Audio Video News

Comdex 2001 witnessed the unveiling of Toshiba's new MT5 video projector, a lightweight (less than five pounds) device with big potential.

The MT5 is Toshiba's first DLP home theater projector. The heart of the MT5 is Texas Instruments' Digital Light Processing technology—a micro-mirror device that generates an image by moving more than one million tiny mirrors on the surface of an "optical semiconductor chip." Toshiba has combined the DLP chip with premium lenses and a quad-speed, six-segment color wheel in a sealed enclosure, delivering what the manufacturer claims is excellent color and resolution with a superb brightness level of 1000 ANSI and a 600:1 contrast ratio. High brightness and contrast enable projector use even in brightly-lit rooms. Measuring only 10.3" W x 11'' D x 3.5" H, the compact MT5 is easy to install and operate.

The MT5 includes sophisticated video processing circuitry that performs high-end de-interlacing, per-pixel motion compensation, 3:2 and 2:2 pulldown film-mode detection, and cross-color suppression. The projector accepts every common analog video source, as well as a variety of digital inputs, including those from Windows PC and Macintosh computers. Inputs include DV (digital video), composite and S-video, two computer inputs (DVI and RS232), plus a hard-wired remote jack and an audio input. Dual Mode operation optimizes image quality for both 16:9 widescreen and legacy video 4:3 aspect ratios. DVD, HDTV, NTSC, PAL, and SECAM sources are all compatible with the MT5.

Positioning of the projector isn't critical, thanks to Digital Keystone Correction which allows the projector to be placed above or below the screen with no image distortion. All functions are adjustable via the on-screen menu and full-function remote control.

"Toshiba is committed to providing consumers with the broadest range of choice in high-performance video display devices," said Sam Malik, director of sales and marketing for the company's multimedia products group. "With the introduction of our first full-featured DLP projector, our customers can now choose from both of today's most advanced projection technologies, DLP and LCD, depending on their preferences and needs." The Toshiba MT5 projector will be available this month for a suggested retail price of $4,995.99.