This Month's Tech Tip
Using classic HIGHlite lenses on the new Highlite Professional series
Many of our customers already own optics for our classic HIGHlite projectors (4100gv, 5100gv, 4000Dsx and 6000Dsx). The classic HIGHlite lenses were designed to be used with projection systems based on F3.0 optics. The new HIGHlite Professional series lenses have been designed
to work with projection systems that employ F2.4 optics. Thus, the classic HIGHlite lenses are
not optimized for the optical system employed in the new HIGHlite 'Pro' series, which is based
on F2.4 optics.
When a classic HIGHlite lens is used on a new HIGHlite 12000Dsx+, approximately 20-25% of
the projector brightness is lost, due to the mismatch in the F-rating of the optics. However, a positive effect is a 20% improvement in the projector's contrast ratio. DP has actually measured contrast in excess of 2500:1 when we have evaluated HIGHlite 12000Dsx+ projectors using
classic HIGHlite lenses.
It is also important to note, the throw ratios on the classic HIGHlite lenses were based on the projectors' .9 inch, 1280 pixel-wide SXGA DMD's. If a classic lens is used on a new HIGHlite 12000Dsx+, the throw ratio has to be re-calculated to account for the fact that the 12000Dsx+
uses .95 inch, 1400 pixel-wide SXGA+ DMD's.
In essence , the bigger DMD means a bigger light patch exiting the lens, so the classic lens
gets shorter when used on the 12000Dsx+ platform. Recalculation of the lens throw ratio is
pretty straightforward:
- Divide 1280 pixels by 1400 pixels. That equals .914
-
Multiply the original throw ratio of the classic HIGHlite lens by this factor (.914)
The result is the throw ratio the classic HIGHlite lens will provide on the new HIGHlite
12000Dsx+. As an example, a classic HIGHlite 2.5 - 4:1 lens will actually be 2.285 - 3.65:1
when used on a HIGHlite 12000Dsx+ projector.
There are a couple of important things to remember. First, classic HIGHlite 1.5-2.5:1 lenses need
to be specifically denoted as "High-Brightness" to be used on a HIGHlite ProSeries projector. Specifically, the DPI part number LA00263 (the lens may be marked TL-1ZH), confirms the High- Brightness version of the lens. Use of the standard brightness 1.5 - 2.5:1 classic HIGHlite lens on
a HIGHlite Pro series projector will cause the lens to eventually discolor and fail.
Additionally, an adapter ring is required to enable compatibility between the classic HIGHlite lens and the new lens mount used on the HIGHlite Pro series projectors. The "Classic HL Lens
Adapter" is listed under "Options" on the HIGHlite Pro series page in our Commercial AV and
Home Cinema Dealer pricing. It carries a list price of $495, and provides a very efficient path to repurposing classic HIGHlite lenses for use on the new HIGHlite Pro series.
- Dealers and Special Contractors may purchase up to
two demo units per calendar year.
- Demo units may be purchased at 5% off of DPI's published
end column Commercial AV dealer pricing
(End Column x .95).
- Excluding iVision, which already comes standard with
a lens, the 5% demo discount may also be applied
to (1) projection lens for each demo projector purchased.
- Dealers in good credit standing receive standard payment
terms - 2% cash with order, 1% 10 days, net
30 days.
Updated Forms:
