I spent the better part of an hour in several separate visits watching the new Sony VPL-VW50 SXRD 1080p projector. While one could argue that there were better images to be seen at the show (comparing projectors under show conditions, with different screens sizes, materials, and different program material is a nearly hopeless exercise), there were only a few that could compete in the Sony's price range. The above screen shot won't really tell the whole story (screen shots are also an iffy thing) but I'll go with it anyway. The odd shape is simply due to limitations in the camera positioning. The image was a true rectangle. Honest.

Optoma had an incredible picture in their theater. It was sharp, bright and best of all, cinemascope wide. The HD81, a single chip 1080p DLP projector that ships at the end of the month will cost $11,000 with the anamorphic lens that lets you get the most out of 2.35:1 movies if you have an extra wide screen. The 171" screen was certainly bright enough even given its size. The processing they do to stretch the image vertically so that all pixels on the DLP chip are used seemed to work great. Runco does the same thing, but with a motorized switchable lens assembly that costs a great deal more.

Classe will market the SSP-900 surround pre-pro next year for around $25,000. Start skipping lunch.

ProjectionDesign has a unique solution for high end custom installer. Their Action Model Three 1080 projector, using a single 1080p DLP chip, but is equipped with two lamps and two color wheels. In other words, the projector has two light paths that are recombined before being sent out the lens. ProjectionDesign claims that this eliminates rainbows, and in ten minutes of viewing, I only saw one rainbow that wasn't caused by rapidly turning my head. I'm real sensitive to color rainbows, so I'll have to say they succeeded.

Infinity has redesigned its Primus series for 2006, with prices maxing out at $349 each for the P262 floorstander

Artison chief Cary Christie describes the processor and amp designed to drive one or two if his new in-wall subs (background and in entry below). Each in-wall sub will cost $1000 and the amp/processor another $1000.

Salamander's new Chameleon furniture line is going to thrill a lot of Suzi Homemakers who want to find a home for hubby's electronic toys. The Hampton model here sells for $1,899, and there are four other models available as well. Options (not included in the price) are rear mounted power strips and Plasma mounts. The optional fan cooling and IR repeaters will come in handy when those solid wood doors are shut too. This little company is located in my neck of the woods in Connecticut and you have to admire how they've grown. Their products are well engineered and assemble easily. I've had one of their Synergy racks for over three years and I love it. These look even nicer still.