Optoma announces PK201, PK301 pico projectors
By Donald Melanson 
posted January 5th 2010 8:39PM
posted January 5th 2010 8:39PM
Optoma's been courting the bargain crowd with its pico projectors as of late, but it's going back after those with slightly deeper pockets with its latest pair of pocketables, which dial up both the model names and the price tags. Coming in at $299 and $399, respectively, the PK201 and PK301 each pack the same 854 X 480 resolution, but the latter packs a supposedly best in class 50 lumens of brightness, along with an optional battery bank for an extra two hours of use in bright mode. Otherwise, each will give you the same 2,000:1 contrast ratio, a microSD card slot, HDMI input, and a roughly similar form factor (though the PK201 is close to half an inch slimmer -- head on past the break for a shot of it).
OPTOMA EXPANDS PICO PROJECTOR LINE WITH TWO NEW,
MORE POWERFUL MODELS
DLP Leader Increases Power, Connectivity & Storage to Meet "Road-Warrior" Needs
LAS VEGAS | January 7, 2010 | Optoma® Technology, Inc., the world's bestselling
brand of DLP® projectors, today announced a major expansion of its Pico line of
projectors, adding two new models, the PK201 and PK301. Both models offer greater
brightness, more connectivity and storage options than previous Pico models, and are
designed to be the perfect companion for business users and general consumers
seeking a more robust alternative to the lower-powered projectors currently available.
With end-user pricing of $299 and $399 respectively, both are expected to be available
by mid-March.
"Mobility and portability are increasingly important to end-users, both for business
and personal use," said Jon Grodem, Optoma's director of product and marketing.
"These two new Pico projectors put us in the best position to meet the performance
needs of more demanding users, enabling them to easily share videos, photos and
graphics on the road or at home."
With its best-in-class brightness of 50 lumens, the PK301 delivers a feature set
that makes it the ideal laptop and netbook companion and a perfect tool for road-
warriors looking to share more content in a wide range of environments. Weighing just
8 ounces and measuring 4.7"(W) x 2.7"(D) x 1.2"(H), the palm-sized PK301 combines
Optoma Introduces Pico PK301 & PK201
16:9 WVGA widescreen resolution, a 2000:1 contrast ratio and a full complement of
connectivity options, including HDMI and a MicroSD socket that supports up to 16GB.
The addition of an AC adapter allows the PK301 to pump out its 50 lumens of
brightness indefinitely, while its internal battery produces 20 lumens for up to 45
minutes. For users who want longer battery life or prefer a brighter image under battery
power, an optional extended power battery pack is available that will support the full 50
lumens output for 2 hours or more.
In addition to its mini HDMI input, the PK301 offers a host of other I/O
connections, including a universal port capable of receiving VGA and component video
signals. This makes connecting to the VGA port of laptops and netbooks for impromptu
presentations easy. The component video capability allows higher quality connections
to iPods and portable gaming devices.
"The PK301 is the gold-standard of Pico projectors," said Grodem. "It is a
different direction in Pico projectors, but its 8 ounces are packed full of added power
and features."
Lighter and smaller than its top-end counterpart, the PK201 weighs just 5.6
ounces with a lithium battery that powers the projector for more than 45 minutes in
bright mode, and one hour or more in its 12-lumens "eco" mode.
"The Pico category is becoming a mainstay in the projection market, and we feel
it's important to offer a full range of products for users to choose from," said Grodem.
"The PK201 is an ideal solution for the user who wants greater flexibility, but doesn't
need the higher lumens or want the slightly larger size of the PK301."
Both models employ a 0.5-watt speaker and an audio-out jack for connecting
headphones or external speakers. Both also offer about 30 MB of internal memory and
come with Optoma's encoding software that formats most picture and video files for
playback directly from the internal drive, the MicroSD card or other external memory
devices. The supported file formats are AVI, MOV, MP4 and 3GP through video
conversion software. Supported picture formats include JPEG, BMP, GIF and TIFF.
Optoma Introduces Pico PK301 & PK201
All Optoma Pico projectors employ Texas Instruments' latest DLP Digital Micro-
mirror device (the reflective chip that creates the image) combined with the latest in LED
and optical technology to deliver the best images available in compact projection.
Specifications
PK301
Native Resolution: 854 X 480 (16:9)
Panel: 0.3" WVGA DLP
Brightness: 50 ANSI lumens Bright mode (with AC power adapter or
optional extended battery pack)
20 ANSI lumens STD mode
Contrast Ratio: 2000:1 (Full On/Off)
LED / Life: LED (RGB), 20,000hrs
Internal Memory: 28MB
Battery: Up to 1 hour (standard)
Optional Battery Bank: >2+ hour bright mode
Image Size: 5"~120" (16:9 native)
7 I/O terminals: VGA (with incl. cable), micro USB, Video/Audio-in,
audio-out, DC Jack, MicroSD Socket, Mini HDMI
Video/Audio In: 2.5 mm A/V Jack, Composite
24 Pin CNNT: VGA/Component In
Micro USB: Host/ Device/ Battery charger
Audio Out: 3.5 mm Audio-Out Jack
Speaker: 0.5W
MicroSD: Support up to 16GB
Mini HDMI: HDMI in
Dimensions: 4.7"(W) x 2.7"(D) x 1.2"(H)
120.1mm(W) x 69.8mm(D) x 29.7mm(H)
Weight (with battery): 8 oz (227g) with standard battery
PK 201
Native Resolution: 854 X 480 (16:9)
Panel: 0.3" WVGA DLP
Brightness: 20 ANSI lumens Bright mode
12 ANSI lumens STD mode
Contrast Ratio: 2000:1
LED / Life: LED (RGB), 20,000hrs
Internal Memory: 28 MB
Battery: 1 hour
Image Size: 5"~66" (16:9 native)
Optoma Introduces Pico PK301 & PK201
7 I/O terminals: VGA (with incl. cable), micro USB, Video/Audio-in,
audio-out, DC Jack, Micro SD Socket, Mini HDMI
Video/Audio In: 2.5 mm A/V Jack, Composite
24 Pin CNNT: VGA/Component In
Micro USB: Host/ Device/ Battery charger
Audio Out: 3.5 mm Audio Out Jack
Speaker: 0.5W
Micro SD: Support up to 16GB
Mini HDMI: HDMI in
Dimensions: 4.6" (L) x 2.4" (W) x 0.7 (H)
117.7mm (L) x 60.6mm (W) x 16.6mm (H)
Weight (with battery): 5.60 oz (159 g) with battery
About Optoma Technology, Inc.
Optoma Technology, Inc. is an award-winning developer of projection and digital display products for
business and home. The company manufactures multimedia projectors for mobile users, fixed
installations and home theaters, as well as HD displays. Optoma products combine superior image
processing technologies with exceptional engineering and innovation to deliver images that are bright,
crystal clear, and finely tuned for tone and color. Optoma products are sold through the company's global
network of ProAV dealers, major consumer electronics retailers and Internet resellers. For more
information, visit www.optomausa.com.
MORE POWERFUL MODELS
DLP Leader Increases Power, Connectivity & Storage to Meet "Road-Warrior" Needs
LAS VEGAS | January 7, 2010 | Optoma® Technology, Inc., the world's bestselling
brand of DLP® projectors, today announced a major expansion of its Pico line of
projectors, adding two new models, the PK201 and PK301. Both models offer greater
brightness, more connectivity and storage options than previous Pico models, and are
designed to be the perfect companion for business users and general consumers
seeking a more robust alternative to the lower-powered projectors currently available.
With end-user pricing of $299 and $399 respectively, both are expected to be available
by mid-March.
"Mobility and portability are increasingly important to end-users, both for business
and personal use," said Jon Grodem, Optoma's director of product and marketing.
"These two new Pico projectors put us in the best position to meet the performance
needs of more demanding users, enabling them to easily share videos, photos and
graphics on the road or at home."
With its best-in-class brightness of 50 lumens, the PK301 delivers a feature set
that makes it the ideal laptop and netbook companion and a perfect tool for road-
warriors looking to share more content in a wide range of environments. Weighing just
8 ounces and measuring 4.7"(W) x 2.7"(D) x 1.2"(H), the palm-sized PK301 combines
Optoma Introduces Pico PK301 & PK201
16:9 WVGA widescreen resolution, a 2000:1 contrast ratio and a full complement of
connectivity options, including HDMI and a MicroSD socket that supports up to 16GB.
The addition of an AC adapter allows the PK301 to pump out its 50 lumens of
brightness indefinitely, while its internal battery produces 20 lumens for up to 45
minutes. For users who want longer battery life or prefer a brighter image under battery
power, an optional extended power battery pack is available that will support the full 50
lumens output for 2 hours or more.
In addition to its mini HDMI input, the PK301 offers a host of other I/O
connections, including a universal port capable of receiving VGA and component video
signals. This makes connecting to the VGA port of laptops and netbooks for impromptu
presentations easy. The component video capability allows higher quality connections
to iPods and portable gaming devices.
"The PK301 is the gold-standard of Pico projectors," said Grodem. "It is a
different direction in Pico projectors, but its 8 ounces are packed full of added power
and features."
Lighter and smaller than its top-end counterpart, the PK201 weighs just 5.6
ounces with a lithium battery that powers the projector for more than 45 minutes in
bright mode, and one hour or more in its 12-lumens "eco" mode.
"The Pico category is becoming a mainstay in the projection market, and we feel
it's important to offer a full range of products for users to choose from," said Grodem.
"The PK201 is an ideal solution for the user who wants greater flexibility, but doesn't
need the higher lumens or want the slightly larger size of the PK301."
Both models employ a 0.5-watt speaker and an audio-out jack for connecting
headphones or external speakers. Both also offer about 30 MB of internal memory and
come with Optoma's encoding software that formats most picture and video files for
playback directly from the internal drive, the MicroSD card or other external memory
devices. The supported file formats are AVI, MOV, MP4 and 3GP through video
conversion software. Supported picture formats include JPEG, BMP, GIF and TIFF.
Optoma Introduces Pico PK301 & PK201
All Optoma Pico projectors employ Texas Instruments' latest DLP Digital Micro-
mirror device (the reflective chip that creates the image) combined with the latest in LED
and optical technology to deliver the best images available in compact projection.
Specifications
PK301
Native Resolution: 854 X 480 (16:9)
Panel: 0.3" WVGA DLP
Brightness: 50 ANSI lumens Bright mode (with AC power adapter or
optional extended battery pack)
20 ANSI lumens STD mode
Contrast Ratio: 2000:1 (Full On/Off)
LED / Life: LED (RGB), 20,000hrs
Internal Memory: 28MB
Battery: Up to 1 hour (standard)
Optional Battery Bank: >2+ hour bright mode
Image Size: 5"~120" (16:9 native)
7 I/O terminals: VGA (with incl. cable), micro USB, Video/Audio-in,
audio-out, DC Jack, MicroSD Socket, Mini HDMI
Video/Audio In: 2.5 mm A/V Jack, Composite
24 Pin CNNT: VGA/Component In
Micro USB: Host/ Device/ Battery charger
Audio Out: 3.5 mm Audio-Out Jack
Speaker: 0.5W
MicroSD: Support up to 16GB
Mini HDMI: HDMI in
Dimensions: 4.7"(W) x 2.7"(D) x 1.2"(H)
120.1mm(W) x 69.8mm(D) x 29.7mm(H)
Weight (with battery): 8 oz (227g) with standard battery
PK 201
Native Resolution: 854 X 480 (16:9)
Panel: 0.3" WVGA DLP
Brightness: 20 ANSI lumens Bright mode
12 ANSI lumens STD mode
Contrast Ratio: 2000:1
LED / Life: LED (RGB), 20,000hrs
Internal Memory: 28 MB
Battery: 1 hour
Image Size: 5"~66" (16:9 native)
Optoma Introduces Pico PK301 & PK201
7 I/O terminals: VGA (with incl. cable), micro USB, Video/Audio-in,
audio-out, DC Jack, Micro SD Socket, Mini HDMI
Video/Audio In: 2.5 mm A/V Jack, Composite
24 Pin CNNT: VGA/Component In
Micro USB: Host/ Device/ Battery charger
Audio Out: 3.5 mm Audio Out Jack
Speaker: 0.5W
Micro SD: Support up to 16GB
Mini HDMI: HDMI in
Dimensions: 4.6" (L) x 2.4" (W) x 0.7 (H)
117.7mm (L) x 60.6mm (W) x 16.6mm (H)
Weight (with battery): 5.60 oz (159 g) with battery
About Optoma Technology, Inc.
Optoma Technology, Inc. is an award-winning developer of projection and digital display products for
business and home. The company manufactures multimedia projectors for mobile users, fixed
installations and home theaters, as well as HD displays. Optoma products combine superior image
processing technologies with exceptional engineering and innovation to deliver images that are bright,
crystal clear, and finely tuned for tone and color. Optoma products are sold through the company's global
network of ProAV dealers, major consumer electronics retailers and Internet resellers. For more
information, visit www.optomausa.com.
Woah, these were almost cool. Last year.
If they could bump up the resolution and brightness even a little bit, I would be seriously interested. Would be awesome to play my PS3 while laying in my rack on my ship. (In the navy and it can be impossible to get TV access when people get out of work before you.)
I want to discuss this product, not start an argument. What purpose, other than being cool, do these serve? When are people going to use these?
Most business presentations can either be done on a laptop for a few people or will likely be done in a conference room (with some type of projection or display) for many people.
Camera will display photos on TVs, some TVs can play SD cards, and most people share photos with other on their phones.
Maybe for impromptu movie in a basement or video gaming? Still requires power and system along with the projector. How would you use it?
@(Unverified)
I'd like one to create for creating a touch surface on the wall in my room and possibly to sketch out ideas and paint things. I'd also like to use for when my band plays live, but then I'd need to lug around a big surface to project it on and it just seems that may be a pain in the ass haha.
@(Unverified)
I'm with you, what puprose do these devices really have?
Is the brightness and clarity of these devices really any good?
@fatslug
check out the videos on youtube... for being so small its really prety good. there is a guy on there that uses it as hi only TV, plays PS3 watches TV etc. and that was with 10 lumens, this new guy has 50 lumens hmm... might be really nice!
@fatslug the tech needs to evolve a bit but they can be quite handy, I mostly used it for watching TV/Films on the ceiling while in bed! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6LYXIe51lHQ
@(Unverified)
I don't know if your an out doorsy kinda of guy but I do a lot of camping and sporting events. I would love to use this thing after a long day of fishing or hiking and getting all nice and relaxed in the tent and pull out a 60" screen right above you... or hang a screen out side and have you and all your friends watch a movie or whatever. How about a sporting event, doing some tailgating you want to know what the next team is doing while your waiting for yours to start. Or how about just having a get to gether at your house with a little BBQ outside. Bam you pull this guy out connected to a laptop with WiFi and slingbox.... Now you have all of your channels outside hanging with family and friends... Heck with a sling box tailgating you can have anything you want in the middle of the parking lot. If you have a hot tub, there you go 60" big screen while in the tub, if you a garage guy and your wrenching on your bike or car... I mean heck, when can't you use a 60" screen? or a 50" or a 40" so on and so on? Even if you are one of those people that sit on the toilet for minutes on in and read a magazine, why not update you twiiter or check your facebook or watch a how to video lol. I like it and will probably get one!
yeah when the battery life on these things don't suck wake me....
My main use for a small projector Is that I run small film company, and do freelance camera work. While 20 lumens really doesn't showcase my work all that well, it's handy to have a portable projector that I can pull out when meeting with investors in a room without a decent size screen. Even the smallest non-pico projectors are too large to lug around in a brief case or suit pocket. I'm actually pretty psyched for the PK301, and will probably pick one up. far too weak to work in daylight, but in a conference room with the shades drawn 50 lumens would do quite well, and the 16x9 native 854x480 is how I have my demo reel outputted anyway, so it'd work great.
Wow the PK301 looks great! I have the AAXA P2 projector which is 33 lumens, the 50 lumens for $50 more looks like a great deal, especially since it looks a lot smaller than the AAXA P2. Only downside is the lower resolution of the Optoma, but it's not much lower. I'll probably pick one up when it comes out!