The newly released Sanyo LP-XL40, LCD projector is aimed at the education sector. With its distinct “large eye” lens the projector can project an 80-inch (2030 mm) image from just over one meter away (1030mm) and a still respectable 60 inch image from its minimum projection distance of 76 cm away.

To achieve its short throw distance feats the projector uses 11 projection lenses combined with two large aperture aspherical lenses (the big eye). A 200W extra-high pressure mercury lamp provides a lower end 1,500 lumens of illumination.

The Sanyo LP-XL40 uses 3LCD technology – three LCD microdisplay chips of 1024 by 768 pixels. LCD microdisplays are “transmissive” – controlling the light passing through them like a valve by using the polarization effects of the chips liquid crystals. LCD microdisplay projection systems separate the projection lamps light into red, green, and blue light using wavelength (color) splitting dichroic filters The separate light colors pass through the microdisplays and are then recombined to form the full-color image.

LCD microdisplay manufacturers have established the 3LCD Group to promote the technology. Members include Epson, Fujitsu, Hitachi, Sanyo, Panasonic, and Sony. The group promote their LCoS approach and using their 3LCD logo as a counter to the DLP technology brand marketing efforts of Texas Instruments.

LCD chips do not produce as deep blacks as DLP microdisplays but, they are improving their position with technologies such as the use of high-temperature polysilicon (HTPS) LCDs – the basis for the 3LCD projection technology used in this projector. LCD also can have some slight discoloration problems in images that have large white areas.

The Sanyo LP-XL40 digital projector has the bonus feature of horizontal keystone correction allowing the projector to be set up slightly off center without image distortion a bonus in setup flexibility in difficult situations. For further reading on keystone correction see our article on Keystone Correction.

Read our Microdisplay chips for rear projection televisions post to learn more about the new generation of projection technology chips.

Resources

Projection Screen Selection Guide

Tips for Extending Projector Lamp Life

Guide to Replacement Projector Lamps and Bulbs