Sanyo has just introduced a brand new LCD projector - the PLC-XL51. If the name sounds rather familiar to you, that is because it is but a successor to the PLC-XL50. The PLC-XL51 does not improve on the original short throw distance design as found in its predecessor though, but there are several notable improvements such as increased brightness to 2,700 lumens level, an SD memory card slot to play off presentations, movies and images directly without the need for a computer, and networking capabilities that makes it all the more useful in the corporate boardroom.

It is interesting to note that the PLC-XL51 comes equipped with Sanyo’s exclusive PJ Network Interface for both wired and wireless networking, a feature that is rather popular among Sanyo’s extensive line of commercial projectors. Being networked has the added advantage of allowing the monitoring of projector functions and operation remotely through a web browser. In addition, the inclusion of wireless IEEE802.11b/g standards allow you to transfer data sans pesky wires at speeds of up to 54Mbps and while offering WEP 64/128-bit security and Mac OS compatibility simultaneously.

Check out the specifications of the PLC-XL51 :-

• Brightness: 2700 lumens
• Contrast Ratio: 600:1
• Uniformity: approx. 80% (corner to center)
• Resolution: 1,024 x 768
• Aspect Ratio: 4:3
• Lamp: 275W NSHA
• PC I/O: D-sub 15-pin Input x 1, D-sub15-pin Input and Output (Switchable) x 1
• Video Input: Component Input (RCAx3), Composite (RCA), S-Video
• Audio: Stereo mini-jack input and output, Analog stereo input (RCAx2)
• LAN Terminal: RJ-45
• Additional inputs: SD Card slot
• Service Port: RS-232C
• Weight: 16.9 lbs. (7.7 kg)

Those who are interested in the PLC-XL51 can look forward to a September 2008 shipping date, retailing for a rather hefty $3,995.

Press Release