Audio Video News

Video projectors just keep getting better. One of the leaders is the HT300Plus, the latest addition to the Grand Cinema line of DLP projectors from SIM2 Multimedia S.p.A.

The company's year-old HT300 is already something of a legend in the industry. SIM2 has improved its performance in several areas, including a 28% reduction in black level, and a 17% increase in brightness, for an overall gain in contrast ratio of +63%.

The HT300Plus features the new 16:9 Texas Instruments HD2 chipset, with the same High-Definition resolution of 1280 x 720, but the new chip is capable of tilting its micromirrors by 12° instead of the previous 10°. That combined with an improved color wheel and light engine allow the SIM2 HT300Plus to achieve a contrast ratio of greater than 1800:1, for more realistic images.

Complete digital connectivity: the HT300Plus has a DVI D 24-pin input for connection to an increasing number of new devices equipped with digital outputs. DVID minimizes loss of information or interference in the signal for excellent performance. Inputs include one composite video on an RCA connector, one S-VHS via mini DIN-4 pin, one RGBHV via D-sub 15 (PC input), and one RGBS/YCrCbS via four RCA connectors.

The HT300Plus retains all the refinements of its predecessor, including Directional Correlational deinterlacing (DCDiTM) by Faroudja, a deinterlacer and video enhancement technology. A sophisticated sealed optical design, high performance zoom lens, and six-segment color wheel yield rich, saturated colors without annoying "rainbow effects." Picture size ranges from 50" to 300" diagonally, with +/- 8° of optical keystone adjustment, +/-13° of vertical digital keystone adjustment, and +/-10° of horizontal adjustment.

The HT300Plus is available in the Dark Metal Gray, Royal Burgundy, Cherry Red, and Shiny Silver. The projector is compatible with all video sources, picture standards (PAL, NTSC, SECAM) and computer graphics up to 1600 x 1200 pixels resolution (compressed). Supported formats of ATSC digital video include 480p, 720p, and 1080i. The HT300Plus weighs 12.8lbs (5.8Kg) and measures 13.8" W x 6.8" H x 12.5 D". Optional accessories include a Remote Input Interface with 10-meter special connection cable and a ceiling-mount bracket.