The five major studios involved will help out by paying a "digital print fee" of about $800 to $1,000 per film, which is about how much it cost to send out physical prints. By doing so they'll help offset the billion dollar bill the theaters will be stuck with when upgrading all of their projectors. This means we'll be seeing more films shown digitally, as well as more films shown in digital 3D, a gimmick that you'll learn to loathe soon enough. But hey, more digital projectors is definitely something I can get behind. [WSJ]

LONG BEACH, Calif., Aug. 26, 2008 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) (PRIME NEWSWIRE) — Building upon its leadership position in the projector industry, Epson America Inc. today announced the Epson MovieMate(tm) 55, the latest model to join the industry's top-selling line of combo projectors(1). By combining a high-quality projector, a CD/DVD player and stereo speakers in one portable unit, Epson MovieMate 55 gives consumers an affordable, easy-to-use and convenient solution for home entertainment in the living room, on a vacation, and even outdoors.

Within moments, Epson MovieMate 55 allows consumers to view their favorite movies in larger-than-life sizes — up to eight times larger than on a 40-inch widescreen TV — by simply plugging the unit into an electrical outlet. Featuring a new brighter lamp and Dolby(r) Digital audio, MovieMate 55 delivers instant home cinema on-the-go. Consumers can enjoy watching DVDs and playing video games when connected to Nintendo(r) Wii(tm), Sony(r) PlayStation(r) 3 and Microsoft(r) Xbox 360(r) videogame consoles. They can also play music from MP3 players and videos from an Apple(r) iPod(tm) on the big screen. For even more versatility, MovieMate 55 plays photo slideshows from photo CDs and USB flash drives and can connect to a PC or Mac to show content from the computer. With 3-chip 3LCD technology and E-TORL(r) lamp, consumers will experience brighter, natural colors that pop off the screen.

"Epson is the world's number one selling brand of projectors(2) because Epson listens closely to its customers' needs," said Rajeev Mishra, director, Projector Marketing and Development, Epson America. "Epson MovieMate projectors can transform any space into a home theater environment. Anyone can enjoy the simple setup, transport and operation of these easy to use and portable projectors."

More about the Epson MovieMate 55

Weighing only 8.3 pounds, the Epson MovieMate 55 features a sleek, compact design with a built-in handle and cushioned carrying case for portable convenience. Additional features and benefits include:

* Projecting a 16:9 widescreen 60-inch image from only six feet
away or a 120-inch image from just 12 feet away

* Built-in progressive scan standard definition (480p) DVD/CD
player

* Great sound quality using two built-in 8 watt 5.1 Dolby Digital
DTS(r) speakers

* Compatible with Nintendo Wii, Microsoft Xbox 360, Sony PS3, and
Apple iPod

* Integrates a new, brighter E-TORL lamp with up to 1,200 lumens to
project light more efficiently, maximizing brightness and
uniformity across the entire screen throughout the lamp's life
— White light output: 1,200 lumens
— Color light output: 1,200 lumens

About 3LCD Technology

3LCD is the world's leading projection technology, delivering unbelievably bright and natural color, amazing detail and road-tested reliability. Using an advanced, 3-chip optical engine, 3LCD offers full-time color for brilliant quality images without the possibility of color break-up. 3LCD is based on LCD technology, which is used by leading manufacturers worldwide for the ultimate viewing experience in flat panel TVs and projectors. To find out why more users choose 3LCD than all other projection technologies combined and to get the latest list of leading companies offering 3LCD technology in their products, visit the 3LCD website at http://www.3LCD.com.

Availability and Support

The Epson MovieMate 55 will be available in October through national resellers for an estimated street price of $699. The projector also comes with the service and support only Epson can offer, including a two-year limited warranty with toll-free access to PrivateLine(sm), Epson's priority technical support, and free overnight exchange with ExtraCare(sm) Home Service.

While the church fouled for sure (again, sorry) by initially planning to charge for the bash, even after making the event free to all who worship, the NFL refused to budge, saying the church's plans to show the game on a projector weren't kosher. What's strange here is the NFL's claim that copyright law "limits it to one TV no bigger than 55 inches."

Budding lawyers out there, is this just BS? Does this just apply to public viewings? Watching the game on a massive TV with lots of friends and even more booze is what the Super Bowl's all about, or at least that's what I've heard. I hate football. – Matt Buchanan

NFL won't let church show game [CNN/SI via Fark]