Casio America has announced the addition of a new introductory model to its projector line-up. The EcoLite™ XJ-V1 is Casio’s lowest-priced model and is geared towards the budget conscious education market. The new EcoLite model combines Casio’s LampFree^® technology and essential features with a low total cost of ownership.

EcoLite is powered by Casio’s 5^th generation Laser and LED Hybrid Light Source technology which offers a 20,000 hour estimated lifespan with minimal brightness degradation and continuous operation. It also provides a 30 percent increase in LED light output, while consuming half the amount of power per unit than traditional lamp-based projectors. Power consumption with the brightest setting is only 180 watts and eco modes can reduce power consumption up to 50 percent.

Casio’s EcoLite™ XJ-V1 projector features a throw ratio of 1.54-1.7: 1, produces 2700 lumens of brightness and has XGA (1024 x 768) resolution. It also features inputs for RGB and HDMI and includes a Variable audio output for external audio.

The XJ-V1 projector will begin shipping this spring, with an MSRP of $699.

Market analyst firm PMA Research has been following the growth of projectors using solid-state illumination and non-lamp based models such as Casio’s continue to grow in popularity.