Electrohome Projection Systems introduces first projector based on Texas Instruments' three-chip DLP engine; Breakthrough brightness, resolution and picture uniformity distinguish Electrohome's new Vista Pro projector

Business Wire, May 15, 1996

KITCHENER, Ont.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--May 15, 1996-- Electrohome Projection Systems, a leading manufacturer of high-resolution video/data/graphics projection systems and business unit of Electrohome Limited, today introduced the Vista Pro high brightness projector - the first projection system based on Texas Instruments' (TIs') three-chip Digital Light Processing(tm) (DLP)(tm) engine. The Vista Pro projector - offering over 1000 ANSI lumens of brightness, accurate color reproduction, seamless imagery, digital accuracy, color uniformity and scaleability to higher resolutions - kicks off Electrohome's new Vista(tm) series of DLP based projectors for the professional display market.

"With the convergence of computer, telecommunications and other technologies, we recognize the importance of moving into the all- digital domain," said Dave Lowater, president and chief operating officer of Electrohome's Visual Communications Group. "Our Vista Pro projector is the first in a line of all-digital projection devices from Electrohome that will offer superior interface capability, accuracy, consistency and stability. Texas Instruments' DLP engine is a key subsystem in this advancement."

Texas Instrument's Digital Micro-mirror Device(tm) (DMD(tm)) microchip is a highly integrated semiconductor light switch that is at the heart of the company's Digital Light Processing (DLP) solutions for emerging projection display and on-demand, short run color printing. This initial three-chip DLP subsystem integrated into Electrohome's Vista Pro projector provides the highest brightness, color saturation and light efficiency commercially announced to date, as well as true 24-bit color for accurate color reproduction.

"Our three-chip DLP subsystems provide a gateway to maximum performance," said James Pawlowski, manager of TI's professional display products. "In addition to carrying the reputable Electrohome name, the Vista Pro projector makes its mark in the professional market by being the first three-chip based system, offering critical performance benefits such as highest brightness and color saturation capabilities. We are pleased that Electrohome has chosen this route for the development of their Vista series."

TI's three-chip professional DLP subsystem uses a color splitting prism to separate white light into red, blue and green illuminating each DMD with one color. The three colors are then recombined into a single projection lens and onto the screen. Each DMD continuously displays one color therefore eliminating any potential light loss due to color wheel or sequentially loading the device.

The all-digital architecture of the Vista Pro projector is supported by its intuitive, comprehensive, menu-driven control software, its inherent compatibility with a variety of signal sources and its fast and easy set-up capability. Equipped with a user interface that combines a graphical interface and a hand held remote, the Vista Pro projector is also easy to operate. Frequently used projector functions can be accessed either from the IR remote, or at most, one level down in the menu structure. Particularly when giving presentations, for example, users can interact with the on-screen menu's simplistic icon options without interruption.

"With the advent of the Vista series, Electrohome continues its commitment to developing products that customers find easy to use and reliable, and that deliver state-of-the art performance," said Rick Norris, Electrohome's Vista product manager. "DLP technology has enabled Electrohome to offer new product advantages in terms of brightness, size, weight and functionality when compared to other display technologies. As a result, our product offers leading edge performance in a compact, modern design that is half the weight of competitive projectors."

Images are generated from a user's computer or video equipment with the use of video decoders and optional interfaces. Because Vista projectors are compatible with most current and emerging signal sources, they address the current business needs of meeting room environments as well as large auditoriums, churches and entertainment venues.

The motion adaptive processing of video sources in the Vista Pro projector offers superior performance compared to line repeat methods. In addition, the it is the first Electrohome projector to incorporate a resizing capability for higher resolution computer images.

A CERMAX(r) Xenon lamp with an integrated reflector provides high-brightness and excellent color consistency over the life of the lamp. The lamp module is designed for safe and easy replacement by end customers.

The DLP subsystem integrated into the Vista Pro product eliminates the need for electrical or mechanical realignment or convergence of the red, green and blue channels. Because the DMDs in a DLP subsystem are pre-converged and locked in place, projector set-up time is minimized. This feature is particularly beneficial for users in the rental staging market where set-up time is critical to profitability.