Texas Instruments DLP-TM- Technology To Feature Heavily At CEDIA EXPO 2002.

Business Editors/High-Tech Writers

CEDIA 2002

DALLAS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sept. 27, 2002

Technology of Choice for Projector and TV Manufacturers

At CEDIA EXPO 2002 (Minneapolis Convention Center, Minneapolis, MN) close to twenty manufacturers will showcase products featuring Texas Instruments (TI) (NYSE: TXN) DLP(TM) technology, which is rapidly establishing itself as the technology of choice for projectors and TVs aimed at discerning consumers. According to research published earlier this month from the Home Theater Research Group, 76% (by value) of the projectors shipped for home entertainment applications were based on DLP(TM) technology, with DLP(TM) technology-based projectors accounting for all five of the best-sellers.

"We're seeing DLP technology really capture the imagination of manufacturers and consumers alike," said Dale Zimmerman, Business Manager, DLP(TM) Home Entertainment at TI's DLP(TM) Products division. "It is enabling projectors and large screen displays with industry-leading image quality, outstanding ease of use, high reliability, innovative, attractive designs - and increasingly affordable pricing. It's really exciting at CEDIA to see so many excellent products that are being enabled by DLP technology."

Texas Instruments will be showcasing DLP(TM) technology on booth 281.

Among those companies that will be demonstrating products featuring DLP(TM) technology are:

BARCO (Booth 723A) will introduce CineVERSUM, which the company says is a future-proof home theater concept that accommodates both today's and tomorrow's display technologies. BARCO claims that by separating the processing from the display solution, the CineVERSUM is a non-compromise home theater, where the force of its video processing capacities come to full power. According to the company, complete ease of integration into the surrounding environment serves as the driving force behind the design of the CineVERSUM. BARCO will also introduce its CineVERSUM 80 projection module, featuring DLP(TM) technology with a native 16:9 aspect ratio. The CineVERSUM 80 delivers a contrast ratio of over 1,100:1 and a light output of 800 lumens and features a six segment color wheel that virtually eliminates the visual artifacts associated with color sequential systems. Thanks to the separation of processing and display units, BARCO says, noise generation on the CineVERSUM 80 is virtually non-existent, making it ideal for even the most critical home theater usage.

Digital Projection Inc. (DPI) (Booth 638A) will demonstrate the company's products not only on the show floor, but also in a private screening room located at the Hyatt Regency Minneapolis. Within this private screening room, DPI will create separate home cinema vignettes. The venue, says DPI, will allow dealers and systems integrators to witness the performance of DPI's projectors in surroundings similar to their clients' home cinemas. The private screening room will be located in the Nicollet Ballroom at the Hyatt Regency Minneapolis, which is less than one block from the CEDIA expo. The screening room will be open on Friday, September 27 from 10 a.m. until 8 p.m. (with a special reception from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m.) and on Saturday, September 28 from 9 a.m. until 6 p.m. Tickets are free and can be picked up at DPI's booth at the CEDIA expo, or by pre-registering on their corporate web site at www.digitalprojection.com/cedia2002.htm.

DPI will exhibit three of its home cinema projection systems, including the HIGHlite Platinum HC, which delivers 1,200:1 contrast and brightness of 3,600 lumens. DPI claims that no other projector manufacturer offers a product with these performance levels.

DreamVision (Booth 736) will showcase two of the company's products that feature DLP(TM) technology. The DreamVision CinemaTenPRO is claimed by DreamVision to be 'the sexiest projector of the year'. With XGA resolution, 1,100 lumens, contrast ratio of 1,100:1 and a custom-designed Carl Zeiss light engine, the CinemaTenPRO features a manual zoom lens and optional fixed lenses for long throw applications. It also features a six segment color wheel and support of 480i, 480p, 720p and 1080i. Other capabilities include six different video inputs, DVI, SVGA and digital keystone correction.

Also on the DreamVision booth will be the DreamVision CineXone connected to the DreamVision Optimizer scaler. With XGA resolution, 1,100 lumens, a contrast ratio of 750:1, manual zoom and a weight of 3.5lbs, the CineXone is HDTV compatible and features a wide screen mode, together with digital keystone correction.

DWIN Electronics (Booth SR3) will show the recently-announced TransVision(TM) TV2. Featuring native 16:9 aspect ratio and true 720p resolution the TransVision(TM) TV2 is a combination of two complementary components - a projector featuring DLP(TM) technology and a video controller. The TransVision(TM) controller accepts video signals from virtually all video sources. The company says that the projector's deep black levels and natural color reproduction are secured with precision gray scale settings and gamma selections; motion artifacts are reduced with Adaptive Film Mode processing; picture depth is increased with Signal Dynamic Range Expansion; and points out that all of these are performed automatically.

The TransVision(TM) TV2 offers a range of proprietary home theater features including: Automatic Aspect Ratio Recognition, which determines whether a DVD recording is anamorphic letterbox, and Automatic Image Set-up and Scaling, which determines input video signal type and controls image and scaling parameters. TheTV2 also, says DWIN, eliminates the double processing of the video signal, delivering a video image free of degradation.

The video controller can be located at the video sources and accepts a total of nine video inputs - two composite, two S-video, three component, and two RGBS - and delivers the video signals to the projector via a single RGB cable. The TransVision(TM) TV2 can be ceiling or floor mounted and configured for front or rear projection. The precision Carl-Zeiss(TM) zoom lens allows throw distances ranging from 1.41 to 2.1 times the screen width to cover a wide range of screen sizes, and a lens shift feature enables adjustment of the projection offset from lens level to 40% of the picture height.

InFocus(R) Corporation (Booth 155A), the worldwide leader in digital projection, will augment its range of projectors designed for home entertainment applications with the launch of the ScreenPlay 7200. Featuring native 16:9 aspect ratio DLP(TM) technology based on the Mustang/HD2 chip set, the ScreenPlay 7200 has a resolution of 1,280 x 720, brightness of 1,000 lumens - with dual light output modes for varied lighting conditions and viewing preferences - and a contrast ratio of 1,400:1. The projector also includes a 6500K white point and two additional settings, eight video inputs, new Faroudja(TM) DCDi(TM) video processing technology and Carl Zeiss optics. According to InFocus, the ScreenPlay 7200 provides out-of-the-box calibrated home cinema quality, simplifying the installation process.

Marantz (Booth 289) will announce the VP-12S2, a successor to the VP-12S1. Using the same award-winning Minolta optics and Faroudja processing that were features of the VP-12S1, the VP-12S2 features higher brightness and a contrast ratio of 2,600:1. The VP-12S2 also features improved picture mode presets, an added picture size memory feature and has what Marantz says is an improved menu with fine tune adjustments. These latter features, according to the company, are designed to make the VP-12S2 more user friendly. A DVI input with HDCP has also been added, and provision is made for the projector to accept SXGA resolution input. The VP-12S2 is based around the Mustang/HD2 DLP(TM) chip set with its 16:9 aspect ratio and 1,280 x 720 resolution. First shipments are scheduled for October.

Also featured on the Marantz booth will be the DLP(TM) technology-based DL5500 Rear Projection Television with its 55" diagonal, HD-ready display. With a 16:9 aspect ratio screen and native 720p resolution, the DL5500 features a 10 element lens system, first surface mirror, 3D Y/C comb filter and 3:2 pulldown detection.

NEC Solutions (America), Inc. (Lake Minnetonka Suite, 5th Floor, Hyatt Regency, 1300 Nicollet Mall) will demonstrate the newly announced HT1000(TM) entertainment projector, part of the ShowCase Series(TM) product line. The HT1000 utilizes an XGA resolution DLP(TM) subsystem with 6-segment color wheel and achieves a 3,000:1 contrast ratio through a variable IRIS that stops down the lens and their new chip based SweetVision Technology(TM). This is a proprietary chip developed by NEC which the company claims provides additional digital contrast enhancement resulting in images that are more vibrant, colors more realistic and blacks richer in detail. The projector is characterized by a choice of aspect ratio display modes and can vertically shift the image to the top of the screen to eliminate black bars. The HT1000 can also fill a 16:9 screen with 4:3 content in a non-linear manner so that the image, says the company, doesn't appear stretched. Weighing 7.1lbs, it delivers 1,000 lumens of brightness at a contrast ratio in excess of 2,000:1 in normal operation. Brightness can be adjusted to 800 lumens in Eco-Mode(TM), delivering extended lamp life and lower fan operating noise (29dBa). The lens is manual zoom, focus and IRIS. NEC says that the HT1000 is compatible with 1080p, 1080i, 720p, 576p, 576i, 480p, and 480i. Supported inputs include one DVI-D, one RGB, one set of 3 RCAs for component, one S-video, one composite jack, a PC card reader, optional networkability and four mini-audio jacks. Outputs include a screen trigger and one PC control.

Optoma (Booth 543A) will show its new line of digital OptomaTV high-definition televisions, home theater projectors, and multimedia data/video projectors. All of Optoma's new products feature the latest DLP(TM) technology, which provides image quality that surpasses any previous HDTV projection system.

The 50-inch OptomaTV RD50 and 65-inch RD65 big-screen televisions use advanced Mustang/HD2 DLP(TM) technology, which features a native 16:9 aspect ratio, a 1,500:1 contrast ratio, and true HDTV compatibility (up to 720p). These models feature 1,280 x 720 resolution and include non-reflective, fine-grade screens which display what the company claims are the world's finest HDTV projection images. OptomaTVs support a variety of computer and video inputs, and feature a front-mounted 1394 socket for digital camcorder connection, as well as PIP and POP functions for videoconferencing and other applications. Optoma says that it has also significantly reduced the dimensions and weight associated with projection televisions. The RD50 measures only 14.8 inches deep and weighs only 90 pounds, while the RD65 measures only 22 inches deep and weighs only 215 pounds.

New for the home entertainment market is Optoma's H56 home theater projector, scheduled for release in the first quarter of 2003. It delivers XGA resolution, 1,000 lumens, and an industry-leading contrast ratio of 1,600:1 which is uniquely enabled by TI's new DDR, 12-degree tilt DLPTM technology. The H56 also features Optoma's proprietary color tuning and picture adjustment memory function for each input signal. Inputs include video, S-Video, VGA (component-i, component-p, and RGBHV), and DVI (digital RGB, component-i, component-p, and RGBHV), making the H56 Optoma's top-of-the-line model.

Several previously-announced products will also be featured at the Optoma booth. The first is the H55 home theater projector. It delivers native XGA resolution, 1,000 lumens at a contrast ratio of 1,000:1, and an operating noise level of only 32dB. It has the same signal tuning/memory facilities and input capabilities as the H56.

Optoma's EzPro 737 data projector weighs three pounds and delivers 1,100 lumens at XGA resolution with a contrast ratio of 1,500:1. Though originally designed for the business market, Optoma says that video enthusiasts have praised its broad range of video compatibility including NTSC, NTSC4.43, PAL, PAL-M, PAL-N, SECAM and HDTV (480i/p, 576i/p, 1080i, and 720p).

The EzPro 756 data projector weighs 6.4 pounds, and delivers 2,000 lumens at XGA resolution, a 1,500:1 contrast ratio and features support for a wide-ranging video compatibility. It includes a manual zoom lens and dual front and back remote IR receivers. The projector operates at just 32dB, and uses what the company calls an advanced fan speed control system to maximize airflow, energy efficiency and lamp life.

The EzPro755 data projector delivers 2,000 lumens at a contrast ratio of 600:1 with XGA resolution. It provides a manual zoom lens, weighs 6.4 pounds, operates at 32dB, and offers similar features and functionality to the EzPro 756. It is, says Optoma, designed to appeal especially to schools and small to midsize businesses.

The EzPro 730, 735, 750, and 753 round out the Optoma data projector line.

PLUS Vision Corporation of America (Booth 162A) will show the newly available Piano Avanti HE-3200 which uses the Texas Instruments DLP(TM) Widescreen (480p) Component Set for native 16:9 projection. The Avanti home theater projector measures just 9.3 in. wide by 7.8 in. deep by 3.6 in. high and weighs just 4.4 lb., and so can be maneuvered easily to make any location in the home a movie theatre-like viewing experience. It is available in a choice of five colors (silver, black, white, red, and yellow). According to PLUS, it is the smallest, lightest projector ever developed specifically for home entertainment applications. As with the original Piano HE-3100, the Avanti features a built-in Silicon Image progressive scan converter, contrast ratio of 700:1 and a 4X/six-segment color wheel. To these features PLUS Vision has added 480p, 720p and 1080i inputs for playback of high definition television programming, a 1.2X zoom lens to enhance projector placement flexibility, support for both interlaced and progressive scan signals to deliver the best possible picture from all DVD players and satellite/cable TV sources, and the addition of an RGB-15 input along with component, S-Video, composite and DVI-D inputs.

RUNCO (Booth 139) will demonstrate the newly-announced CL-700, which RUNCO says establishes a new level of affordability for projectors featuring HD1 DLP(TM) technology. With native 16:9 aspect ratio and 720p native resolution, a six segment color wheel, 3:2 pulldown film/video detection, a high contrast ratio, the CL-700 also features infrared and serial control, variable throw distance and digital keystone correction.

Also on show at the RUNCO booth will be the Reflection VX-5000c. Claimed by the company to be the most versatile DLP(TM) technology-based wide screen projector available in the industry, the VX-5000c is said by RUNCO to feature custom optics whose specification exceeds the optics specification of any other single chip DLP(TM) technology-based projector. According to the company, the precision HD optics included in the VX-5000c are "premium grade" lenses which are normally found only in 3-chip systems at a much higher retail price. The VX-5000c can be configured with one of five optional lenses covering the range of 0.8:1 for rear screen applications and the zoom lens to cover screen width x 1.57-7.75:1. Also featured by the VX-5000c are both a horizontal and a vertical lens shift, allowing the projector to be installed off screen center yet still deliver a distortion-free image. RUNCO's proprietary PFP(TM) controller - using VIVIX(TM) technology - is also included with the projector.

According to RUNCO, the company is likely to make at least one additional surprise announcement at the show concerning products featuring DLP(TM) technology.

Samsung Electronics America (Booth 493) will introduce an addition to its range of large screen TVs based on Mustang/HD2 DLP(TM) technology with the launch of the HLM617W. The HLM617W features a 61" screen, weighs under 120lbs, measures less than two feet front to back and incorporates a similar feature set to the previously-announced models based on DLP(TM) technology, including a 16:9 widescreen aspect ratio, DVI connection, 1280 x 720 progressive display resolution for all inputs, a dual tuner picture-in-picture feature, and a DVD (480i/480P) auto sensing component video input. However, the HLM617W also adds Faroudja DCDi(TM) (Directional Correlational Deinterlacing), Faroudja's patented auto-sensing 3:2 pull down system, and Samsung's proprietary DNIe(TM) (Digital Natural Image engine) which the company says delivers enhanced contrast, detail, white tone and noise reduction.

Samsung was the first company to bring to market 'second generation' large screen, table top TVs based on Mustang/HD2 DLP(TM) technology with the HLM437W and the HLM507W. The 43" HLM437W weighs in at 75 lbs, with a 15.7" back-to-front footprint, while the 50" HLM507W weighs 84 lbs and features an 18" back-to-front footprint. Both the HLM437W and the HLM507W models feature a 16:9 aspect ratio, together with DVI (digital video interface) that enables all-digital rendering without the image loss associated with an analog interface.

Sharp Electronics Corporation (Booth 192) will showcase its newly-announced SharpVision XV-Z10000U projector which features the native 16:9 aspect ratio and 720 lines of resolution of the Mustang/HD2 DLP(TM) chip set. New features include a switchable contrast/brightness function that delivers the highest contrast ratio yet seen from a DLP(TM) technology-based projector in its high contrast mode. Sharp's proprietary CV-IC System II video scaler circuitry upconverts standard signals to the native HD resolution of the projector. A DVI with HDCP (High Definition Content Protection) Terminal has been added, to ensure HTPC (Home Theater PC) compatibility and future connection to digital set-top boxes. First deliveries are scheduled for December.

Sharp will also demonstrate the new SharpVision XV-Z90U which the company says was designed for the discerning consumer who prefers a high-end, high-performance projector. It is outfitted with a 1.2x zoom long-throw lens, making the projector suitable for larger rooms. Featuring new SVGA .55-inch DLP(TM) technology, the XV-Z90U delivers a contrast ratio of 1,200:1 and brightness of 600 lumens. The projector also includes 2D keystone correction, enabling the user to position the projector almost anywhere without picture distortion. Optional ceiling mount, pop-up screen and table stand also available. The XV-Z90U will be available in October.

Also featured will be the Sharp DT-200 Personal Home Theater (Sharp Theago). The Sharp DT-200 Personal Home Theater features Texas Instruments DLP(TM) technology and is, the company says, ideal for consumers new to home theater products. It comes equipped with a short-throw lens and a lens shift feature with a 1.2x zoom, making home theater projection possible even in smaller rooms or outdoors. Weighing just over 7.5lbs, the Sharp DT-200 can easily be moved from room to room. It too features a contrast ratio of 1,200:1, 600 -lumens of brightness and 2D keystone correction. The Sharp DT-200 is also available with an optional table stand and pop-up screen or can be mounted with an optional ceiling mount adapter. Availability is scheduled for October.

SIM2 Multimedia (Booth 537) will launch two new products at CEDIA EXPO. First of these is the SIM2 Grand Cinema RTX, a large screen display available in both 45" and 55" screen sizes. Featuring DLP(TM) technology Mustang/HD2 16:9 native aspect ratio and 1,280 x 720 resolution, the Grand Cinema RTX is built around a proprietary, sealed optical engine to minimize the impact of dust. Provided with the RTX is what SIM2 Multimedia describes as a Digioptical Image Processor which is linked to the RTX by fiber optic cable, and which features no fewer than sixteen input options. An onboard Faroudja DCDi(TM) deinterlacer and processor is provided as is automatic support for a wide range of video standards. Contrast ratio of the Grand Cinema RTX is 2,000:1, and lamp life is expected to be around 6,000 hours. The Grand Cinema RTX is available in a choice of silver/red, silver/gray and 'Black Shadow'.

The second new product will be the Grand Cinema HT300PLUS, successor to the HT300. Based on the Mustang/HD2 DLPT chip set, the projector has a contrast ratio greater than 1,800:1 and features a DVI-D input to allow complete digital connectivity. The HT300PLUS also includes a six segment color wheel, Directional Correlational Deinterlacing (DCDi(TM)) by Faroudja and compatibility, says the company, with all video sources and picture standards (PAL, NTSC, SECAM) and computer graphics up to 1600 x 1200 pixel resolution (compressed). Motorized zoom (1:8 - 2.4:1) and focus are included, as are optical (16 degrees (+/- 8 degrees)) and digital (26 degrees (+/-13 degrees)) keystone correction. Inputs/outputs include composite video via RCA connectors, 1 S-VHS via mini Din-4 pin, RGBHV via D-sub 15 (PC input), RGBS/YCrCbS via 4xRCA connectors, remote input interface, RS232 on Dsub 9 pin connector, DVI via DVI-D connector and two 12V power outputs. The HT300 is available for immediate delivery in gun metal, silver or burgundy.

Finally, SIM2 will also demonstrate the Grand Cinema HT200 DMF which features the DLP(TM) Widescreen Component Set, allowing it to feature either a native 4:3 (800 x 600) or 16:9 (848 x 480) aspect ratio. It is available in a choice of five colors.

Toshiba (Booth 452) will debut the TDP-MT8U high definition DLP(TM) technology-enabled front projector which features the Mustang/HD2 chip set with its native 1,280 x 720 resolution and 16:9 aspect ratio, allowing it to deliver 1,400 lumens at a contrast ratio of 1,000:1. Also featured are a Faroudja Sage FL123CO DCDi+ de-interlacer/ scaler/enhancer and a new Carl Zeiss lens system. It includes a six segment color wheel, automatic digital keystone adjustment and a range of user adjustments including gamma control, sharpness control, user definable color temperature control, memory settings by input, and discrete IR codes. The TDP-MT8U also features numerous inputs for home theater system connectivity with two sets of ColorStream HD high-resolution component video inputs, DVI with HDCP, RS232C port, IR input Port, and a 12V screen trigger port.

Also on show at the Toshiba booth will be the previously-announced MT5 projector which delivers 1,000 lumens at a contrast ratio of 600:1. Weighing less than 6lbs and incorporating a zoom lens, it features the Widescreen DLP(TM) Component Set, allowing it to project in native 16:9 or 4:3 aspect ratios. The MT5 includes de-interlacing, per-pixel motion compensation, 3:2 and 2:2 pulldown film-mode detection and cross-color suppression. Accommodating output from an HDTV set-top box and the digital and analog video output from PC and Macintosh computers, the MT5 also features a broad range of inputs, such as DV (digital video), component, composite and S-video, two computer inputs including DVI RS232 control and communication, a hard-wired remote jack and an audio input.

Yamaha Electronics Corporation (Booth 565) will feature the newly-announced DPX-1000 projector, based on Mustang/HD2 DLP(TM) technology with its native 16:9 aspect ratio and 1,280 x 720 resolution. The DPX-1000 features a precision-ground Fujinon 1:1.6 motorized zoom lens together with motorized lens shift and digital keystone correction. The projector also includes a fine-tuning capability that allows user adjustment of black/white/fleshtone levels and color balance. Incorporating a Sirocco fan, together with a twin silencer duct, allows the DPX-1000 to operate at a noise level of 30dBa and also, says the company, extends lamp life. The airflow is also designed to keep heat waves away from the image path to prevent shimmering. The DPX-1000 uses a six segment color wheel and features Faroudja DCDi(TM) (Directional Correlational De-interlacing) video processing. Video inputs provided include a DVI input which provides a direct digital connection for an uncompressed High Definition video signal: this is complemented by component video with BNC terminals, RGB, composite and S-video inputs. In addition, the DPX-1000 features a PC standard RS-232 serial port which enables control of the projector via a computer or system controller. For additional system integration, a +12V trigger can activate a motorized screen when the projector is powered on or off.

DLP(TM) technology delivers the clearest, sharpest, brightest, most accurate images in a broad range of projection and display applications including business projectors, home entertainment projectors, large screen tabletop TVs, video walls and projection systems used in commercial entertainment. DLP Cinema(TM) technology, which delivers large screen images that are superior in many respects to film, is helping to revolutionize the movie industry. Today, TI supplies DLP(TM) subsystems to almost all the world's top projector manufacturers, who then design, manufacture and market projectors based on DLP(TM) technology. Since early 1996, over 1,000,000 DLP(TM) subsystems have been shipped. Over the past four years, DLP(TM) technology-based projectors have consistently won some of the audio-visual industry's most prestigious awards, including, in June 1998, an Emmy Award from the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences.

At the heart of TI's Digital Light Processing(TM) technology is the Digital Micromirror Device optical semiconductor chip. The DMD switch has an array of up to 1,310,000 hinged, microscopic mirrors which operate as optical switches to create a high resolution, full color image. For more information, please visit www.dlp.com.

Texas Instruments Incorporated provides innovative DSP and analog technologies to meet our customers' real world signal processing requirements. In addition to Semiconductor, the company's businesses include Sensors & Controls, and Educational & Productivity Solutions. TI is headquartered in Dallas, Texas, and has manufacturing, design or sales operations in more than 25 countries.

Texas Instruments is traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol TXN. More information is located on the World Wide Web at www.ti.com

Digital Light Processing, DLP and DLP Cinema are trademarks of Texas Instruments. All other products and names may or may not be trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective companies.