Mitsubishi Digital Electronics America's Presentation Products Division, known for high-definition presentation and display products, has introduced two high-brightness, dual-lamp installation projectors using Texas Instruments' DLP technology that can be used in 24/7 continuous applications. The XD8100U XGA (1024 × 768 pixels) and widescreen WD8200U WXGA (1280 × 800 pixels) projectors offer a host of options to meet end users' and installers' most demanding environments, including those that run non-stop. The projectors are being showcased at InfoComm in Las Vegas, June 9-11, 2010 in Mitsubishi's Booth #C5602.

"These new dual lamp projectors are jam-packed with flexible options and features that allow systems integrators to configure them to match their customers' most challenging display needs," said Wayne Kozuki, product manager, Mitsubishi Digital Electronics America's Presentation Products Division. "We're getting great feedback from the show floor at InfoComm."

The XD8100U and WD8200U can operate in either single or dual lamp mode for a sharp and bright image (up to 7000* lumens and 5000* lumens, respectively). With each lamp needing only one hour of shut-down period every week, this feature enables users to configure their lamp settings appropriate for applications that run non-stop 24/7/365 operation or in areas with variable ambient light.

Each model in this line is equipped with Mitsubishi Super Resolution, an exclusive menu-driven Mitsubishi Electric algorithm where the user can enhance the sharpness of a projected image. "People are thinking of projection displays differently after seeing this feature and comparing the same image displayed by non-Super Resolution pictures," added Kozuki.

The new projectors also offer user-interchangeable color wheels for either brightness-intensive or color-intensive applications. Each unit comes with the high-brightness color wheel with an option to purchase the exchangeable six-segment color wheel that emphasizes richness and depth of colors. This flexibility allows users to match presentation content with the color wheel best suited for the application.

Both of the new Mitsubishi models offer geometric warping so images can be created on curved screens or surfaces, in either front- or rear-projection mode. They are ideal for museums, malls, casinos or other performance spaces such as planetariums or vision tunnels; artists and designers, for example, can create a globe lit with moving images or other projected artwork on a curved, bent or arched surface.

With the XD8100U and WD8200U, Mitsubishi introduces new edge-blending and color matching technology, which allows many images from different projectors of the same model to be blended vertically and/or horizontally to create one virtually seamless and uniform image for visual impact. Blended horizontal (left and right) and vertical (top and bottom) image edges gives designers a large canvas to show their display creation digitally.

In most 24/7 operations, cooling large projectors can be problematic, but the XD8100U and WD8200U offer a heat pipe cooling system much like a car's radiator grill; it absorbs heat and funnels it away from the projector. There are no moving parts and no liquid components so the projectors are quiet with no additional power supply required for energy savings. Unlike other liquid-based cooling systems, there's no risk of leaking, which can be dangerous.

For creative installations, these new models offer 360° support, so images can be projected in a complete circle vertically, above and below from a center point. These new models also offer motorized horizontal and vertical lens-shift and motorized focus and zoom for placing the projected image on the screen.

Mitsubishi also announced a new self-cleaning filter system with these projectors. Each unit includes an automated rotating filter that allows users to schedule filter rotations automatically or manually on an as-needed basis. The filter itself is a reusable mesh that has an estimated maintenance span of up to 10,000 hours (under normal operating conditions). When the filter needs cleaning, users rinse and dry it, reinstall and reuse the filter.

Mitsubishi offers multiple optional lenses that support various room configurations and throw distances. These interchangeable lenses support a throw ratio range of 1.3 up to 9.0 front projection, plus a zero-axis 0.8 rear throw distance. The WD8200U and the XD8100U have a cut-out around the centered lens for switching lenses.

The projectors boast Texas Instruments' BrilliantColor technology, which uses color-processing algorithms and system-level enhancements for brightness and color reproduction. They offer an HDMI input for native digital signals and RJ45 for remote networking management that supports Crestron as well as AMX remote management solutions.

"Mitsubishi continually brings new technology to market, particularly that which increases durability and saves time and money over the life of a projector. And we're now introducing unique usability features combined with dynamic picture performance," said James Chan, director, product marketing, Mitsubishi Digital Electronics America's Presentation Products Division. "Mitsubishi continues to offer a greater range of installation projectors with a lot of flexible options designed to meet the needs of all our customers."

Pricing, Availability, Warranty

The XD8100U XGA and WD8200U projectors are targeted for availability in the next few months through authorized Mitsubishi dealers. The projectors come with Mitsubishi's three-year limited warranty on parts and labor plus a one-year limited warranty on the lamp. As with all Mitsubishi installation projectors, each is covered by the Express Replacement Assistance (ERA) Program, a nationwide service that offers next business-day replacement for down units under warranty coverage. Both installation projectors offer a one-year or 500-hour (whichever comes first) limited warranty on the lamp.