Planar intros its first 3-chip DLP HD projector

Planar on Thursday announced it is now shipping its first 3-chip HD projector based on DLP technology. Called Viper, the projector features a 1,280x720 native resolution and can throw up images in excess of 110 inches. It was designed with custom home theater applications in mind and uses one of Texas Instruments' higher-end DLP chipsets.

Planar claims the Viper's 10,000:1 contrast ratio and 2,000 lumens of brightness are among the highest numbers for front-end projection systems, with black level reproduction that is not equaled by competing products. Planar included its proprietary video processing hardware that includes 10-bit dual image and motion adaptive processing.

Installers get the option of ordering the Viper with one of five lenses, each with power zoom and focus and horizontal and vertical lens shift operated by a remote control. Connections include an RS-232 port and a pair of HDMI 1.3 inputs. The Viper is available now, listing for $15,495.