NEC Display Solutions of America is targeting the digital signage market with a new single-chip DLP 8,000-lumen laser projector, which it claims is the first of its kind.

NEC Display says the projector opens up opportunities for applications in digital signage, along with simulation, network operations centres, oil and gass, ultilities, transportation, manufacturing, entertainment and other areas outside the traditional sectors of higher education and corporate.

Richard McPherson, NEC Display senior product manager of projectors, says “The high reliability, high-durability laser model is an appealing new option for digital signage and other market applications that haven't used projectors before.

The offering includes an OPS option slot, enabling a self-contained digital signage solution with audio, video, power and control all internal to the projector.

The company claims the PX803UL projector, combined with a laser light source delivers 20,000 hours of ‘virtually maintenance-free life'.

“A longer life span and sealed optical engine allow the projector to be used for extended periods of time, including applications running 24x7,” NEC Display says.

The offering provides a new constant brightness mode, creating stable brightness without image degradation. When used with the edge blending feature, it ensures a uniform picture over the life of the projector.

The projector includes 1920 x 1200 (WUXGA) resolution, 10,000:1 contrast ration, lens throw from 1.5 feet to 179.8 feet and the capability to project uncompressed full HD video with integrated HDBaseT.

It also features HDMI with HDCP, HDBaseT, VGA and DisplayPort with HDCP inputs.

Other features include 360 degree rotation of the projector and the ability to use it in portrait applications, and the ability to adjust picture controls and geometry to allow the projected image to be tailored to customer preferences and stored in memory for continual use.

“Because the PX803UL projector is the first of its kind in this market category, it gives industries the opportunity to remain ahead of the curve in terms of projection,” McPherson says.