Canon launches extra-bright REALiS projectors

Canon on Wednesday released two multimedia projectors designed for extremely bright rooms and large environments: the REALiS SX7 and X700 both run on enhanced liquid-crystal-on-silicon (LCoS) systems that boost their brightness as high as 4,000 lumens, nearly twice that of most projectors and enough to work in almost any lighting condition. The improvement also has a particular benefit for the top-end SX7, Canon adds; the device is accurate enough to match Adobe RGB and sRGB color output, making it ideal for image editors or viewers who insist on an accurate picture. Lamps in both of the projectares are now much more durable and lasts about 3,000 hours in normal use -- about 50 percent more than earlier versions.

The X700 is Canon's relative entry level model with a 1024x768 resolution and a 1,000:1 contrast ratio. Moving to the SX7 improves resolution to a much higher 1440x1050 in addition to the color matching feature, according to the company. Both accept computer and HD input through a DVI port with HDCP encryption and adapt properly to movies with a 16:9 mode and pulldown conversion of shows with slower frame rates. Three stereo inputs and one output provide audio support for the LCoS units. Prices for the X700 and SX7 are set at $3,999 and $6,999 respectively; the basic model is due to launch in October and will be followed by the premium SX7 in December.