Getting wireless InFocus

Specialist projector vendor InFocus is targeting mobile professionals, with a wireless-capable projector and wireless adapter tiny enough to fit next to a laptop in a standard carry-on bag.

InFocus showcased its 24.77cm x 9.37cm x 5.21cm, 0.9 kg, WiFi-compliant, 802.11b-compatible LP120 projector and InFocus LiteShow wireless connector device at a launch in Sydney's Establishment Hotel on 16 July.

Brent Reed, country manager for InFocus Australia and New Zealand, said the LiteShow adapter--which plugs into the side of any wireless-capable projector with an M1-DA standard connector--requires no external power source, has AES 128-bit data encryption and can range up to 100 metres if no interfering wireless devices are nearby.

“The LP120 and LiteShow are targeting the mobile professional, someone who is constantly travelling, moving from city to city, living in airports and transferring from cars, planes and what have you. They need a product that fits into their existing luggage,” Reed said.

Feedback from InFocus customers had sparked the development of the products, with business users complaining that they needed projector-laptop functionality without extra weight and clutter. “We are predicting growth in two areas, home theatre and personal projector/appliances with a laptop attachment,” he said.

InFocus has about 18 percent of global market share in projector sales, and a similar portion in Australia. Reed said the company is working on making both products compatible with the recently ratified 802.11g wireless access standard.

802.11b products do work with 802.11g products, but at a slower rate. InFocus also claims the LP120 is the first projector to provide plain language feedback in seven languages via its LCD interface.

It provides 1100 ANSI lumens in brightness, XGA 1024 x 768 resolution, a 2000:1 contrast ratio, throwing an image on to a screen from 1.5 to 5 metres away. It also has a Philips UHP micro-lamp back-mirrored to increase the brightness of the image.

The projector will be available from August, with an RRP of $7999. The LiteShow wireless adapter scans a room for data which it can transmit to the projector, refreshing every second. The company claims it is compatible with both embedded and PC card-based 802.11b radios and Apple AirPort wireless LAN adapters. InFocus can provide pre-certified WiFi wireless LAN cards if needed. The product will be available to resellers in August for RRP $1299.