[Via ShinyShiny]

With all these projectors running around claiming to be the world's smallest, it's hard to say who's really being truthful anymore. Nevertheless, Sharp seems pretty confident that its 55- x 264- x 188-millimeter LP-XW60 LCD projector is in fact the most compact in its class. Whatever the case, there's no denying that thing is mighty small, and features wise, you find a 1,024 x 768 resolution, 400:1 contrast ratio, built-in one-watt speaker, 2,000 lumens, audio in / out and a VGA video output for good measure. We've no idea if this one will ever make it outside of Japan, but for those shacked up over there, get ready to grab one in late April for a staggeringly high ¥207,900 ($2,028).

[Via FarEastGizmos]

It's no secret that Texas Instruments has been pushing to get its technologies into more cellphones for awhile now, and considering that even Nokia reckons that HD recording capabilities in mobiles is but a few years away, it's not too shocking to hear what TI busted out at Mobile World Congress. Reportedly, the firm has unveiled "a chip to support cellphones with mini projectors and another chip that would let users record high-definition video on their phones." After showing prototypes in the past, TI asserted that it had chips "ready for production" for pico projectors that could be integrated into a variety of handsets, while the OMAP3440 -- which would let consumers capture HD footage on the same device that gives those thumbs a workout -- will be available in Q2 for handset makers to test out.

We've no idea who whispered in Aurora Systems' ear that naming your products sans a few letters and with caps lock on was a good idea, but nevertheless, it listened, and it listened good. First up, the firm is cranking out the LAZR IMAGR, which is hailed as a "single panel color field sequential device" (psst, a micro LCD) designed to get VGA resolution into mobile projectors and the like. In case that wasn't enough, you'll be thrilled to know that it's also trumpeting its new LAZR DRIVR, which, contrary to popular belief, actually isn't Tiger's latest club of choice. Rather, it's a chipset designed to "drive both VGA and SVGA resolution panels" while also enabling memory to be "embedded in the driver chip to limit total chipset power consumption." Sounds pretty spiffy, huh? Or are you still stuck on the names?

[Via AboutProjectors]

The idea of stuffing a tiny projector into a handheld device isn't a new one -- we've seen a couple different takes on the idea -- but it looks like it might be hitting the mainstream soon, as 3M has announced plans to demo a half-inch wide projection unit at CES that can put up a 40-inch image. The LCoS projector is about the size of a wireless headset, according to 3M, and tops out at VGA resolution -- which seems adequate, given the QVGA resolution of most handhelds. Apparently we'll be seeing devices with the projector built in later this year, and hopefully we'll get a chance to play with a couple at CES -- you'll know as soon as we do.

Explay's oio nanoprojector has been on our radar for some time, and regrettably, it's still no closer to actually launching. According to Noam Zur, Vice President of Business Development for the company, the second-generation oio "will be commercialized in 2008 to 2009," which is a bit later than we had previously hoped. Nevertheless, the prototype shown was indeed battery powered, could fit in one's palm and offered up a QVGA (320 x 240) resolution. Additionally, it was stated that the "target power consumption is one-watt," and while the outfit would love to one day cram these things into mobile device, it'll be marketed as a standalone device at first.

Mitsubishi's booth, while strangely disjointed, was quite a thrill. Not only did we get to see its newest projectors in action, but we also got to pit its SuperThin Frame LCDs against Toshiba's Super Narrow Bezel (SNB) LCD lineup in a battle for the ages (ahem). Best of all, however, was the reaction from folks wasting their day giving a 3D demo a go with those unfashionable goggles on. Head on over to the HD cousin site for a lengthy walk-through.

Continuing to expand the Work Big lineup, InFocus' latest addition could be easily overlooked. Those with little room to spare in the suit will appreciate the 2.4-pound "palm-sized" design, and the DLP technology, 1,800 ANSI lumens, and XGA native resolution ought to do those PowerPoints proud. The Work Big IN10 works natively at 4:3, sports an 1,100:1 contrast ratio and onboard 1.3:1 zoom lens, is compatible with NTSC and PAL signals, and touts a lamp life of nearly 4,000 hours. Additionally, the integrated one-watt speaker and DVI / S-Video / composite input assortment should handle the most basic of setups, but this bundle of corporate joy will run you a stiff $1,249 when it lands in August.

Sure, Epson and Philips' endeavor to create a mini projector may be novel, but projectiondesign's forthcoming device packs the power we AV freaks admire. Touting an almost unbelievable assortment of niceties, this 3.7- x 9.2- x 10.8-inch DLP machine is reportedly the "world's smallest" Full HD projector to date, and if that wasn't inspiring enough, it also uses TI's 0.95-inch 1080p DMD, the firm's proprietary RealColor technology, and plays nice with home automation systems with RS-232 and IP interfaces. Additionally, it sports a 10-bit video processing engine, HDMI 1.3 compatibility, 1,000 lumens, and a even-segment, 5x color wheel. Best of all, this HD-lovin' projector is available for purchase as we speak, but we're assuming that the unlisted price is a good sign that we common folk should just keep on looking.

[Via Slashgear]

Micro and mobile projectors aren't exactly fresh goods anymore, but Neochroma Ltd. is looking to bring a simplified approach to getting big screen action out of your diminutive LCD. Rather than concocting some new proprietary cable or force you to rock a gaudy head-mounted display, the Viewmaster-esque Neochroma prototype simply requires users to place their (preferably clamshell) mobile's screen atop the mirror-packed device, and then the internal magic does the rest. Unfortunately, details about its inner workings are scant, but we do know that the finalized design should measure around 4- x 2- x 1.2-inches, utilize stereoscopic technology, and sport a viewing angle "roughly equal that of a 19-inch monitor at a 30-inch viewing distance." While already tested with Sharp's VGA-rockin' 904SH, we've no idea what future phones will indeed be "Neochroma-ready," but if these guys and gals keep their word, we'll be seeing all we can handle "within two years."

[Via Textually]

Apparently, the millions and millions of consumers keeping these spectacle companies in business don't actually use them in public, as Scalar has somehow justified busting out yet another set of microdisplay-equipped glasses for the world to, um, see. The firm is no stranger to the world of video-enabled glasses, but these tinted gems still retain that terribly unfashionable look while offering up a "virtual 45-inch screen" for commuters to watch while getting unknowingly stared at. The device can reportedly accept nearly any AV input, including that from an iPod or other PMP / DVD player, and gives the illusion that you're viewing a screen from nearly two feet away. The (fairly) lightweight specs weigh in at 40-grams, and while we've no idea why you'd be interested, you can snag the Teleglass T4 in April for a completely ridiculous ¥100,000 ($824). [Warning: Read link requires subscription]

[Via PlasticBamboo]

While we were able to get a little hands-on time with Microvision's own minuscule projector earlier this month at CES, the folks over at TFOT were able to snag some face time with Explay's ridiculously small nanoprojector. This itty bitty source of entertainment was supposed to land right around this time, and although the latest form is still a prototype, it looks like solid progress is being made. The Israeli-based company showed off a design which featured a full-fledged PJ that was just marginally larger "than a cigarette box," and claims that the final product will be "around 20-cubic centimeters and around 5-centimeters in length." Essentially, Explay's unit utilizes "a combination of laser and LED light sources," otherwise known as an Advanced Spatial Light Modulator (ASLM), and in the time they had to view it in action, there were quite impressed. They noted the relatively low 320 x 240 resolution, but were satisfied with the image quality from one to two feet away, and praised its ability to remain in focus regardless of distance from the screen. The company has revamped its hopeful ship date, and now suggests that we'll see a finalized version on store shelves next quarter, and while pricing will indeed vary by production number, it should start "in the low $700 range." Click on through for a few more in-action snapshots, and be sure to hit the read link for the full skinny on this diminutive projector.