MicroProjector
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Sanyo's LP-XW60 LCD projector claims be to industry's "smallest and lightest"
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]
TI touts chips for integrated pico projectors, HD recording on mobiles
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.
Aurora apes Moto's ways, intros LAZR IMAGR micro LCD
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]
3M to showcase a micro-projector for handheld devices at CES
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 QVGA oio micro-projector shown at CEATEC
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 CEDIA booth tour
Up next on our journey through CEDIA 2007 is Mitsubishi, which seemed to separate its projectors from the rest of its inventory on the floor. Nevertheless, the firm did have a micro projector in action alongside the beastly HC6000, and just across the way were too many HDTVs to count. Interestingly, Mitsu chose to erect an entire wall of its own to show off a few UltraThin Frame LCDs, but we utilized the questionably scientific finger-gap test to show that these sets weren't quite as thin as Toshiba's RF350U. Another treat came when we witnessed a trio of incredibly engrossed (or bored, 'twas hard to tell) individuals trying to make sense of a 3D display, so be sure and share in the fun below, capiche?%Gallery-7050%
InFocus Work Big IN10 DLP micro projector
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.
projectiondesign's Action! M25 DLP projector does 1080p
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]
Neochroma mobile projector blows up cellphone screens
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]
Scalar's video-enabled Teleglass T4 sunglasses
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]
Explay's nanoprojector gets a little face time
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.
TI pushing to get DLP in your cellphone, local cinema
It's not terribly uncommon to see a manufacturer try to push a product (or platform) into every crevice of your life, and it seems that Texas Instruments is diverting quite sharply from its calculatorish ways of old and making an aggressive push to get that DLP logo slapped on everything you own. While we've seen (literally) the diminutive Microvision display do its thang here at CES, TI is hoping to steal that thunder away by talking up its forthcoming palm-sized DLP projectors. The "fully featured" Pocket Projectors, which are co-developed by OMAP, would weigh "less than one pound," use the .55 DLP chip, and could purportedly connect to handsets or PDAs to beam up that big(ger) screen imagery for a crowd to see. Unfortunately for TI, these devices are not (at least initially) supposed to be integrated units, which could easily get overlooked if those built-in alternatives can muster acceptable quality. Additionally, TI is hoping to get that DLP logo stamped on your brain even when you visit the cinema, as the company now has its technology in 3,000 theaters worldwide and is frequently throwing logo-clad splash screens onto the canvas during pre-show advertisements. So if you wonder why you're strangely drawn to the DLP sets during your next HDTV shopping trip, trust us, it's not the mirrors, it's the marketing.[Via AboutProjectors]
Microvision unveils tiny projector for mobile devices
There are monstrous projectors, run-of-the-mill renditions, small versions, and then there's ridiculously tiny ones, but we've got love for 'em all. It looks like Microvision tends to favor the diminutive kind, however, as the company is looking to showcase its "ultrathin, miniature full-color projection display" at next week's CES. Hoping to cram this bad boy into your next mobile phone, PDA, or other handheld gizmo, the firm is touting its incredibly small form factor as the next coming of mobile displays. Taking up the same amount of space as Apple's 2G Shuffle, the display can project "extremely sharp and vivid" imagery onto walls, bodies, screens, or skyscrapers, with a maximum image size "similar to a big screen plasma TV." Sure, we're fully aware of the sensationalism they're tossing in, but this type of development could refine mobile video and the ability to view it on a decent sized screen, so hopefully we'll catch a glimpse of this miniscule PJ in just a few days.[Via Uber-Review]
