Sanyo to Release Short-focus 3D Projector

May 20, 2010 17:57 Satoshi Ookubo, Nikkei Electronics

Sanyo Electric Co Ltd will release the "PDG-DWL2500J," a small, short-focus front projector that can project 3D images, in July 2010.

It can project images to an 80-inch screen from a distance of 32cm (the distance from the projection window to the screen) and is the world's shortest-focus front projector that weighs 9kg or less, Sanyo said. The company's existing short-focus front projector can project images to an 80-inch screen from a distance of 45cm.

3D images are displayed by a frame sequential method, and the images for the right and left eyes are projected at a frequency of 120Hz. To view 3D images, active-shutter glasses are required.

Sanyo expects that the new projector will be used for educational purposes, digital signage, amusement, small-scale 3D theaters and 3D video production.

As for display-related products supporting 3D images, TVs and digital cameras are forming a consumer market while 3D digital cinemas are forming a high-end market. The market positioned between the consumer and high-end markets in terms of screen size and market size (unit sales), such as for educational tools and signage, will grow from now on, said Keiichi Yoshitoshi, executive officer, director of Project Business in Digital System Company of Sanyo. And the company plans to aim at that market.

Because of its short focal distance, the new projector can project images on a floor surface, table, etc, making it possible to realize, for example, a realistic soccer game. Also, in the field of equipment design, the projector enables to use 3D designs in place of 2D designs, Sanyo said.

Though there is no manufacturer's suggested retail price, the expected street price is about ¥450,000 (approx US$4,908). Sanyo plans to sell 2,000 units per month. The company will exhibit the new projector at InfoComm 2010, which will take place from June 9 to 11, 2010, in Las Vegas, the US.

Smaller aspheric mirror, two additional aspheric lenses

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