IFA 2012: Epson refreshes projectors, adds budget 3D

Epson used this year's IFA show to refresh its 2012 projector range, and usher in new models for gamers and AV enthusiasts. Taking top spot in the brand's new season line-up will be the EH-TW9100 and EH-TW9100W. The duo build on the success of the EH-TW9000, offering improvements in contrast, now up to 320,000:1, and brightness, up to 2,400 lumens. Both projectors come with two pairs of 3D glasses, and a new found ability to depth-convert 2D HD content into faux 3D.

Entirely new is the EH-TW8100. Priced just over £2,000 it drops the anamorphic aspect ratio support found on the 9 Series, but maintains a generally high-end specification.

All the brand's new 3D-ready projectors now work with universal RF 3D eyeware.  A 2.1 zoom lens and wide lens shift aid installation flexibility, while super-resolution and frame interpolation provided for a sharper viewing experience.

The popular EH-TW6000 model also gets a facelift, becoming the EH-TW6100 and EH-TW6100W wireless version, while the EH-TW5910 mans the lower battlements. Brightness has been improved to 2,300 lumens on this trio. Both iterations of the EH-TW6100 come with a pair of rechargeable 3D glasses. Finally, the brand surprised many with the EH-TW550 (pictured above), an entry level 720p Active Shutter 3D projector, priced at just £599. This new transportable model is intended principally for white-wall gamers.

Epson says all the W suffix models will come with a revamped wireless HDMI transmitter. The new zapper now offers five HDMI inputs, for versatile system hook-up. The new models will begin shipping in October.

Seiko Epson Corporation president Minoru Usui opened IFA with a keynote that confirmed technology manufacturers were experiencing "unprecedented change in their competitive environment, as well as their markets, and the economy at large." He urged the industry to return to core values to stimulate innovation.

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