September 18, 2009
SIM2 ENHANCES GRAND CINEMA SERIES WITH NEW REFERENCE MODEL

C3X LUMIS brings single chassis excellence to premium line of front projectors

By Gary Reber


The Grand Cinema™ C3X LUMIS projector, latest addition to SIM2’s award-winning Grand Cinema™ C3X series, is totally unique to SIM2 and represents the culmination of 10 years of innovation and research in the fields of video projector design and technology. Among the smallest and highest-performing Full HD 3-Chip projectors on the market, the C3X LUMIS is packed with power for premium performance all within the dramatic industrial design for which SIM2 is justly famous.

 

The Grand Cinema™ C3X LUMIS projector achieves extraordinary picture quality through the partnership of the latest 0.95" 1080p DC4 DLP® chipset from Texas Instruments, the precision optics of SIM2’s ALPHAPATH™ light engine, and SIM2’s enhanced DynamicBlack™ technology. No other projector technology can match the superb color depth, excellent contrast ratio (up to 35,000:1) and exceptional brightness (3000 ANSI Lumens) that the Grand Cinema™ C3X LUMIS is able to deliver. Grand Cinema™ C3X LUMIS combines DynamicBlack™ technology with the world-renowned technical expertise of SIM2’s R&D design team to achieve increased contrast and black level performance from this new projector. This improved black level performance enables the C3X LUMIS to produce images that contain the maximum amount of detail possible in dark scenes without compromising black level or the excellent dynamic range available from DLP technology.

 

SIM2 has developed a unique solution to achieve this, using three distinct specialized components: a user adjustable iris, DynamicBlack™ technology and a new dimmable lamp. SIM2’s custom-designed dynamic iris utilizes a non-symmetric, folded aperture, powered by an ultra-fast motor and is placed at the front-end of the light path.  This ensures that unwanted reflections are kept out of the light path.  DynamicBlack™ technology provides the dynamic iris with micro-second precision adjustment to the source material, on a frame-by-frame basis. These key ingredients allow Grand Cinema™ C3X LUMIS to be easily configured to meet the exacting requirements of a wide range of home theatre and professional applications, optimizing light intensity and black level to each scenario. 

 

New ALPHAPATH™ light engine is featured with two key components. First, a new die-cast aluminum body dramatically improves thermal management of the light engine, which means we are able to use a more powerful lamp to deliver brighter images. This improved design also houses the new elements of the DynamicBlack system and user adjustable iris. Secondly, a new tapered rod-integrator, designed to accept the raw light energy from the lamp and convert it into a pure & refined beam of light. It is also where the light spot from the lamp is converted into a 16:9 aspect ratio before it hits the DMDs. After many ray-tracing simulations, SIM2’s team of optical engineers found the best possible result in terms of image quality was not obtained through a classic rectangular-rod but with a longer tapered one.  This new design helps further improve brightness uniformity and efficiency of light transmission.

 

Whether the requirement is for high brightness or optimum black level in darkened conditions, C3X LUMIS offers unrivalled customization and flexibility. For ease of installation, a choice of three lens options is available for Grand Cinema™ C3X LUMIS, which allows for even greater flexibility in the positioning of the projector.

 

Of course, the latest SIM2 achievement incorporates the functions and features demanded by custom-theater designers and installers. The C3X LUMIS delivers two selectable HDMI 1.3 inputs (both fully HDCP-compliant), as well as inputs for legacy formats component-, S-, and composite-video, as well as RGB connection. Both RS-232 serial and USB ports are included to ease connectivity for control and software/firmware communications. Even 12-volt trigger outputs, as well as IR-sensor inputs, are on board for total flexibility of installation and control.

 

And lastly, in keeping with C3X Series styling, the C3X LUMIS housed in a stunning, high-gloss sculpted cabinet designed by Giorgio Revoldini with the company’s trademark, flowing lines.  This beautifully designed chassis and design-friendly custom color options are unique to SIM2. The C3X LUMIS, boasting elegance at its best, is available in the standard High-Gloss Gun Metal finish; optional finishes include, High Gloss and Matte Black finish, High Gloss and Matte White finish and High Gloss and Matte Red finish.

 

SIM2 USA will unveil the revolutionary new C3X LUMIS projector at the 2009 CEDIA Expo in SIM2’s booth, #2912 in Hall C at the Georgia World Congress Center, Atlanta, Georgia.

 

Availability: Now shipping

Finish Options: High-gloss Gunmetal (standard), Black, Red, and White color options available to order.

Suggested Retail Price:  $34,995 (T1 and T2 lens) and $36,495 (T3 lens)




Tags: - CEDIA 2009 - - SIM2 - - Grand Cinema C3X LUMIS projector - - Full HD 3-Chip DLP - - ALPHAPATH light engine -