The lamp will most likely be the first component to break down in the case of any projector, this being also the reason why the estimated functioning life of a lamp is an extremely important issue when purchasing a projector. So how about a device that would provide a "backup" lamp, automatically alternating the use of both light sources, for a longer life? Well, that's exactly what Japanese company Sanyo has managed to develop in the form of the LP-XTC50 projector.

The device sports what Sanyo touts to be the industry's first lamp selection system. Practically, this system selects one of the two lamps to project from, and switches based on user preference or on preprogrammed settings. One functioning mode is the "Alternating Mode," which uses a rotating pattern, alternating the use time of the two lamps, while the "Relay Mode" uses one light source up to the recommended lamp replacement time, then switches to the other. Regardless of the chosen mode, the manufacturers guarantee that this thing won't need maintenance for up to 6,000 hours (around 8 months).

The device also provides other features simplifying maintenance for projectors, such as Sanyo's "Active Maintenance Filter" (AMF) system that saves on maintenance by automatically detecting clogs in the airflow to the system and scrolling the reel in the cartridge of filters to the next clean filter. The projector also features advanced lens shifting, performs keystone corrections both horizontally and vertically and can be positioned or installed at almost any angle and setting.

The device has also been fitted with a highly durable optical engine, as well as with a Mechanical Shutter that completely blocks lamp light when desired, preventing light from entering a presenter's eyes. Furthermore, an IC-equipped Lamp Box for Projection Time Management is incorporated for management of the projection time for each lamp.

Unfortunately, despite being quite an interesting product, the LP-XTC50 does have quite a serious issue, namely the fact that it's extremely expensive. Thus, the device will sell for an estimate 10,731 U.S. dollars (1,090,000 Japanese Yen) when it arrives in stores at the beginning of January 2009, which clearly means that it will mostly be purchased by large organizations and companies for public displays.


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