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Sanyo Introduces the Short Throw Projector

3 Inches are more than enough

Jun 15, 2007 12:41 GMT  ·  By
Sanyo's Short Throw Projector, the "LP-XL50"
   Sanyo's Short Throw Projector, the "LP-XL50"

Enough for what, you might add. Well, for a lot of things. But in order to understand exactly how it is possible to produce such an impressive image from a rather small projector you will have to understand some things about the term "short throw".

For example, "short throw" has no direct relation with the displayed image. Instead, short throw projectors refer to the possibility of using a very wide angle in order to obtain a rather large image from a pretty small device. The secret lies in the very wide angle used by the magnifying lens.

And that's where Sanyo's device comes in. Sanyo claims that its new projector dubbed LP-XL50 is able to project an image with an 80-inch diagonal size from only 3 inches away. The LP-XL50 has a native resolution of 1024x768 (SVGA, aspect ratio 4:3) which is pretty standard for most compact projectors. In addition, the LP-XL50 also has different inputs for VGA, S-Video and component in (analog video sources). Unfortunately that's where the input list ends since there is no support for digital video sources such as DVI or HDMI.

The best part about the LP-XL50 is that it can throw images from any position (not just floor or ceiling). The projector can hang just above or below the surface due to its wide angle projection, aspect ratio adjustments and mirrors inside the lens will provide a crisp clear image with perfect angles even if the projector is not centered on the surface.

Regarding the availability of the LP-XL50, Sanyo says it will be possible to buy it at the end of the year (December 21) but at first the device will only be available in Japan. Well, at least we know such a device works and can be perfect for small presentations in a space where a normal projector wouldn't fit. Everything else is just a matter of time.

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