Optoma Debuts 14 DLP Projectors for Education
A/V technology manufacturer Optoma this week is going public with 14 new projector models that will roll out between now and the end of 2009.
The new lineup ranges from a lower-end, sub-$500 model to some high-light-output installation projectors designed for larger venues like auditoriums and lecture halls.
 The Optoma TX783
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New Models Currently Shipping
Half of the new models are available now. These include the ES522, TS526, EX532, TX536, TX542, TX7156, and TX783.On the lower end, the ES522 ($449) and the EX532 ($549) are two portable projectors that both offer a brightness of 2,800 lumens and a contrast ratio of 3,000:1. The EX532 is an XGA (1,024 x 768) model, while the ES522 offers a resolution of 800 x 600 (SVGA). The new TS526 ($549, SVGA) and TX536 ($649, XGA) also offer a brightness of 2,800 lumens and a contrast ratio of 3,000:1.
The TX542 ($749, XGA) sports the same specs but also includes networking features (via RJ-45) and an integrated 10-watt stereo sound system.
Moving up the scale, the new TX7156 ($899, XGA) is a portable unit that blasts out 3,000 lumens of brightness and offers a contrast ratio of 2,500:1. Weighing in at 3.2 pounds, the TX7156 offers a range of inputs, including HDMI, VGA, S-video, and composite video, as well as USB and RS-232 control. It also supports closed captioning.
The highest-end model that's currently shipping is the TX783. This XGA installation projector offers 5,000 lumens of brightness and a contrast ratio of 1,200:1. It provides power lens shift, power focus, and several lens options. For video inputs, it includes HDMI, three DVI-D ports (one with HDCP), BNC (YPbPr), component video, VGA, S-video, and composite video. It includes two audio minijacks, two RCA audio ports, USB, and RS-232. It also offers RJ-45-based networking capabilities. It's available now for $2,799.
Down the Road
Seven of the newly introduced models will begin shipping between September and December. Coming in September are the TX612 ($899) and TX615 ($999), both of which offer a brightness of 3,500 lumens and a contrast ratio of 3,000:1, along with an XGA resolution. The TX615offers a 10-watt speaker system, while the TX612 includes a single 2-watt speaker.
The TX1692, like the TX7156, is a portable unit that offers a brightness of 3,000 lumens and a contrast ratio of 2,500:1. Also weighing in at 3.2 pounds, the TX1692 offers HDMI, VGA, S-video, and composite video inputs, as well as USB and RS-232 control. It also supports closed captioning. It will ship in September for $999.
The TX765W and the widescreen TW766W will also be available in September. Both offer a contrast ratio of 2,500:1 and a brightness of 4,000 lumens. The TW766W offers a resolution of 1,280 x 800 (WXGA). The TX765W is an XGA projector. Some other features include:
- PureShift technology (a lens shift feature designed to help ease installation);
- Wireless presentation features; and
- Mobishow technology for conducting presentations rom Windows Mobile devices.
The XGA TX765W will sell for $1,799, while the WXGA TW766W will sell for $1,899.
Finally, Optoma has also introduced the TX785 and TW775, both set to ship in December. Both models offer 5,000 lumens of brightness and a contrast ratio of 1,200:1. They provide power lens shift, power focus, and various lens options. Video inputs include HDMI, three DVI-D ports (one with HDCP), BNC (YPbPr), component video, VGA, S-video, and composite video. They also include two audio minijacks, two RCA audio ports, USB, and RS-232, as well as RJ-45 for networking. The TW775 is a WXGA model, while the TX785 offers an XGA resolution. Pricing for these two models was not available at press time.
Further information about all the projectors can be found at Optoma's site here.