Sanyo unveils US versions of new projectors

On Monday, Electronista reported Sanyo unveiled two new projectors for its X-series line in Japan, and today the company announced the pair is making its way Stateside this summer, with significantly lower pricing that the Japanese models. The bright 3,100-lumens PLC-XC55 and 2,600-lumens PLC-XC50 projectors include new security features and a more advanced, largely maintenance-free filter.

To help prevent theft, both units have Sanyo's integrated security bar to affix the units in place with wires that are up to 11mm thick, while an electronic PIN code unlocks their operation. Sanyo's easy-maintenance filter technology, AMF, makes its debut in the company's portable projectors on the XC50 and XC55. The AMF uses 10 "layers" of filter material, each of which is claimed to last about 3,000 hours and is then automatically swapped as it becomes dusty.

Replacing the need for an external speaker system is an integrated 7-watt speaker in either new projector along with a closed caption option. Otherwise, a blackboard mode and vertical Auto Keystone Correction ease classroom set-up and use.

The projectors are able to display up to 1080i 50/60 or 720p HD resolution via DVI-I or component video inputs, while standard-def signals come via composite and S-Video connections. A VGA input and output is also included.

The PLC-XC55 and PLC-XC50 will be available in July and sell for $1,995 and $1,495 respectively, significantly undercutting the equivalent prices of its Japanese counterparts, of $3,029 and $3,537.