New Canon Projector

LAKE SUCCESS, N.Y., January 8, 2009 – Responding to the higher resolution and widescreen transition in all forms of visual display, and to the affordability requirements of many professional users, Canon U.S.A., Inc., a leader in digital imaging, today introduced the REALiS SX800, the latest advancement in Canon’s acclaimed line of REALiS Multimedia Projectors.

Featuring bright, crisp 3000 lumens display and a contrast ratio of 900:1, the new Canon REALiS SX800 provides an affordable alternative for XGA (1024 x 768) users seeking to upgrade to a higher resolution SXGA+ (1400 x 1050) projector. The benefits of upgrading include:

• Larger desktop area (an increase of almost 87 percent more pixels)

• Widescreen notebook and desktop computer support (displays WXGA uncompressed) 

• Displays 720p HD video uncompressed (also supports 1080p HD)

Totally designed and manufactured by Canon, the new REALiS SX800 employs next-generation 0.55-inch LCOS (Liquid Crystal on Silicon) reflective LCD panels. These high-resolution SXGA+ panels help deliver detailed, lattice-free motion and still images by virtually eliminating the “screen door effect,” a faint grid pattern often seen in transmissive LCD projection. The panels are an integral component of Canon’s proprietary AISYS (Aspectual Illumination System) Optical Engine. This advanced engine is best known for achieving projection with vibrant colors and high contrast and brightness, while maintaining a compact body design. Other benefits of AISYS include crisp display of small text, realistic and seamless photo reproduction, smooth rendition of fine lines, and accurate display of subtle color gradation and tones of black and grey.

“The transition to higher resolution projectors is upon us. Now that presentation professionals are using higher resolution notebook and desktop computers, they are insisting on using higher resolution projectors to accurately display their content.” stated Yuichi Ishizuka, senior vice president and general manager, Consumer Imaging Group, Canon U.S.A. “In today’s economy, these professionals are demanding higher resolution projectors at more affordable prices. With the introduction of the new REALiS SX800 Multimedia Projector, Canon is making high-resolution SXGA+ LCOS projection available to the mass market, including those users in price-sensitive sectors.”

In addition, Canon’s new REALiS SX800 Multimedia Projector includes many features found on higher-end REALiS models including a Genuine Canon 1.5x zoom lens that has been designed with special components and coatings to ensure superb image reproduction, while minimizing glare and ghosting. The zoom lens also facilitates projector placement, allowing users to easily change the screen size to accommodate different presentation venues and situations. Keystone correction, which is aided by a 10:0 Lens Offset feature, is provided as part of the Auto Set Up features, as is Auto Input Signal, which can be used to select a notebook computer, DVD player, or other device when connected to the unit. A new Auto Flesh Tone feature processes images to give skin color areas a more natural look.

Additional conveniences of Canon’s new REALiS SX800 Multimedia Projector include: Off and Go, which enables users to pack-up quickly after a presentation by simply unplugging the power cord while internal circuitry continues to run the fan and cool the projector; on-screen menus and guidance functions; 2:3 pull-down for smooth display of video originated from film; 31dB quiet mode operation; remote control sensors from the front or rear of the projector; and an optional ceiling attachment designed to facilitate replacement of the projection lamp and filter.

The Canon REALiS SX800 Multimedia Projector weighs 11 lbs. and is scheduled to be available in January 2009 at a suggested list price of $2,499.**

For more information about Canon’s full line of REALiS Multimedia Projectors, visit www.usa.canon.com/projectors

About Canon U.S.A., Inc.
Canon U.S.A., Inc. delivers consumer, business-to-business, and industrial imaging solutions. Its parent company, Canon Inc. (NYSE:CAJ), a top patent holder of technology, ranked third overall in the U.S. in 2007†, with global revenues of $39.3 billion, is listed as one of Fortune's Most Admired Companies in America and is on the 2007 BusinessWeek list of "Top 100 Brands." To keep apprised of the latest news from Canon U.S.A., sign up for the Company's RSS news feed by visiting www.usa.canon.com/pressroom.