Archive notice: This article was originally published on January 10, 2008. Links and embedded videos are preserved as part of the historical record.
With the high-end Pro8100 projector, ViewSonic is presenting a state-of-the-art Full HD model whose many performance features should satisfy even very demanding video enthusiasts. Alongside the native 16:9 image format with true Full HD resolution (1080p), these include the latest image-processing technologies.
First-class panel, colour and video-processor technology
At the heart of this innovative flagship Full HD projector is a C2Fine 3LCD panel that takes brightness and colour precision to new levels. For noise-free, high-resolution movies in top quality, incoming signals are analysed and optimised by the powerful Silicon Optix HQV-Reon video processor. The Pro8100’s 10-bit image processing renders more than one billion colours for extremely fine colour gradations. The model also analyses pixels one by one, detecting and eliminating any blur. Where necessary, contrast is automatically increased to make details clearer. In addition, the Pro8100 identifies complete incoming frames and optimises film-to-TV cadence independently of the incoming video cadence. Thanks to integrated Auto-Iris technology, the Pro8100 responds to signal changes with precise real-time adjustments of brightness gradations within a scene. This enables contrast ratios of up to 13000:1.
Excellent colour-calibration options
Finally, at the end of the image-processing chain, ViewSonic’s intelligent Precision Color SystemTM (PCS) acts as the final colour-control instance. Potential colour-reproduction errors are therefore effectively corrected. Comparable systems are normally found only in expensive external video processors. In this model, PCS enables 33-step gamma correction for studio-quality colour calibration, resulting in almost perfect greyscale optimisation.
Easy operation
Setting up the Pro8100 is extremely simple: an intuitively understandable on-screen menu allows even non-technical users to navigate the extensive image-optimisation options quickly. With a noise level of only 18 decibels in Eco mode, the model is extremely quiet. Eco mode also increases lamp life to 5,000 hours – enough to watch one feature film daily for more than nine years. To make installation and setup even more convenient, the projector is equipped with motorised zoom and focus, including motorised horizontal and vertical lens-shift functions. Alongside standard PC and video connections, the Pro8100 offers two of the latest HDMI 1.3a inputs (HDCP) and two component inputs, providing a full range of analogue and digital connectivity for customised home-cinema installations.
