Sanyo unveils new LCD projector with 3-inch throw

Sanyo today announced it will release its new ultra-short throw projector, the PLC-XL51. Capable of projecting an image up to 80 inches in size from about 3 inches away at 1024x768 (XGA) resolution, the new projector features some upgrades over the PLC-XL50. These include a higher brightness (2,700 lumens vs 2,000), an SD memory card slot for PC-free presentations and network capabilities.

The contrast and aspect ratios are identical to the previous model's, at 600:1 and 4:3, respectively. Unlike the older version, however, the PLC-XL51 sports the company's PJ Network Interface that gives users the choice of a wired or wireless network connection, allowing them to control it via a web browser. Wireless capability works on the 802.11b/g standards with maximum transfer speeds of 54Mbps, WEP 64/128-bit security and Mac OS compatibility.

The PLC-XL51 uses a large aspheric lens and high-precision aspheric mirror to magnify images without distorting them. Because of the sharp angles associated with the short throw distance, top and bottom keystone correction aligns the image. Colors can be adjusted via included software to account for non-white or dark colored surfaces such as blackboards.

Security features include a locking PIN code and vibration-sensing alarm. Computers connect via a VGA input, while a second VGA can act as either a secondary input or an output. Video inputs include three sets of component jacks, one composite and an S-Video connection while audio comes via a stereo mini-jack input and output and two RCA inputs.

The PLC-XL51 will be available this September, priced at $3,995.