Samsung at CES announced an ultra-short throw projector with 8K resolution called The Premiere. It’s an updated version of 2020’s 4K Premiere, a single box designed to sit on a low table directly below and just a few inches away from your wall or screen. Using special lenses and video processing, it can create an image up to 150 inches diagonally.
There are built-in speakers and Dolby Atmos to fill a room with sound as well as light. As you’d expect, it also has Samsung’s smart TV features, with Netflix, Disney Plus and so on.
While the idea of an 8K projector able to produce a huge image on any wall sounds intriguing, UST projectors aren’t the magic they first appear. Here’s what we know so far.
8K?
Ultra-short throw projectors, like this 4K The Premiere from 2020, claim to be able to create an image on any wall, but all projectors can do that.
Samsung
Yep, 8K. That’s four times the resolution of a 4K projector. There’s currently no widely available 8K content, an issue that also plagues 8K TVs. Without 8K content you can’t fully take advantage of the extra pixels, though the projector will upconvert everything you send it to 8K, so it might seem slightly sharper than a 4K projector projecting a similarly sized image. Keep in mind there are more important aspects of picture quality than resolution.
The Premiere isn’t the first 8K projector, but there are only a handful on the market. JVC has several models, starting at $11,000 and going up from there. These use a 4K imaging chip and a pixel shifter to create 8K resolution on screen. This is similar to how most 4K projectors create 4K, by using a 1080p or lower resolution chip, and doubling or quintupling the imager’s pixels for roughly 4K resolution. While Samsung hasn’t revealed the projector’s specs, this is almost certainly how it’s creating 8K as well.
On the professional side, Digital Projection has several 8K models, but those are for actual movie theaters and other large venues.
What’s an ultra-short throw projector?
It’s important to remember that any ambient light is going to affect the image from a projector, including UST projectors.
Samsung
Traditional projectors need around 10 feet of distance to project a 100-inch image. Higher-end models can sit farther away, while short-throw models can sit closer. UST projectors sit just a few inches from a wall and are still able to produce huge images thanks to clever lenses and video processing.
The two major downsides with all UST projectors are price and image quality. Due to their intricate designs, UST projectors tend to cost a lot more than traditional projectors.
The other downside, also a result of how they work, is a reduction in contrast ratio. UST projectors typically have worse contrast ratios than traditional projectors, making their images flatter-looking with less “punch.” Usually, manufacturers try to offset this by greatly increasing the brightness, but this doesn’t improve the image quality, it just makes the image brighter.
Assumed features
No matter how bright, a UST projector won’t be able to compete with ambient light without a special screen. And even then, it will look far better with the curtains drawn.
Samsung
Samsung hasn’t announced many specifics about the new The Premiere, but we can guess at a few things. The previous model was lit by lasers, and the new model likely will be as well. This is because lasers offer better performance in terms of light output (brightness) and color. They also typically last the life of the projector, as opposed to the replaceable lamps on most lower-end projectors.
The 4K The Premiere had built-in speakers, letting it work as its own soundbar. This is another likely feature since most UST projectors aim to be a one-stop-shop when it comes to a room’s entertainment. The new model will have Dolby Atmos, which the old one did not.
It’s also safe to assume it will be bright. The 4K The Premiere had two versions, a “120-inch” version, and a “130-inch” version. Neither actually came with a screen, and could actually create a range of image sizes from 90 to 120 inches with the former, and 100 to 130 inches with the latter. The difference was light output, with a claimed 2,200 and 2,800 respectively. These are pretty good numbers, though other UST projectors in a similar price range are much brighter. The $4,000 Epson LS500 for instance, put out a claimed 4,000 lumens. Samsung is claiming the new model will be capable of “150-inch” images, so we’re expecting a bump in lumens.
Price and availability
Samsung hasn’t announced pricing or availability yet. Generally products that are announced at CES come out in the spring or summer. Price-wise, this will almost certainly not be cheap. The previous The Premiere was $3,500 for the “120-inch” version, and $6,500 for the “130-inch” version. Since the only other consumer 8K PJs start at $11,000, and those are for traditional (aka not UST) designs, it seems safe to assume the 8K The Premiere will cost at least what the previous model did, and probably a lot more.
CHICAGO (AP) — United Airlines has struck a deal with Elon Musk’s SpaceX to offer satellite-based Starlink WiFi service on flights within the next several years.
The airline said Friday the service will be free to passengers.
United said it will begin testing the service early next year and begin offering it on some flights by later in 2025.
Financial details of the deal were not disclosed.
The announcement comes as airlines rush to offer more amenities as a way to stand out when passengers pick a carrier for a trip. United’s goal is to make sitting on a plane pretty much like being on the ground when it comes to browsing the internet, streaming entertainment and playing games.
“Everything you can do on the ground, you’ll soon be able to do on board a United plane at 35,000 feet, just about anywhere in the world,” CEO Scott Kirby said in announcing the deal.
The airline says Starlink will allow passengers to get internet access even over oceans and polar regions where traditional cell or Wi-Fi signals may be weak or missing.
Sony has made it easy for Canadian consumers to preorder the PlayStation 5 Pro in Canada directly from PlayStation’s official website. Here’s how:
Visit the Official Website: Go to direct.playstation.com and navigate to the PS5 Pro section once preorders go live on September 26, 2024.
Create or Log in to Your PlayStation Account: If you don’t have a PlayStation account, you will need to create one. Existing users can simply log in to proceed.
Place Your Preorder: Once logged in, follow the instructions to preorder your PS5 Pro. Ensure you have a valid payment method ready and double-check your shipping information for accuracy.
Preorder Through Major Canadian Retailers
While preordering directly from PlayStation is a popular option, you can also secure your PS5 Pro through trusted Canadian retailers. These retailers are expected to offer preorders on or after September 26:
Best Buy Canada
Walmart Canada
EB Games (GameStop)
Amazon Canada
The Source
Steps to Preorder via Canadian Retailers:
Visit Retailer Websites: Search for “PlayStation 5 Pro” on the website of your preferred retailer starting on September 26.
Create or Log in to Your Account: If you’re shopping online, having an account with the retailer can speed up the preorder process.
Preorder in Store: For those who prefer in-person shopping, check with local stores regarding availability and preorder policies.
3. Sign Up for Notifications
Many retailers and websites offer the option to sign up for notifications when the preorder goes live. If you’re worried about missing out due to high demand, this can be a useful option.
Visit Retailer Sites: Look for a “Notify Me” or “Email Alerts” option and enter your email to stay informed.
Use PlayStation Alerts: Sign up for notifications directly through Sony to be one of the first to know when preorders are available.
4. Prepare for High Demand
Preordering the PS5 Pro is expected to be competitive, with high demand likely to result in quick sellouts, just as with the initial release of the original PS5. To maximize your chances of securing a preorder:
Act Quickly: Be prepared to place your order as soon as preorders open. Timing is key, as stock can run out within minutes.
Double-Check Payment Information: Ensure your credit card or payment method is ready to go. Any delays during the checkout process could result in losing your spot.
Stay Informed: Monitor PlayStation and retailer websites for updates on restocks or additional preorder windows.
Final Thoughts
The PlayStation 5 Pro is set to take gaming to the next level with its enhanced performance, graphics, and new features. Canadian gamers should be ready to act fast when preorders open on September 26, 2024, to secure their console ahead of the holiday season. Whether you choose to preorder through PlayStation’s official website or your preferred retailer, following the steps outlined above will help ensure a smooth and successful preorder experience.
For more details on the PS5 Pro and to preorder, visit direct.playstation.com or stay tuned to updates from major Canadian retailers.
Since the PlayStation 5 (PS5) launched four years ago, PlayStation has continuously evolved to meet the demands of its players. Today, we are excited to announce the next step in this journey: the PlayStation 5 Pro. Designed for the most dedicated players and game creators, the PS5 Pro brings groundbreaking advancements in gaming hardware, raising the bar for what’s possible.
Key Features of the PS5 Pro
The PS5 Pro comes equipped with several key performance enhancements, addressing the requests of gamers for smoother, higher-quality graphics at a consistent 60 frames per second (FPS). The console’s standout features include:
Upgraded GPU: The PS5 Pro’s GPU boasts 67% more Compute Units than the current PS5, combined with 28% faster memory. This allows for up to 45% faster rendering speeds, ensuring a smoother gaming experience.
Advanced Ray Tracing: Ray tracing capabilities have been significantly enhanced, with reflections and refractions of light being processed at double or triple the speed of the current PS5, creating more dynamic visuals.
AI-Driven Upscaling: Introducing PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution, an AI-based upscaling technology that adds extraordinary detail to images, resulting in sharper image clarity.
Backward Compatibility & Game Boost: More than 8,500 PS4 games playable on PS5 Pro will benefit from PS5 Pro Game Boost, stabilizing or enhancing performance. PS4 games will also see improved resolution on select titles.
VRR & 8K Support: The PS5 Pro supports Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) and 8K gaming for the ultimate visual experience, while also launching with the latest wireless technology, Wi-Fi 7, in supported regions.
Optimized Games & Patches
Game creators have quickly embraced the new technology that comes with the PS5 Pro. Many games will receive free updates to take full advantage of the console’s new features, labeled as PS5 Pro Enhanced. Some of the highly anticipated titles include:
Alan Wake 2
Assassin’s Creed: Shadows
Demon’s Souls
Dragon’s Dogma 2
Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth
Gran Turismo 7
Marvel’s Spider-Man 2
Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart
Horizon Forbidden West
These updates will allow players to experience their favorite games at a higher fidelity, taking full advantage of the console’s improved graphics and performance.
Design & Compatibility
Maintaining consistency within the PS5 family, the PS5 Pro retains the same height and width as the original PS5 model. Players will also have the option to add an Ultra HD Blu-ray Disc Drive or swap console covers when available.
Additionally, the PS5 Pro is fully compatible with all existing PS5 accessories, including the PlayStation VR2, DualSense Edge, Pulse Elite, and Access controller. This ensures seamless integration into your current gaming setup.
Pricing & Availability
The PS5 Pro will be available starting November 7, 2024, at a manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) of:
$699.99 USD
$949.99 CAD
£699.99 GBP
€799.99 EUR
¥119,980 JPY
Each PS5 Pro comes with a 2TB SSD, a DualSense wireless controller, and a copy of Astro’s Playroom pre-installed. Pre-orders begin on September 26, 2024, and the console will be available at participating retailers and directly from PlayStation via direct.playstation.com.
The launch of the PS5 Pro marks a new chapter in PlayStation’s commitment to delivering cutting-edge gaming experiences. Whether players choose the standard PS5 or the PS5 Pro, PlayStation aims to provide the best possible gaming experience for everyone.
Preorder your PS5 Pro and step into the next generation of gaming this holiday season.
