Nov 30, 2010 18:31 GMT  ·  By

Although lately I have come across projectors specially designed for a wide range of tasks, this is the first time that I lay my eyes on a projector built for the medical education market, namely the Canon REALiS WUX4000 D Installation LCOS projector.

In case you are wondering what makes this so special when compared to the WUX4000 that we presented a short while ago, the answer lies in the DICOM compatibility, this standard being used in virtually all hospitals to ensure the interoperability of systems used to produce, store, display, retrieve or print medical images.

As a result of the added DICOM Simulation mode, the REALiS WUX4000 can display 21 different levels of grayscale gradation, more than regular projectors are capable of while also coming with 4000 lumens brightness and a WUXGA-resolution (1920×1200).

Furthermore, this projector also makes use of Canon's fourth-generation AISYS-enhanced LCOS optical system that delivers improved picture quality.

In addition, the REALiS WUX4000 D can be configured with three optional Canon high-resolution interchangeable lenses for different throw distances and projection screen sizes while also coming with motorized lens shift, zoom and focus.

All these can be controlled via a Ethernet or an RS-232 serial port, a remote control with lens shift and gamma functions being also available, a built-in memory storing up to ten different setting combinations.

On the video input side of things, this comes with everything one should expect from a top of the line projector, including HDMI, DVI-D and analog PC terminals, two audio inputs, and one audio output for external amplification and speakers, if the 5W enclosed speaker is not enough for you.

"No matter the type of medical images being displayed, the combination of Canon's leading imaging technologies in the new REALiS WUX4000 D coupled with DICOM simulation mode brings medical educators a precise, practical and easy-to-use display option for lecture or classroom settings," said Yuichi Ishizuka, executive VP and general manager, consumer imaging group, Canon USA.

The Canon REALiS WUX4000 D is scheduled to become available in March 2011, for suggested retail price of US$9,999.