Remember Microsoft's IllumiRoom "peripheral projected illusion" system from CES 2014? Microsoft Research builds further on the concept to present RoomAlive, a means to transform any room into "an immersive, augmented entertainment experience."

Currently in proof-of-concept prototype stage, RoomAlive uses a commodity wide field of view projector, a Kinect sensor and a PC to build a projector depth-camera unit (aka procam). The Kinect and PC capture and analyse a 3D model of the room required for the projection of images users can interact with, and keep track of all users-- in other words interactive projection mapping.

Microsoft Research says RoomAlive projection mapping is independent of the room in question, as it takes place in real-time and dynamically adapts to room geometry and colour. Impressively projected images are also in 3D, as the system tracks viewers' head positions to render "view-dependent projection."

Sony launches the VPL-VW300ES at a London event-- a 4K projector the company says is a more cost-effective option for customers wanting native 4096 x 2160 projection.

It delivers up to 1500 lumens of brightness and features Sony's Triluminos technology, which the company claims pushes a broader colour range and produces more tones and textures than standard projectors. Also included is the Realty Creation upscaling from the higher-end VN500ES.

For gaming customers Sony introduces Low Latency, a mode where the projector effectively turns off all motion processing in order to reduce image rendering times and allow for faster response between controller and display.

BenQ launches Wireless Projection Solutions-- a wireless projection accessory series designed for applications ranging across the home entertainment, business and education segments.

The product range includes the Wireless Full HD Kit, the Qcast Dongle and the Quick Wireless Kit, all featuring compatibility with iOS, Android, Mac and Windows PCs and devices.

The Wireless Full HD Kit is ideal for home cinema use. It consists of transmitter and receiver offering wireless coverage of interference- and latency-free video at up to 30m. The set features four built-in antennas and a Dynamic Frequency Selection (DFS) mechanism, and handles the transmission of 1080p video.

The kit supports up to 2 HDMI sources and 2 digital displays to watch the same content in different rooms in the house, and also allows the wireless control of source devices at the receiver end.

Barco launches its first residential product at CEDIA Expo 2014-- the Orion home projector, reportedly a one-of-a-kind number featuring a 2.35:1 (CinemaScope) aspect ratio.

According to the company it carries a lamp-based single-chip DLP, a co-development with Texas Instruments, allowing the projection of 2560x1080 images without need for additional anamorphic lenses. The format uses 78% more pixels for native 2.37:1 compared to standard 1080p projectors with a Blu-ray 2.37:1 format movie.

Such a resolution increase is achieved without compromising image quality-- when the image goes from 1.78 to 2.35, the projector uses increased native resolution to uniformly expand the width and height. Brightness is rated at 1500 or 3800 lumens (depending on lens) via 350W UHP lamp.

Epson launches a line of Pro Cinema projectors running on 3LCD reflective laser technology at CEDIA Expo 2014-- the PowerLite Pro Cinema LS10000 4K projector and the Pro Cinema LS9600e wireless HD projector.

According to the company the 3LCD system delivers an "absolute black" contrast ratio displaying zero lumens during full black scenes, as well as improved pixel density and increased aperture ratio. Further technologies in the projectors include Super Resolution 2D and 3D 1080p projection, Detail Enhancement for sharp images and Bright 3D for increased brightness on 3D content.

Further features in both projectors include rapid warm-up and cool down, ISF calibration tools, 2.1x power zoom, lens shift up to 90% vertical and 40% horizontal and storage of up to 10 lens settings (including standard 6:9 and 4:3 ratios and 2.35:2 wide cinema ratio) and a laser light source Epson claims provides up to 30000 hours of use.

Elite Prime Vision, the Elite Screens custom install division, announces the PolarStar-eFinity-- an "edge-free" projection screen with ambient light-rejecting properties and 3D polarisation.

"In addition to the essentially frameless projected image, the EPV concept takes this further by offering it as a disassembled product," the company says. "This way, it’s less costly to ship and does not come with the same logistical issues that accompany shipping a fully assembled projection screen.”

The eFinity design features an internal aluminium framework enclosed in a wrap-around material to create the edge-free effect. It also comes with an anodised aluminium 10mm edge bezel for customers preferring a border on the image.

The product is easy to ensemble, with sliding wall brackets EPV says ensure perfectly centered installation every time and a detachable LED backlighting kit with remote to activate 16 colour options and 4 modes.