Digital Projection Inc (DPI) did not have any new products at I/ITSEC 2016, so it highlighted what it currently offers for the simulation and training market. That meant a focus on the laser phosphor projectors and to a lesser extent, their LED projectors. Company officials told us that they want to expand the laser phosphor products, but they can’t see lumen increases coming for their LED (2000 lumens) and dual LED (3000 lumens) products in the near term. These looked quite dim by comparison to the laser phosphor projectors in the booth.
Currently, there are laser models in the eVision, Insight and Highlight series running from 6,500 to 13,000 lumens. Brighter models are on the roadmap, but no specifics were offered. These models are actually priced at virtually no premium to their lamp-based models, but these are expensive projectors to begin with.
For the training and simulation market, DPI is focused on offering 4K resolution projectors.
The eVision, 1-chip DLP model with 7000 lumens was launched at CEDIA and was on display at I/ITSEC. In general, DPI launches general purpose models to serve a variety of markets first, then offers customized versions to serve industry specific needs. For training and simulation, that can be the addition of NVG capabilities and a more rugged enclosure.
The Highlight 4K laser 3chip DLP model at 12K lumens missed the CEDIA debut, but was on display at I/ITSEC. Both the eVision and Highlight models should ship in the April, 2017 time frame for under $20K and under $45K respectively. – CC
