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This story was printed from CNET Asia.
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InFocus debuts content-over-USB projectors

By Philip Wong, CNET Asia
19/09/2008
URL: http://asia.cnet.com/reviews/home_av/projectors/0,39037580,62046335,00.htm

SINGAPORE: Fiddling with cumbersome and bulky D-Sub (a.k.a. VGA) cable is passé, with InFocus leading the way on content-over-USB interface. Unveiled yesterday at a media event, its DisplayLink-capable IN1100- and IN3100-series are possibly the world's first multimedia projectors to feature USB audio-video-control connectivity. The third series in its latest 2008 lineup is the IN5100, an installation-oriented model with high brightness output and upgraded capabilities.

With DisplayLink, all you need is a standard mini-USB cable, which is bundled with most mobile gadgets such as phones and MP3 players, to hook up a projector to your notebook or desktop. Setup is a simple plug-and-play affair, too, with relevant software downloaded directly from the beamers. This includes an onscreen remote that mirrors its physical counterpart's functionality, though only Microsoft Windows operating system is compatible at the moment--Mac support is scheduled for Q1 2009.

For added versatility, this technology can cater up to 15m-long cords that are extendable using repeaters, while adding an inexpensive USB hub enables four to six DisplayLink projectors to be driven by a single computer. The latter can be used to stitch together an extended workspace to display even more information simultaneously, limited only by the processing power of the computer's graphics chip. Best of all, a wireless implementation of DisplyLink is currently in the pipeline.

The emergence of widescreen displays and HDMI outputs on new-generation laptops has prompted InFocus to introduce matching capabilities for many of its new entries. Segmented into mobile, portable and installation categories, the 1.25kg IN1100, 3.1kg IN3100 and 7.1kg IN5100 each has a specific model that offers a wide-aspect 1,280 x 800-pixel resolution. Furthermore, the latter two series have HDMI 1.3 input and a power source for the wireless LiteShow II adapter as standard.

For an added touch of class, the IN3100 has a LiteTouch control which blends seamlessly with the glossy top chassis. Aesthetics aside, these blue backlit buttons have smart programming to automatically dim when the projector is ceiling-mounted.

On a separate note, InFocus executives also shared with CNET Asia some of the company's directions which include a renewed focus on the fundamentals of new products and a revamped corporate branding. There are plans to introduce new platforms in 2009 using LED as an alternative light source as well.

The pricing and launch details of the IN1100, IN3100 and IN5100 for the rest of Asia were not available at press time.

InFocus 2008 multimedia projector lineup


Model name In a nutshell

Notable features:
  • Mobile multimedia projector
  • Texas Instruments DLP engine
  • 1,024 x 768-pixel resolution
  • 2,100 ANSI lumens brightness
  • DisplayLink-ready
  • Automatic keystone adjustment
  • 1.1x zoom
  • 1.25kg
  • VGA input

    Availability: Now (Singapore)
    Price: S$2,199

    • Notable features:
  • Mobile multimedia projector
  • Texas Instruments DLP engine
  • 1,280 x 800-pixel resolution
  • 2,200 ANSI lumens brightness
  • DisplayLink-ready
  • Automatic keystone adjustment
  • 1.1x zoom
  • 1.25kg
  • VGA input

    Availability: Now (Singapore)
    Price: S$2,399

    • Notable features:
  • Portable multimedia projector
  • Texas Instruments DLP engine
  • 1,024 x 768-pixel resolution
  • 3,000 ANSI lumens brightness
  • DisplayLink-ready
  • Automatic keystone adjustment
  • Onboard LiteShow II power source
  • 1.1x zoom
  • 3.1kg
  • HDMI and 2 x VGA inputs

    Availability: Now (Singapore)
    Price: S$2,799

    • Notable features:
  • Portable multimedia projector
  • Texas Instruments DLP engine
  • 1,024 x 768-pixel resolution
  • 3,500 ANSI lumens brightness
  • DisplayLink-ready
  • Automatic keystone adjustment
  • Onboard LiteShow II power source
  • 1.1x zoom
  • 3.1kg
  • HDMI and 2 x VGA inputs

    Availability: Now (Singapore)
    Price: S$2,999

    • Notable features:
  • Portable multimedia projector
  • Texas Instruments DLP engine
  • 1,280 x 800-pixel resolution
  • 3,000 ANSI lumens brightness
  • DisplayLink-ready
  • Automatic keystone adjustment
  • Onboard LiteShow II power source
  • 1.1x zoom
  • 3.1kg
  • HDMI and 2 x VGA inputs

    Availability: Now (Singapore)
    Price: S$2,999

    • Notable features:
  • Installation multimedia projector
  • 3LCD engine
  • 1,024 x 768-pixel resolution
  • 4,000 ANSI lumens brightness
  • Vertical and horizontal lens shift
  • Onboard LiteShow II power source
  • Interchangeable lens
  • 1.2x zoom
  • 7.1kg
  • HDMI, component-video and 2 x VGA inputs

    Availability: Now (Singapore)
    Price: S$4,699

    • Notable features:
  • Installation multimedia projector
  • 3LCD engine
  • 1,280 x 800-pixel resolution
  • 4,000 ANSI lumens brightness
  • Vertical and horizontal lens shift
  • Onboard LiteShow II power source
  • Interchangeable lens
  • SplitScreen technology
  • 1.2x zoom
  • 7.1kg
  • HDMI, component-video and 2 x VGA inputs

    Availability: Now (Singapore)
    Price: S$6,299

    • Notable features:
  • Installation multimedia projector
  • 3LCD engine
  • 1,024 x 768-pixel resolution
  • 5,000 ANSI lumens brightness
  • Vertical and horizontal lens shift
  • Onboard LiteShow II power source
  • Interchangeable lens
  • 1.2x zoom
  • 7.1kg
  • HDMI, component-video and 2 x VGA inputs

    Availability: Now (Singapore)
    Price: S$6,999