July 23, 2007

Backyard Theater Packages Update

We talked about Backyard Home Theaters in last month's tech news and they were so popular that we sold out of our least expensive ($599) package. We wanted to update you on the packages, and point out a few of the benefits of selecting a package with a lot more bang for a little more buck. So follow along if you're interested. If you're are more of a listener than a reader, you can also check out our Backyard Home Theater Podcast.

High Definition Projection

If you are interested in getting the best looking images long term, a high definition projector (720p or 1080p) is the way to go. We offer a Panasonic PT-AX100U package that includes an HD DVD player and some extra long cable. But you are welcome to create your own packages using our Custom Package Tool or by calling a Projector Expert for your customized solution at a great price.

[ photo: Panasonic PT-AX100U projected on the side of a house. The image may be enormous...but they still can't hear you. ]

If you invest in a backyard theater package, it doesn't mean your projector can only be used outdoors (be sure to bring it in at the end of the night). As summer turns to fall, your projector can still be a part of your family entertainment. The World Series, NFL and College football seasons, NASCAR races, loads of HD content from Discovery Channel and so much more are available right now over a simple HD cable box.

Most networks are using a 720p native signal, so if you want to be economical, a 720p projector will get the job done. 1080p projectors look incredible though, but depending on your sensibility, might be too much of an investment to take outdoors. But hey, if you want to live a little, we get it. We understand the love of a gorgeous image.

So, choosing a high definition projector will keep your loved ones basking in giant, great looking images inside and out - all year long.

The GoSpeak Option

In our latest Podcast we mention a neat product that is a great investment for the backyard theater. The Interlink GoSpeak is a handy speaker system designed initially for educators to use with their multimedia presentations and lectures. It's a small, portable speaker system that puts out more than enough wattage to fill up your backyard for a movie night, and if you buy a microphone you can also use it as a mini PA system in case you can't get the kids attention.

Call today! Before the summer is over!

projector, projectors, home theater, DIY Home Theater, home theater installation, backyard theater,

July 18, 2007

Casio Still Slimmest.

What's happened in the world in the year since Casio introduced their Super Slim projector line? Italian officials have banned ultra thin models from runway fashion shows, the formerly gregarious "Screech" has become a super-jerk in his quest to become the biggest loser, and Apple has released the iPhone as one of the slimmest "smart" phones ever made. Coincidence? Possibly.

Of course Casio isn't responsible for the world's obsession with size, but they are still the thinnest portable projector on the market. So how did they get so slim? And what other ingenues are waiting in the wings?

How'd They Do That?

We talked about the Casio Super Slim projectors back in September 2006, but since the technology has yet to be beat, we think it's worth another look.

Projectors have historically been significantly bulkier than laptops, but are still often carried along side them in a laptop bag or attache case. Because projector lenses were at least 2-inches wide, the average "height" of a projector was well over two-inches. The people at Casio saw this as an opportunity to innovate, creating their Super Slim line with a remarkable 1.7-inch height.

How Slim Is It?

The Super Slim projectors from Casio are just 1.69 inches tall, and just 1.26-inches at its slimmest point. They were able to achieve this extreme thinness without enlarging the footprint. The actual physical dimensions of the XJ-S30 and S35 are: 10.63" (W) × 7.83" (D) × 1.69" (H).

So How Did They Lose Those Extra Inches?

To achieve the ultra-slim frame, proprietary technologies had to be created. First, the lens had to be made smaller, while keeping the image bright and clear. Second, the cooling system had to be made more efficient to keep the projector cool with the size decrease.

The Super Slim Lens

The slimmer lens is achieved using an aspherical (meaning not perfectly spherical) reflector along with a condenser lens that maximizes the characteristics of the light source lamp. The 'lead screw' system technology successfully reduces the diameter of the front cell, and improves the telecentric ratio, which keeps the image from becoming distorted. Essentially the people at Casio found a way to keep a smaller lens looking great, by adding this original technology.

The Super Efficient Fan with Heat Pipe

The Super Slim projectors have a brightness of 2000 lumens, which is a desirable brightness for a portable projector because it allows for lights on use. To maintain a cool projector at that brightness, in the Super Slim frame, a specially designed cooling system had to be created.

The Super Slim projectors have a patent pending process which includes a high static pressure Sirocco fan and a heat dispersion system called Heat Pipe. The fan pulls cooler air into two chambers surrounding the light engine, then directs the hot air out through the front of the projector, away from the audience. The Heat Pipe system channels the heat away from the projector as well. Working together these technologies create a quiet, efficient cooling system for the Super Slim projectors. In fact, the system is effective enough that you don't have to wait for the projector to cool down before packing up.

Invasion of the Nano Projectors

A buzz is beginning about new cell phone projectors. This new nano-technology proves to be an interesting playground for techie types. Of course the cell phone projector isn't going to be bright enough for the gang on movie night, but it will be bright enough to temporarily blind friends, family, or colleagues. Their rumored US release date is mid 2008. Pocket projectors are also popular for some applications, with more stand-alone features like SD card slots and battery power options.

Stay tuned Projector Friends for the next Projector People Post!

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July 02, 2007

Projector Manufacturer Rebates and Promotions - July 2007

Epson Home Cinema 1080 - $300 mail-in rebate.
Offer good 7/1/2007 through 7/31/2007.

Epson MovieMate 30 - $50 mail-in rebate.
Offer good 6/10/2007 through 7/14/2007.

Epson PowerLite Cinema 400 - $500 mail-in rebate.
Offer good 7/1/2007 through 7/30/2007.

Optoma DV11 - Get a Free Panoview 92-inch screen with purchase.
Offer good 5/1/2007 through 7/31/2007.

Optoma EP719 - $100 mail-in rebate.
Offer good 2/1/2007 through 7/31/2007.

Optoma H31 Digital Cinema - $100 mail-in rebate.
Offer good 11/1/2006 through 7/31/2007.

Optoma HD70 - $200 mail-in rebate.
Offer good 7/1/2007 through 7/31/2007.

Optoma HD7100 - $300 mail-in rebate.
Offer good 7/1/2007 through 7/31/2007.

Optoma HD81 - $300 mail-in rebate.
Offer good 7/1/2007 through 7/31/2007.

Panasonic PT-AE1000U - $1000 mail-in rebate and free 3-year warranty.
Offer good 6/30/2007 through 9/30/2007.

Panasonic PT-AX100U - $400 mail-in rebate.
Offer good 6/30/2007 through 9/30/2007.

Sanyo PLV-Z5 - $200 mail-in rebate and additional $100 mail-in rebate or free Sanyo VPC-E6 digital camera.
Offer good 6/1/2007 through 8/31/2007.

See complete list of projector rebates and promotions including submission forms.

July 2007 Projector Coupon Codes

Projector People is now offering special savings on projectors for home theater and business with our special Coupon Codes. Coupon codes are for blog readers only!

Mitsubishi HD1000U
Save $50
Special Coupon Code: SAVE50

and select Mitsubishi HD1000U Home Theater Packages!

[ Restrictions apply. Call for details. ]

Epson Home Cinema 1080
You save $100
Special Coupon Code: SAVE100

and select Epson Home Cinema 1080 Home Theater Packages!

[ Restrictions apply. Call for details. ]

Enter the corresponding code into the promotions box once the product has been added to the cart.

Offer valid through July 30th, 2007!

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