Canon Unveils Portable Classroom LCD Projector

• By Tim Sohn
• 06/23/11

The LV-8320 offers a native resolution of 1,280 x 800 and is designed for classroom environments.

Canon USA has added the LV-8320 to its lineup of portable multimedia LCD projectors for the education.

The projector, which offers a resolution of 1,280 x 800, includes a 1.6x manual zoom lens and HDMI digital input for projection of 1080p video from Blu-ray players and other high-definition devices. It has a brightness of 3,000 lumens and a contrast ratio of 2,000:1.

The LV-8320 also offers:

• Lamp dimming technology, which automatically sets the output according to image brightness;
• Color shift correction technology, which adapts the color balance for all brightness levels;
• Integrated 10-watt speaker;
• An air filter, made of a hybrid material, that can operate for 5,500 hours in quiet mode; and
• A lamp life of 5,000 hours in economy mode.

The projector, which has a built-in 10-watt speaker, can connect to external speakers, and the projector's RJ-45 Network Connection and RS-232C Serial Connection allow for LAN and remote PC control.

Video inputs include HDMI, RGB/component (mini D-sub 15-pin), S-video, composite video. It also includes an RGB monitor out port and a stereo minijack out.

The LV-8320, which is expected to ship in early July, is expected to sell retail at $899. Additional details can be found on Canon's site.

In other Canon news, the company has started shipping its first 1.3-megapixel IP security cameras.

The devices are designed to comply with Open Network Video Interface Forum (ONVIP) standards, a nonprofit organization for the development of a global standard for the interface of IP-based physical security products.

The new cameras include:

• The VB-M40 pan/tilt/zoom network camera, with a 20x Canon zoom lens;
• The VB-M600VE fixed vandal-resistant IP66 rated outdoor network dome camera; and
• The VB-M600D fixed network dome camera.

The cameras use a 1.3-megapixel CMOS (complimentary metal-oxide semiconductor) image sensor and Canon Digic Net image processing and support simultaneous transmission of high-quality video up to 1,280 x 960/30 FPS in bandwidth-saving H.264 and Motion-JPEG. They capture high-resolution and color detail, even in low light.

According to Canon, the cameras are suited for areas such as transportation centers, educational institutions, medical facilities, and sports arenas.

Canon's VB-M40, VB-M600VE and VB-M600D IP security cameras also feature Smart Shade Control, which adjusts contrast in an image.

The Canon VB-M40 comes with a 20x optical zoom lens with 4x digital zoom, a 55.4-degree angle of view, auto focus, and electronic image stabilization.

The VB-M600VE protects against water sprays from any angle and violent impact. It was designed for areas subject to abuse, such as correctional facilities, public transportation centers, shopping malls, and schools, according to Canon.

The VB-M600VE is designed for areas with space restrictions, such as elevators, narrow halls, and stairways. It features a Canon aspherical 3x optical zoom lens with a 101.2-degree angle of view.

Other features similar to all three cameras include:

• A privacy mask function, which allows for the blocking of sensitive locations from the cameras' view;
• A built-in SD Card slot;
• Audio jacks for bi-directional sound communication between the camera and a computer-monitoring location;
• Onscreen displays for date, time, and camera location; and
• Secure data communication support.

The Canon VB-M40, VB-M600VE and VB-M600D cameras sell for $1,979, $1,299, and $1,059, respectively. The VB-M40 shipped in early May, and the VB-M600VE and VB-M600D cameras are expected to arrive in July.

Further information can be found on Canon's video security portal.