heard with 100 watts of clear stereo sound through state-of-the-art NXT flat-panel speaker technology, all in a slim, lightweight design that slips easily into its included laptop-style form-fitted travel bag.

InFocus Releases the New IN2100 and IN3100 Series Projector Line

InFocus, one of the world leaders in the audio visual industry, has recently released two new series of projectors. The IN2100 series, which includes the IN2112, IN2114, and IN2116 DLP Projectors and the IN3100 series which includes the IN3114, and the IN3116 DLP Projectors.

The IN2100 series were built for the needs of mobile business, school classroom, and small conference room customers.

IN2112 DLP Projector – $599.00
SVGA (800 × 600) Resolution – 3000 Lumens/2400 Lumens in Eco Mode
The InFocus IN2112 brings high-quality projection to everyday environments.

IN2114 DLP Projector – $899.00
XGA (1024 × 768) Resolution – 3000 Lumens/2400 Lumens in Eco Mode
The IN2114 offers network connectivity options at a low cost while providing maximum functionality in a portable package.

IN2116 DLP Projector – $1,099.00
WXGA (1280 × 800) Resolution – 3000 Lumens/2400 Lumens in Eco Mode
With a high-quality picture, ease-of-use, and expanded network connectivity, the IN2116 is an ideal solution for smaller environments.

The 2100 series projectors are packed with some amazing features and utilities including:

• 24/7 Operation – With no duty cycle limitations and a filter free design, any projector in this series can be run in a 24/7 application.
• Ceiling Mount Friendly Design – With the lamp access door, litetouch keypad, i/o panel and serial numbers all easily accessible, it’s possible to service your projector without taking it down from the ceiling.
• Intuitive Connectivity Options – Connect to a network or present without a PC with the LitePort USB port feature (IN2114 & IN2116 only). The new IN2100 series gives options for hassle-free connecting and presenting. Both models also offer two computer and two assignable audio inputs, making them convenient for multiple users.
• Projector Management – The IN2114 and IN2116 have imbedded network services with web browser control. This projector model is also compatible with ProjectorNet™ 3.0, our free asset Management software that enables you to conserve the projector’s lamp life by scheduling On/Off times, presenting maintenance events and anti-theft security alerts.
• Wireless Capability with the LiteShow II – The InFocus LiteShow II wireless adapter($249.00) connects personal computers to InFocus digital projectors wirelessly. The high bandwidth 802.11 b/g connection supports simultaneous transmission of audio along with video/data content, providing a completely wireless multimedia presentation.

The InFocus IN3100 Series has all of the same features as the 2100 series and is equipped with a higher lumen output to handle higher ambient lighting conditions.

IN3114 DLP Projector – $1,449.00
XGA (1024 x 768) Resolution – 3500 Lumens/2800 Lumens in Eco Mode
With a high-quality picture, ease-of-use, and expanded network connectivity, the IN3114 is an ideal solution for customers looking for a high powered mobile projector.

IN3116 DLP Projector – $1,559.00
WXGA (1280 x 800) Resolution – 3500 Lumens/2800 Lumens in Eco Mode
Wide screen high definition resolution, ease-of-use, and expanded network connectivity, make the IN3116 is an ideal solution for customers looking for a high powered mobile projector.

To top it off, all InFocus projectors are covered by their industry leading 5 year limited, 2 year parts and labor, and 6 month lamp warranty. InFocus has raised the bar for innovation and user-friendly technology with this new series and we are excited to offer it to our customers.