Epson unveils MovieMate 55 combo projector

Epson late Tuesday announced its latest combo projector, the MovieMate 55. The device features a CD/DVD player and speakers in addition to the projector. Music can be played from any MP3 player, while video can be played from iPods. PCs or gaming consoles including Xbox 360, PS3, or Wii can be viewed with the MovieMate. Pictures displayed from picture CDs or USB flash drives can also be projected. A new E-TORL lamp is used and is claimed to output 1200 lumens in both color and white light.

The projector produces a 16:9 aspect ratio image. A 60" size can be obtained when the MM 55 is placed 6 feet away from the screen, or a 120" size when placed 12 feet. The CD/DVD player is standard definition (480p) progressive scan. Sound is output through two 8 watt speakers.

The 3LCD projector technology uses a three chip optical engine, claimed by Epson to offer full time color without break-up. Each primary color is processed by an individual chip, preventing the rainbow effect from sequential color projection using a single chip. The MovieMate 55 will be available in October for $700.