Texas Instruments is behind a technology that might spell the end for projector related back strain; replacing those short lived and monstrously expensive lamps with LEDs, which has made the development of pocket sized DLP (Digital Light Processing) projectors possible.
Amongst the first pocket projectors to hit the shelves will be the Samsung DLP Pocket Imager which has the incredibly compact dimensions of 128 x 85 x 53mm and weighs 680g. Obviously the drop in size means that these miniature devices won’t be up to the same scale of abilities as full sized models but actually, what it is still capable of is remarkably impressive; the contrast ratio is claimed as greater then 1000:1 and it will put out a resolution of 800 x 600. The brightness output leaves a little to be desired at just 20 ANSI lumens, but the Pocket Imager isn’t really designed for use in vast spaces. To make up for that, it contains a Li-Ion battery which will provide power for around 2.5 hours.
Although there are not many details of how much these new pocket sized DLP projectors will cost, it should be between £500 to £800 at the outset. If Texas Instruments’ vision proves correct we could see projectors take a much more dynamic role outside the office and inside the home with the possibility of direct connections to mobile phones, handheld consoles or digital cameras.
