LcosProjector
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Micron introduces V100 LCOS projector, WQVGA in an 8.5cc package
Projector-phones are still a rare commodity, despite the array of tiny projectors available to shove in the things. Micron is now beaming a picture of its hat into the ring, announcing the V100 LCOS projector. It's a wee thing, measuring just 33 x 31 x 12mm, pumping out five lumens of light at a resolution of 320 x 240 while pulling down just 1.5 watts of power. The big deal here is integrated circuitry that takes care of any processing required to display images, meaning no additional drain on your already over-taxed mobile processor. No word on availability or what this will cost manufacturers to stuff in their devices, but we'd like to see a few more pixels out of it before it goes mainstream.
AAXA intros L1 laser pico projector / media player
It's claim on the title of "world's first laser pico projector" might be a tad dubious, but AAXA Technologies' new L1 projector may just be the first to hit the market, with it set to start shipping on February 12th. Like other laser-based models, this one promises to always stay in focus, and even project images (800 x 600, up to 50-inches) on curved surfaces with ease. Somewhat uniquely, you'll also get a built-in media player, along with the usual USB port, memory card slot, and composite and VGA inputs to actually pump media through the device. Just don't expect the same low, low price seen on some other pico projectors lately, as this one's set to run a hefty $599.
RoyalTek outs RPJ-2000 pico projector
Taiwanese company RoyalTek's just announced the first of what will apparently be five pico projectors it releases in 2010. The RPJ-2000 boasts 3M's second generation LCoS chipset, VGA and NTSC / PAL inputs, and 0.5 watt speakers. The projector can project a 65-inch image at 640 x 480 resolution with 14 lumens of brightness. Disappointingly, there is no onboard storage or media player on this little guy, but we're betting one or more of those other models RoyalTec is set to unleash probably will have those glorious extras. If you want to use this baby with a Mac, you'll need to purchase an adapter kit which runs around $43, in addition to the $315 pricetag of the projector itself. There's no word on sale of the RPJ-2000 outside of Taiwan as of yet, but we'll keep you posted.
Canon rolls out WUXGA REALiS WUX10, REALiS SX80 LCOS projectors
It looks like Canon's laid claim to not one but two "world's first" titles today, with it rolling out the world's first WUXGA LCOS in the form of the REALiS WUX10 and the world's first PictBridge compatible with its new REALiS SX80 (also LCOS-based). In addition to a 1920 x 1200 resolution, the REALiS WUX10 also boasts 3,200 lumens of brightness, a 1,000:1 contrast ratio, and some of Canon's propriety features like its AISYS (Aspectual Illumination System) Optical Engine, which promises to maximize the performance of the LCOS panels. The REALiS SX80, on the other hand, takes things down to a still decent SXGA+ resolution, along with 3,000 lumens of brightness, a 900:1 contrast ratio, and that aforementioned USB / PictBridge connectivity. Both models also boast just about all the ports you could want, including DVI, HDMI and component, as well as that all-important built-in 1W speaker. As you might have guessed, neither of them come cheap, although at $3,999, the SX80 is a relative bargain compared to the WUX10's $12,999 price tag.
JVC's DLA-HD1 1080p LCoS projector with 15,000:1 native contrast ratio
JVC has a new top-end LCoS projector set for release with this, their 1080p DLA-HD1. This projector goes Full HD with a 1920x1080 pixel resolution pumped out that trio of 0.7-inch D-ILA devices. Those D-ILAs coupled with a new optical engine which prevents light leakage into the projection lens gives the DLA-HD1 bragging rights to the industry's highest, 15,000:1 native contrast ratio -- "true black" reproduction according to JVC without any iris mechanism. The projector operates at just 25dB in normal mode while pumping 700 lumens off a 200W ultra high pressure lamp. It also brings a 2x manual zoom/focus Fujinon lens and 4-ms response. Oh bonus, unlike the $20k Meridian Faroudja or $6k Cinetron 1080p LCoS offerings, JCV tosses in 2x HDMI inputs on top of component, S-Video, and composite inputs for just ¥798,000 (about $6,753) when these hit Japan starting in late January '07. [Via Impress] Read [warning: PDF link]
