Epson Says 3D Projection Is “Not Ready”

During its IFA press conference, Epson (the number-one projector brand worldwide and in the US) surprised many by informing that it wasn't announcing any 3D projectors at this year's fair, saying that neither the technology nor the market nor the content were ready for a product launch. Epson focused instead on a new, improved 2D projection technology.

To illustrate that point, Jean-Marie Lacroix, Commercial Director of Epson Europe, said that only 3% of LCD panels sold were 3D. However, the manufacturer could enter the 3D projection soon. "When the market is ready, when the content is ready and when the technology is ready we'll be there," Lacroix said.

Epson's major announcement was the presentation of LCD-reflective, a projection technology (similar to that used on JVC's D-ILA and Sony'S SXRD models) that dramatically improves native contrast ratio and response time.

Two models using that technology were announced, under models EH-R2000 and EH-R4000 (in Europe; model numbers in other territories may differ), with dynamic contrast ratios of 500,000:1 and 1,000,000:1 respectively (native contrast 25,000:1 and 40,000:1). They will be available in the fall, with a list price of €3,490 for the EH-R2000 and €5,490 for the EH-R4000.

Additionally, two entry-level full-HD LCD projectors were announced, under models TW3200 and TW3600, priced at €999 and €1,399, respectively.