NEC Ships Entertainment Projector With 3000:1 Contrast Ratio

[Gregg Lengling]

NEC Solutions (America), Inc. today began shipping its first ShowCase Series digital entertainment projector for commercial and residential use, the HT1000. The new projector features a 3000:1 contrast ratio, a level of performance the company says is unmatched by any other single- chip DLP projector available today.

The projector incorporates sealed optics for reduced maintenance costs during operation in smoky public environments, and theft-deterring features like password protection, a control panel lock and a lock slot to give commercial users peace of mind.

"The HT1000 looks like an outstanding achievement," said Evan Powell of ProjectorCentral after testing a preproduction unit. "Contrast is leading edge for digital projectors, and color looks dead-on accurate. Even S-video from a cheap DVD player looks stunning ... Overall, for the money it is the best single-chip DLP projector I've yet seen."

NEC utilizes several technologies including its proprietary new SweetVision Technology, a chip- based technology that increases the perceived contrast for more vibrant images, more realistic colors, and richer, more detailed blacks. The HT1000's variable IRIS feature, an adjustable lever that lets the user stop down the lens aperture to fine-tune the contrast and brightness relationship, helps the projector reach even greater contrast ratio levels.

The HT1000's image quality is further enhanced by NEC's 3D 10-bit video decoder, which improves image luminance and color and reduces noise for an enhanced overall viewing experience, and by Faroudja DCDi technology for smooth and natural images even when viewing standard interlaced video. Due to its realistic color reproduction and detail levels, the HT1000 is the first projector in its class to offer a viable low-cost solution for pre and post production applications.
NEC's 3D Reform technology uses horizontal, vertical and diagonal keystone correction to let HT1000 users set up the projector virtually anywhere in the room and get an aligned image. With one-touch setup and operation, built-in 2Wx2 speakers with 3D sound, a screen trigger connector that lets the user automatically raise or lower screens incorporating that type of input, and a full-function remote, the projector can be easily operated by new users and quickly installed.

Commercial users can manage the HT1000 from a remote location thanks to optional wired networking functions that allow for remote projector maintenance and control from a computer. The new projector is also environmentally friendly, with an Eco-Mode lower light output option that extends lamp life and lowers fan noise to a barely audible 29dB.

Thanks to its comprehensive aspect ratio control, the HT1000 can project movies, DVDs and HDTV on the big screen in their native 16:9, 1.85:1, and 2.35:1 formats. The HT1000 can even fill a 16:9 screen with 4:3 content in a non-linear manner so that the image doesn't appear stretched. With NEC's unique vertical image shift feature, the projected image can be positioned to the top of the screen, eliminating the black bars seen with selected sources and aspect ratios. The HT1000 also includes a digital photo viewer to enable larger-than-life enjoyment of digital photos from a PC card or CompactFlash.

Service and Support Program
The HT1000 is backed by two years of warranty coverage. Optional extended coverage is also available, including InstaCare projector repair and return within five business days. According to Pacific Media Associates' 2001 Large Display Reseller Survey, NEC ranked highest among all display manufacturers for its warranty and repair/return programs, as well as for its end-user support and knowledgeable, responsive support persons.

Pricing and Availability
NEC's new HT1000 projector is now available through authorized distributors with a manufacturer's suggested retail price of $5,495.

Source: NEC Solutions (America), Inc.