PicoProjector
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HYPOLED develops mega-tiny VGA projector display, has a tiny coin in the photo to prove it
HYPOLED, an 18-month-old project tasked with creating OLED microdisplays for upcoming pico projectors, has just released a report of its recent progress. Among the advances is a Fraunhofer IPMS-designed all digital VGA, full color OLED microdisplay backplane with matching pico projector optics. The display measures just 0.18-mm thick and is already in prototype manufacturing. The super miniscule display is connected to a MediaBox enabling it to operate via WiFi. Fraunhofer is now expected to begin developing a prototype of the full projector, meaning that with any luck, our picos should be getting a teensy, tiny bit cooler in the near future. [Via About Projectors]
Optoma's $199 PK-100 pico projector goes for the bargain crowd
You know what's better than a PK-101? A PK-102. You know what's not better than a PK-101? A PK-100. Unless, of course, you're focused solely on price. Quietly announced to hit the lower-end market, the PK-100 is described as a simplified version of its more sophisticated siblings, boasting the same DLP-based engine as well as 11 ANSI lumens of brightness and a 1,000:1 contrast ratio. Unfortunately, you'll only find a single composite video input and a 480 x 320 native resolution, but hey, for an estimated retail price of $199, what else did you really expect?[Via PicoProjector-Info]
Microvision's SHOW WX pico projector 'out soon'
Well, look at that -- Microvision's SHOW WX, the diminutive PicoP-based projector we first laid eyes on at Macworld some nine-plus odd months ago, is finally going to get a release. The device's laser display system (which works by combining light from red, blue, and green lasers) boasts 10 ANSI lumens, a 5000:1 contrast ratio, WVGA (848 x 480) resolution, and never needs focusing. Out "in a matter of weeks" for an unspecific price point, though according to About Projectors past reports have listed this "somewhere around $500" retail. [Via About Projectors] Show full PR text Microvision Announces Commercial Launch of SHOW WX Laser Pico Projector REDMOND, Wash.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sep. 15, 2009-- Microvision, Inc. (Nasdaq:MVIS), a global leader in innovative ultra-miniature projection display and image capture products for mobility applications announced the commercial introduction of the world's first laser-based pico projector, called SHOW WX™, based on its proprietary PicoP® display engine technology. The Company plans to distribute its accessory pico projector product through three sales channels: OEM branded products, Microvision branded products sold through international distributors and Microvision direct sales through its on-line store. Microvision has signed several marketing and distribution agreements with international distributors in Asia and Europe to launch Microvision branded and private labeled versions of the laser pico projector. Microvision expects to begin product shipments in the next several weeks. The Microvision pico projector uses the revolutionary laser-based PicoP display engine that delivers large, colorful, bright, and vivid images that are always in focus, regardless of projection distance. The accessory product is a simple plug-n-play pico projector for people on-the-go who want to spontaneously view and share mobile TV, movies, photos, presentations and more. Users can take the pocket-sized projector anywhere, plug it into their portable media players, mobile phones, notebooks and other portable mobile media devices with TV-Out or VGA functionality and share a big screen experience with friends, family or business associates. Depending on the ambient light, the projected images range in size from 12" to 150" About Microvision, Inc. Microvision provides the PicoP display technology platform designed to enable next-generation display and imaging products for pico projectors, vehicle displays, and wearable displays that interface with mobile devices. The company's projection display engine uses highly efficient laser light sources which can create vivid images with high contrast and brightness. For more information, visit the company's website (www.microvision.com) and corporate blog
AAXA P2 pico projector ships out, sparks little Halo parties everywhere
Optoma's PK102 not swank enough for you? Fret not, as AAXA Technologies is also shipping its second-generation pico projector. The stupendously simplistic P2 packs an LCoS chip, 33 lumens of output, an 800 x 600 native resolution and the ability to throw up your favorite Xbox / Atari / C64 title at up to 80-inches. There's also a VGA output and a few on-device buttons, and if that's exactly what you've been looking for, you can call one your own for $339.
Optoma's PK102 pico projector slims down, boosts connectivity
One thing's for sure: the obsession with pico projectors has certainly calmed since these things first hit the scene right around a year ago. Optoma's PK101 was somewhat of an industry poster child, so it makes sense to see the company outing a successor in hopes of catching the interest of those who held off on adopting early. Still, the predictably titled PK102 does little to improve upon the past, boasting the same native resolution (480 x 320), a 2,000:1 contrast ratio (up from 1,000:1) and the traditional DLP engine. On the plus side, it has managed to trim down ever-so-slightly, step up to 4GB of internal memory and add a few new connectivity options including a composite video input and a universal port capable of receiving VGA and component video signals. Best of all, the PK102 is available now for just $229, which pales in comparison to the $430 or so it took to snag the PK101 on launch day.[Via PicoProjector-Info]
Guangzhou Darling DP2000 is a nutty pc-in-a-projector that we kinda love (video)
What do you add to a pocket projector that already has a massive 640 x 480 resolution and the power of 9 suns lumens? Why, a WinCE-powered computer, of course. Now, when everyone else is fumbling around with their bulky laptops, you can bust out your Darling, use the top-mounted touchpad to navigate, and be the fastest projector gunslinger in the office. There's even a stand, a pair of mini-USB ports for hooking up a keyboard and mouse, and an SD expansion slot to augment the already super-generous 1GB of Flash storage. So how much does a PC with a huge display and SSD cost these days? $180. Don't tell us that ain't progress. Check it out after the break. [Via Pico Projector Info]
Nikon Coolpix S1000pj hands-on at IFA
We're still curious to see how well the integrated projector in Nikon's Coolpix S1000pj does under real-world lighting and usage conditions, but it sure seems pretty in the controlled environment of the company's IFA booth. The crew from Engadget Spanish say the novel cam is a lot thinner than you'd expect -- check out the video and a gallery of sample shots after the break.
ViewSonic debuts WPG-350 for WiFi video streaming, PJD2121 for portable SVGA projecting
Don't let your instinctual attraction to glossy items fool you. While the PJD2121 pico projector on the right is certainly the shiniest, it's ViewSonic's WPG-350 wireless gateway that we're digging the most. Assuming you've pre-installed the appropriate software onto the pertinent Windows / OS X machine, connect the bridge to a VGA display of some sort, and stream all the 1024 x 768 presentation content you want over 802.11b/g/n WiFi. Sure, it's not HD, but at $199, it's not the worst value, either, and it's still half-lustrous on the top. Looking back at the projector, the little DLP shiner boasts 800 x 600 output, 400 lumens, and a 1,800:1 contrast ratio. A $499 price tag definitely undercuts the Samsung offering we saw yesterday, but it's still way pricey for SVGA. Read - Press release Read - PJD2121 product page Read - WPG-350 product page
Yinlips Projector PMP is a PMP with a projector
You might not know this, but your portable media player is "shackling" you down with its shockingly small screen. What you, and every other self-respecting technophile, need is a projector to explode your awesome digital media onto the nearest wall, flat surface, or just some guy's shirt. Nikon popularized this projector integration madness, and now Yinlips is continuing it with the 3.5-inch Projector PMP, which claims it can beam out a humongous 80-inch picture (we'd be impressed if it can do half that) and play 64-bit games of an unspecified variety. Further info is scant right now, but we suspect you could fill in the blanks with your favorite generic Chinese PMP's specs and you'll probably be pretty much spot on. You'll know more as soon as we do. [Via Cloned in China]
Video: Nikon Coolpix S1000pj projector-cam gets hands on, ads galore
The just-announced Nikon Coolpix S1000pj digicam / pico projector has been blowin' up the Interwebs this morning, and we have the video to prove it. First of all, there is a hands-on provided by What Digital Camera over in the UK, and aside from the projector they've uncovered a pretty straight forward digital shooter: 12 megapixel, 5x optical zoom, pretty standard dimensions, and a 2.7-inch LCD. However, the projector itself seems to do the job quite admirably. Sure, it's not an extensive demo, but the image looks clear and crisp. The reviewer deems it "a very, very clever party trick." And if the straight ahead tech demo doesn't get you in the mood to snap pictures and project them onto something, advertisers have offered us two visions of the future: take your pick from a spirited get together choc full o' photogenic American actors, or a somewhat subdued, more elegant affair in the presence of photogenic French actors. All that fun (and more) is to be had after the break.
Nikon Coolpix S1000pj projector-cam beams into reality along with friends
Man, the Nikon Coolpix S1000pj has gone from crazy rumor to seemingly-real to whoa-here's-the-press-release in record time -- the compact cam with the integrated projector was just officially announced, along with the three other cams we saw leaked earlier today. Leaked specs for the S1000pj were dead-on: a 12.1 megapixel sensor with ISO 6400 sensitivity mounted behind a 5x wide-angle zoom lens with five-way VR stabilization, and that LED-powered projector that'll put up a 40-inch image for slideshows complete with music, effects and transitions. We're a little less excited about the $430 list price this thing will carry when it hits in September, but on the whole it's a pretty terrific idea and we're completely intrigued -- looks like we'll be saving our pennies this month. Pictures of everything in the gallery, deets on the other cams and a video of the S1000pj after the break.
Nikon Coolpix S1000pj to boast projector? Sure looks like it!
Now, we still can't be sure that this thing is legit -- but it's definitely starting to look more than likely. The rumor early this morning was that Nikon would be announcing a small digital camera with an LED projector in the very near future, with a shelf-date sometime in September -- the VP650. Well, now Photo Review has some shots of this supposed badboy. The Coolpix S1000pj will supposedly boast a projector capable of projecting an image up to up to 40 inches in size, with a remote control and projector stand as part of the package. The camera itself will be a 12.1 megapixel affair, with a 5x Zoom-Nikkor lens with 28mm wide-angle coverage -- with pricing at $699 AUD (that's about $587). Word is that VP650 was just a codename for the product, and we'd think we'll be hearing much, much more about this little dude in the very near future. There's one more shot to check out after the break.[Via Nikon Rumors]
Rumor mill: Nikon VP650 camera / projector combo soon to be revealed
Looks like our one of our dreams just might come to fruition after all, if this newest rumor coming from the vicinity of Nikon is to be believed, anyway. Now, there aren't a lot of details to go round here, but Nikon Rumors is reporting that Chasseur d'Image -- a print magazine in France with a history of publishing rumors that turn into reality -- has published a report that Nikon will soon announce the VP650. What is this VP650, you ask? Well, it's a hybrid compact digital camera with an LED projector (which may or may not be manufactured by Taiwanese company Foxlink) that can project 8 x 12 images in "good quality" in the dark. Chasseur d'Image reports that the VP650 will ship in September. Like we said -- not a whole lot of detail, but we'll keep our eyes peeled to see if this thing ever appears. We'll say this though -- such a product would probably make the tiny projector a lot more attractive.
AAXA ups the ante with SVGA P2 pico projector
While it's probably safe to say that the rush of pico projectors has slowed to a trickle, that's not stopping a few of the early entrants from dishing out new and improved models as the second wave builds. AAXA, the outfit responsible for serving up the pint-sized P1 back in February, is demonstrating exactly what a hasty refresh cycle looks like by dishing out the higher-res P2 just a few months later. The LCoS-based pico projector packs an SVGA (800 x 600) resolution, a 33 lumen LED light source, 1GB of onboard memory, a microSD card reader and even a built-in battery good for around 35 minutes of beaming (or in other terms, nearly two full episodes of Entourage). The device checks in at just 4.3- x 2.3- x 1-inches and sports a VGA input, 3.5mm headphone output and a mini USB socket to boot. Feel free to pre-order yours now for $349 -- or, you know, wait for a 720p model.[Via PicoProjector-Info]
WowWee Cinemin Swivel available for pre-order in U.S. and Europe
Pico projector fans, the wait is over. WowWee -- the company with the wackiest name in the business (or at least the most fun to type) has just announced that the Cinemin Swivel is available for pre-order today -- as in right now -- both Stateside and in Europe. The press for this device sounds a little like wishful thinking (enjoy romantic flicks on the bedroom ceiling! foreign cinema in the backyard! YouTube on a subway wall! psychedelic graphics on the dance floor!) but if you've been in the market for a pocket-sized, iPhone-friendly multimedia projector, your choices just expanded by one. Yours for a song -- and $349.99. Gallery below.
BeamBox Essential G2 projector is tiny, available for pre-order
Remember when 190 grams felt feathery light? BeamBox wasn't satisfied with that, and has put its pocket projector on a strict diet, cutting its weight all the way down to 75 grams. The Essential G2 promises VGA resolution on up to a 73-inch projection, though we'd expect the listed 20 lumens to produce usable images closer to 7.3-inches. Alas, you have to expect sacrifices when moving to such miniature dimensions. USB connectivity takes care of both power and image source, though there's 1GB of integrated memory if you don't feel like lugging a comparatively monolithic laptop or netbook along. If this has piqued your interest, a remote control comes as part of the deal and pre-orders are being taken now -- £220, $250 or €240, depending on your local currency -- with general availability set for July 29.
Light Blue Optics' touch-based laser projector hitting manufacturers in Q4 -- will look nothing like this image
While the global economic crisis has swept aside a number of early innovators in mobile technology, Light Blue Optics finds itself flush with cash this morning. Having secured $15 million in funding, the UK outfit now plans to have its laser-based pico projection engine to OEMs by the end of the year; a move that should result in a tiny retail projector sometime in the first half of 2010. Why should you care? Well, unlike all those LED-based pico projectors now saturating the market, laser-based projectors offer more vivid colors and the ability to auto-focus that mobile image as it's moved about. Even better, LBO has touch-enabled the system allowing users to interact with the projected display. A second generation engine about the size of a sugar cube will ultimately allow the technology to be embedded in mobile devices like cellphones as we're already seeing with LED-based engines. Since the supplied image above totally misrepresents the first generation device, we've embedded a video of the tech, first published in March, after the break. Skip to the 3-minute mark if you want to avoid the pitch.[Via PicoProjector-info]
Aiptek debuts USB-powered T20 pico projector, T30 model for iPods
Aiptek isn't dishing out a ton of details on these just yet, but the company has two fairly interesting pico projectors on display at CES, including the flask-like, USB-powered T20 model (pictured above), and the T30 (after the break), which is apparently intended for use with iPods and iPhones. About all that's known about the first of those is that it can display VGA images at sizes up to 42-inches, while the T30 can pump out a slightly larger 50-inch image, and boasts some AV-in recording capabilities -- and, presumably, some internal storage, much like the company's earlier V10 model. Incidentally, that model has also now been upgraded to the V10 Plus (which adds 4GB of memory and H.264 decoding), and Aiptek has also rolled out its new DDV-JF1 pico projector / camera, although that appears to be identical to DigiLife's model, right down to the model number. [Via PicoProjector-info.com]
Light Blue Optics promises touch-interface pico projectors
A projector that fits in your pocket not enough to impress your jaded self? Then how about a pico projector that also functions as a full-fledged touch interface? While details are a bit scant so far, Light Blue Optics says it is working on producing just that, and says it could be released to OEMs as soon as the end of this year. That projector would apparently be able to pump out WVGA or QVGA images at 10 lumens, and it'd boast an "ultra-wide" throw angle and the ability to correct for optical aberrations, which should allow it to be used on any flat surface like in the concept above. Unfortunately, there's even fewer details on the touch part of the equation, with Light Blue Optics only going so far as to say that it involves an "additional product configuration."[Via PicoProjector-Info.com]
Teen invents pen-sized pico projector while your kid's busy beating up honor roll students
Life can sure be confusing for a teenager in this fast-paced techno-world we live in. Without the proper guidance, a kid could find himself unplugging someone's life support, or going to jail for borrowing the neighbor's WiFi. Hell, if old man General Tommy Franks (retired) has his way you won't even be able to hang out behind the Safeway and enjoy a six pack with your fellow juvenile delinquents without being tracked via GPS! So it warms our hearts when we do hear of a youngster that's bucked the odds and done something constructive. For example, a 13-year-old named David Baker has received a patent for his Light Beam Delivery System, a pico projector that fits in a pen casing, and works by combining three RGB lasers with an optics assembly that creates a light ray that is then shined through a rotating disk to the screen. "When the light goes through the lenses," he explains, "they take each light pixel and shine it onto a screen or wall. The lenses run back and forth until it fills the screen. This process repeats 30 times per second to make it appear as though you're looking at a solid image and not a series of pixels, and you have the image projected." And where did he find the inspiration for all of this? "I was sitting in church thinking about how to make projectors easier to handle and I just thought of it," he says. Here's to daydreaming during mass![Via About Projectors]
