MELVILLE, N.Y., July 19, 2016 – Canon U.S.A., Inc., a leader in digital imaging solutions, today unveiled the REALiS 4K501ST Pro AV LCOS Projector which incorporates all of the same features as Canon’s current award-winning REALiS 4K500ST, as well as an enhanced video interface that offers two HDMI version 2.0 inputs with HDCP 2.2 support. Other features include native 4K resolution of 4096 x 2400, up to 5000 lumens1 and Canon’s LCOS Technology with AISYS-enhancement for brilliant, high-brightness and detailed image reproduction. The REALiS 4K501ST also offers a Genuine Canon 4K lens and a robust collection of advanced image adjustment and professional install setting features, including Marginal Focus which helps ensure content projected on the peripheral portions of domed surfaces remains in focus. At only 39.6 pounds, this model also offers one of the most compact and lightweight form factors of a high brightness 4K projector.
The REALiS 4K501ST projector’s compact size, capability to reproduce 4K content at 60Hz via a single HDMI cable2, and its impressive combination of outstanding image quality and advanced features make this product accessible to a wide range of markets from museums and galleries to higher education, and specialized applications like immersive simulation and training which require amazing image quality but may have limited spacing.
“4K projection display is becoming ever more popular and by offering enhanced connectivity, Canon will be able to reach new markets interested in 4K projection technology,” said Yuichi Ishizuka, president and chief operating officer, Canon U.S.A., Inc. “This projector’s highly detailed 4K resolution, LCOS Technology, advanced Canon optical and image processing technologies, and versatile performance help empower users to bring content to life.”
Native 4K Resolution
At 4096 x 2400, the REALiS 4K501ST projector’s native 4K resolution is made up of more than 9.8 million pixels – higher than the Digital Cinema Initiative (DCI) standard for 4K cinema (4096 x 2160) and more than QFHD (3840 x 2160), the resolution standard for 4K TV. This higher resolution can be a critical factor for those applications like simulation and training and design and engineering, which may require larger vertical display areas.
Genuine Canon 4K Lens
The 4K501ST projector comes equipped with a specially designed Genuine Canon 4K short focus wide zoom lens and throw ratio of 1.0 – 1.3:1, allowing it to project a 10-foot wide image from an approximate distance of only 10 feet. This projection lens possesses advanced spherical focus capabilities derived from Canon’s renowned L-Series EF camera lenses which is distinguished by a bold red ring around the outer barrel. The lens delivers superb performance due to such sophisticated Canon optical technologies as ultra-low dispersion (UD) glass, aspherical lens elements and super spectra multi lens coatings. The brilliance of this lens is what also drives the Marginal Focus feature and its capability to help ensure content projected on the peripheral portions of domed surfaces remains in focus.
LCOS Technology with AISYS-enhancement
The 4K501ST is the newest member of the REALiS Projector series which all feature Canon’s LCOS (Liquid Crystal on Silicon) Technology with AISYS-enhancement. This advanced technology, which is achieved by Canon’s proprietary AISYS (Aspectual Illumination System) Optical Engine maximizing the performance of three LCOS panels, is renowned for delivering virtually seamless images with outstanding color reproduction, and low-latency playback for improved display of video content. This unique engine is critical in helping to ensure the 4K501ST projector delivers an ideal combination of both brightness (up to 5000 lumens) and contrast ratio (up to 3000:1), while also helping the projector maintain a small form factor – a very important issue for applications with limited spacing, and those that may require an upgrade of an existing lower resolution unit of similar size.
The 4K501ST projector is also able to deliver a virtually consistent level of brightness throughout its zoom range thanks to the combination of the AISYS Optical Engine and the advanced optical technologies found within the projector’s Genuine Canon 4K lens.
Image Processing
The REALiS 4K501ST projector also integrates powerful dual image processing engines that execute such complex tasks as smooth reproduction of uncompressed 4K video at up to 60 fps, and two upscaling technologies, BiCubic and Canon’s proprietary Sharp Trace which detects contours of an image in a diagonal direction and performs interpolation, to help optimize 2K video and other non-native 4K resolution content.
Advanced image adjustments and system settings on the REALiS 4K501ST also include the following optional features:
The Canon REALiS 4K501ST projector also offers six different pre-set image modes, as well as three customizable image modes, to help optimize quality based on content type and projection environment. The projector’s special DICOM® Simulation Mode can be ideal for displaying monochrome digital X-rays, CAT scans, and MRIs with superb grayscale gradation. This mode, which offers both clear and blue base color temperature presets, simulates the results of devices compliant with the Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine (DICOM) Part 14 standard4.
Ease of Installation and Maintenance
The small form factor and weight (39.6 pounds) of the Canon REALiS 4K501ST projector allows this model to be installed in a wide range of applications and environments. Motorized Lens Shift, Zoom and Focus, 360-degree Vertical Installation5, 4-Point Keystone Correction and a variety of other advanced professional calibration settings provide further installation versatility, including: