Mar 03, 2009 11:01 ET

Mitsubishi Digital Electronics America's XD221U Projector Emphasizes “Audio” in Classroom A-V

IRVINE, Calif. --(Business Wire)-- Mar 03, 2009 Mitsubishi Digital Electronics America's Presentation Products Division, known for award-winning, high-quality, high-definition presentation and display products, today announced its new XD221U classroom projector. With a 10-watt speaker and audio mix capability, closed captioning decoder, user-friendly menus, and low cost of ownership, Mitsubishi’s XD221U offers a rich combination of audio-visual features that makes teaching more effective with technology that is easy to use.

“Teachers and trainers capture more attention and have greater impact when using multimedia technology, and our new XD221U makes presenting easier than ever,” said Wayne Kozuki, product manager, Mitsubishi Digital Electronics America’s Presentation Products Division. “The audio features enhance the teachers’ ability to make the subject interesting not only visually, but also through clearer sounds and audible information.”

Mitsubishi’s XD221U is designed with two separate 3.5mm audio inputs and a special built-in audio mixer so the projector can simultaneously project audio from two sources, such as a DVD and a third-party wireless microphone. Unlike any other projector available on the market today, the XD221U’s “Audio Mix” feature allows users to adjust the volume levels of each input for its 10W built-in speaker. With this uncommon configuration, an instructor can orally interject key points during a presentation and be heard over the video.

“I remember sitting in class trying to hear a teacher speak over the volume of an educational program that we were watching, and the audio of the material tended to be louder than the teacher’s voice,” said Kozuki. “With the XD221U, teachers can now clearly point out particular details while the audience hears the other audio source at the same time. Students will pay closer attention, be less distracted, and might even learn a little better.”

When the speaker is not in use, the projector has an ultra-hushed noise level of only 26 dBA in low mode, so students hear the teacher and not the annoying hum of a fan. It also offers closed captioning from a supported source. With a touch of a button, the built-in decoder transforms words into subtitles projected on the screen, an important function for hearing-impaired students.

In order to lessen the impact on natural resources, Mitsubishi has engineered energy-efficient, earth-friendly features into all of its new projector models. They have a low standby power mode using less than one watt of power, lead-free solder on all printed circuit boards, and are paint free.

The XD221U blasts a rated 2300 lumens, ample brightness for well-lit classrooms, and is a native XGA (1024 x 768 pixels) resolution projector that uses Texas Instruments’ DLP® technology that is filter-free and helps decrease dust accumulation. Eliminating the filter saves on maintenance costs, and a lamp-life rated to up to 4000 hours (in low mode) reduces the need for lamp replacement. A convenient top-access lamp design saves time and money during infrequent lamp replacements. The projector also features BrilliantColor®, which creates clear, vivid images from a computer or video signal.

Intuitive, easy-to-use functionality is very important to many non-technical users, so Mitsubishi has a simplified menu bar that includes seven basic features and a customizable option to allow teachers to add a particular feature to the menu. This new easy menu helps reduce confusion menu customization creates a menu bar for what teachers want and use most in a classroom.

The new XD221U includes dual 15-pin computer inputs as well as S-video and RCA video inputs, so users can switch between a computer presentation and video with just a press of a button. It also includes a built-in RJ-45 port for remote operation and management over a LAN, WAN or the Internet.

Mitsubishi’s new projector is ultraportable at only seven pounds and has important security features with password menu and display locks, plus an anti-theft hook design that locks the projector in place to help deter theft. It has an RS232 connection for compatibility with third party control devices and support for a computer loop out for external monitor display.

Instant shut-off lets users make rapid exits after a class using a quick power-down feature to accommodate tight classroom or conference room schedules without damage to the projector.

“Our new XD221U confirms Mitsubishi’s reputation for advanced features in high quality projectors for the education market,” said James Chan, director, product marketing, Mitsubishi Digital Electronics America’s Presentation Products Division. “We are proud to offer the latest technology in a package that is environmentally sensitive and offers a low overall cost of ownership.”

Pricing, Availability, Warranty

Mitsubishi offers government, education and non-profit discount pricing for its projectors through its network of authorized Mitsubishi dealers. The projector is currently available and comes with Mitsubishi’s three-year limited warranty on parts and labor plus a one-year limited warranty on the lamp. The XD221U is also covered by Mitsubishi’s award-winning three year Express Replacement Assistance (ERA) Program, a nationwide comprehensive service provided for units under warranty that offers next business-day replacement for down units.

About Mitsubishi Digital Electronics America Presentation Products Division

Mitsubishi Digital Electronics America’s Presentation Products Division markets an extensive line of professional presentation, front-projection high-definition home entertainment, and rear-projection video wall cube display systems and digital signage monitors that are designed with DLP or LCD technology. MDEA is known for its award-winning high-quality accurate color reproduction technology. Products are sold through authorized distributors, resellers, retailers and system integrators throughout the United States and Mexico. Mitsubishi Digital Electronics America is located at 9351 Jeronimo Road, Irvine, Calif., 92618. For more information, please call 888-307-0312 or visit http://www.mitsubishi-presentations.com.

DLP and BrilliantColor are trademarks or registered trademarks of Texas Instruments.

Lionheart Communications
Nancy Napurski, 310-283-0704
nnapurski@lionheartpr.com