Sanyo Intros Interactive WXGA Short-Throw Projector

Sanyo North America, a subsidiary of Sanyo Electric Co., Ltd., one of the world's largest manufacturers of LCD and DLP projectors, announced today the introduction of a wide XGA ultra short-throw 3 LCD interactive projector geared for the educational and corporate presentation markets that provides full functionality regardless of the surface on which the image is projected. Unlike existing interactive solutions that require whiteboards or other surfaces with built-in sensors, the PLC-WL2503 operates when any screen or wall surface is used to display the projected image. 2500 lumens brightness and a 500:1 contrast ratio ensure picture quality and clarity, and an ultra-short throw lens creates images from 60 to 110 inches at a distance of no more than 47 inches from the screen. Available in January 2011, the PLC-WL2503 has an MSRP of $1695.99.

Conventional interactive projector systems require the use of an interactive whiteboard connected to the PC. Sanyo's interactive system eliminates this need by providing two interface devices (a pen and a pointer), each containing an infrared (IR) transmitter. When the tip of either device is pressed against the screen or wall surface, it generates an IR signal that is detected by a camera module located on the front surface of the projector. This signal allows the system to determine the relative location of the tip on the projected image, and this information is transmitted to the PC through a USB connection for display on screen. Calibration for setup is considerably simpler than competing projector systems, requiring only half of the calibration points. The system is compatible with virtually all software, as well as the Windows 7, Vista, XP and Mac OS operating systems.

"Our new interactive projector opens a vast new range of applications for both the educational and business markets. It enables PC interactivity in essentially any environment and at a much lower cost than existing systems by eliminating the need for an interactive whiteboard. The PLC-W2503 will provide full functionality in any classroom or meeting room, with or without an interactive screen,” stated Sam Malik, Vice President and General Manager of the Presentation Technologies Group in Sanyo North America's Consumer Solutions Division. “Further, our short-throw technology adds presentation flexibility by enabling portability and a wide range of image sizes, in contrast to the fixed location and size of a whiteboard.”

With an ultra short-throw lens, the PLC-WL2503 can create an 80-inch projected image from a distance of only 34-inches. The ability to locate the projector so close to the projection allows presenters to work next to the screen without casting shadows or having to avoid the projector's light beam. Its Wide XGA format provides a 16:10 aspect ratio with 1280x800 resolution, allowing the presentation of HD resolution images, and an HDMI 1.3 input facilitates connection to HD sources and DVD players. When the projector is used with a surface other than a conventional screen, special modes are available for blackboard and color board surfaces.

Demonstrating Sanyo's understanding of the importance of minimizing maintenance time and cost, the projector can operate up to 4,000 hours before requiring a lamp or filter replacement. Sanyo's proprietary hybrid filter uses multiple filter stages, with each layer capturing smaller particles than the previous one, ultimately providing six times the area and 15 times more dust collection than conventional projector filters, resulting in longer filter life and lower operational costs. When lamp replacement is necessary, access is facilitated through a top panel access door.

The PLC-WL2503 uses Sanyo's exclusive PJ Network interface for control and status reports. Through a wired LAN control and a web browser, the projector can be switched on and off, inputs can be selected, and system status reports, including the need for lamp replacement, can be sent by email to up to ten addresses. Control ports include a D-sub 9 RS-232C connector and an RJ-45 connector for the wired LAN Network control.

Video inputs include an HDMI 1.3 terminal and dual D-sub 15 connectors, one used for Component video and the other providing dual functions, either as an input or as an analog RGB output. Also provided are S-Video and RCA composite inputs. Audio inputs include a stereo pair of RCA connectors and a stereo mini jack. Variable audio output is available through another stereo mini jack connector. A high output speaker, driven by a 10-watt amplifier, provides onboard audio playback, and closed caption display is also available.

Simplifying operation, the unit powers on once the power cord is connected to AC power, with no need to operate a switch on the projector or even the remote control. Reflecting Sanyo's commitment to energy efficiency, the PLC-WL2503 is compliant with European EuP power consumption standard LOT6, and the projector is covered by a three year parts and labor warranty.

About Sanyo
Sanyo Electric Co., Ltd. is a global, leading provider of energy, environment, and lifestyle applications. The Corporate Solutions Group, is based in Chatsworth, California, and is part of Sanyo North America’s Digital Solutions Division (Sanyo North America is a subsidiary of Sanyo Electric Co., Ltd.). The Digital Solutions Division is a service and sales division that markets digital projectors, digital still cameras, digital media camcorders, home appliances, security video equipment, audio systems, portable and mobile electronics and HD televisions. For more information on Sanyo, please visit http://us.Sanyo.com.