Digital Projection Lowers 3D Projector Pricing

In terms of system investments, it’s hard to argue against the value a projection system provides.

The only caveat is when 3D is brought into the conversation. High-performance projectors that offer 3D playback are extremely expensive.

DPI, in an anticipated product introduction at CEDIA Expo 2010, will introduce its single-chip M-Vision Cine 400 3D projector, which will slice the point of entry into 3D projection by about 75 percent.

“[Last year] the Titan 3D won a CEDIA award, and this year we’ll be showing that in a 3D theater, but we’ll be introducing a single chip that we’ll be showing that side by side with the Titan,” says Michael Bridwell, DPI marketing communications manager. “The MSRP for the Titan ($84,000) and the M-Vision unit will price in the upper teens. It’s [the M-Vision Cine 400 3D] important to us because the talk of 3D has been with smaller 3D TV panels and the price of the large projectors are only for the top percentile. It is a full 3D with a DLP chip, but the real important part of it is that it’s a lower cost projector and we’ll be shipping it toward the end of the year.”

In order to provide added system flexibility, Bridwell says DPI sells the active-shutter IR emitter and the companion 3D glasses separately in sets. He says DPI breaks out the glasses of the system to enable its dealers to fit the exact needs of each client.

There’s More to DP Than 3D
The 3D projector will probably dominate the buzz around DPI's booth, but Bridwell says DPI's soon-to-launch D-Vision 30 1080p LED projector is more groundbreaking in consumer video. He says the D-Vision LED product will complement the company’s existing M Vision product as a step-up solution for ergonomically-challenged consumers who want the benefits of LED technologies with a choice of greater lens options that aid the installation process.

“The LED conversion [from lamps to LED light engines] to us is more compelling than 3D and it’s a lot more long term,” he explains. “The projector market hasn’t seen a technology breakthrough like this in a long time. We’re hoping that more people catch on to the longevity aspect of the LED technology.”

DPI will also debut the dVision35-WQXGA, which will provide the necessary resolutions to facilitate anamorphic imaging without the need for an external lens, and the $7,000 M-Vision Cine 230. Bridwell says the M-Vision Cine is important for the company because it provides consumers with the opportunity to own a performance projection product without having to spend a significant amount of money.

“There’s a perception that DP is only high end, at this show we’re launching a sub $7,000 projector called the M Vision Cine 230 and it’s 1080p, single-chip DLP,” Bridwell notes. “The projector offers 1,000 Lumens and a 3,000:1 contrast ratio. It has the same quality and lens control of our other products. The market dictates that we get overlooked and now we have precision projector that’s less than $7,000.”