Audio Video News

What's incredibly bright, compatible with almost any video format, and weighs only about eight pounds? Answer: Canon's new LV-7345, a high-performance portable projector with a price tag under $5000.

With light output capable of reaching 2100 ANSI lumens---bright enough to cast large, clear images in well-lit rooms, the "ultraportable" LV-7345 features powered zoom and focus, digital keystone correction, and two brightness modes that allow presentations anywhere regardless of room lighting. In "True Color" mode, the LV-7345 puts out 1800 ANSI lumens for "highly accurate color reproduction." For bright rooms, users can switch to "Turbo Bright" mode, for an increase in light output to 2100 ANSI lumens.

The LV-7345 features RGB analog input (VGA), RGB digital input (DVI) and a USB port. Video inputs include component, s-video and composite video for compatibility with DVD, digital cameras, digital camcorders and VCRs. The projector is also compatible with HDTV signals, outputting displays in the 16:9 widescreen aspect ratio. A truly global product, the LV-7345 also accepts NTSC, PAL, and SECAM signals. It can create an image up to 300" diagonally with 90% uniformity corner-to-corner. "A 1.3X motorized optical zoom plus a 16X digital zoom are included for a closer look at any projected image," according to a late June press release.

The LV-7345 is compatible with both Windows PC and Mac computers, and can deliver static graphics at XGA, SXGA, SVGA, and VGA levels of resolution. It can also project images without the need for a feed from a computer by using Canon's Media Card Imager interface, which accepts standard Type I Compact Flash cards. "Canon is constantly seeking to overcome the real world challenges our customers face, which resulted in our Turbo Bright feature that is included on the new LV-7345," said Yukiaki Hashimoto, vice president and general manager, Photographic Products Group, Canon U.S.A., Inc. "This technology lets our customers display the best images in any room lighting situation they encounter, providing a better viewing experience for the audience." List price on the LV-7345 is $4,699.00; it will be available from authorized Canon dealers in August.