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Pocket projectors hit the streets just a few months ago, and have already created a buzz in the tech world. From the the incredible creative potential of the DLP pico projector kit we discussed a couple weeks ago or the LCoS version we tweeted a few days ago – a large quantity of digital bits have been dedicated to the products on tech blogs.
But what has yet been left out of the conversation is the answer to the question “How do the LED pocket projectors compare to slightly larger – but similarly priced – LCD and DLP variety of portable projector?”
So, today we are whipping out our demo pocket projectors from 3M and Optoma and throwing in a sub-$600 portable projector for some comparing.
The 3M MPro 110 projector is one of the few new pico products manufactured by a brand you’ve heard of. There are a few phone makers that have integrated the pico technology into their cell phones, but for those dedicated to projection alone, Optoma and 3M look to be two of the major players. Although I did just stumble across a lesser known brand that has on board content like MP3 files, etc. which is a nice idea. I have not heard of the company however, and without the telephone function, who knows if it will catch on.
Ok, back to the 3M MPro 110. What’s cool about this unit, other than it’s tiny size and nice looking LCoS iamge, is the VGA connection. The VGA functionality makes it more friendly for use with a laptop, and with the additional input for composite video, it also means connectivity flexibility with some other portable video sources.
The 3M also has a slight offset, which means the image will project below the direct line of the projector lens. So, if you shoot your projector at a screen, your image will show up slightly below the line of the lens, rather than straight ahead as you might expect. This might be useful in some situations, and inconvenient in others. It probably won’t make a difference to most users.
3M MPro 110 pocket projector in action with a small rear projection screen. Video found on YouTube.
We have already shown some video and posted news about the Optoma PK-101 projector, and by my non-scientific tally, this unit has received the most press from the category. There is some good reason for that. It’s initial target users was the iPhone/iPod user, and was first released in Japanese Apple stores. While the PK-101 lacks a VGA connection like the 3M model, it does have a small (1 watt) speaker on the unit. We have our on-the-fly video of the PK101 in action on a plane. (see video)
Okay, now that we have discussed our two pocket projector players, let’s get on to our video comparison between the small wonders and their big daddies.
Note : I should mention that our demonstration is a challenge for a video camera, even a good one like the Panasonic DVX100B profesional camera we used. So, in person, the pocket projectors actually looked a little brighter, particularly after your eyes adjusted to the room. However, the dramatic difference in brightness is captured well in the video.
If you watched the video, what you saw was not entirely fair. It’s a little like a big brother stuffing his little sister in the dryer and turning it on for a couple minutes – at least that’s the memory it returned for me. However, some day soon, little sis is going to grow up and get her revenge. While the pocket projectors may not be the brightest now, the next generation of pocket projectors will no doubt be bigger, stronger, prettier, and better.
So, if you like being the guy or gal with the coolest tech gadgets, the one that had the first home theater on the block, or the home automation system, you might consider getting your hands on one of these projectors ASAP. They are in limited supply, and have a pack a nice WoW factor.
If you’d rather wait for the pocket projectors to become the standard for portable projection, and even home theater, you might not have to wait long. With energy efficency, lamp life over 20,000 hours, battery opperation, and their size, they have too much going for them not to continue to advance the technology. Here is a quick take on some advantages of LED based pocket projectors like the Optoma PK-101 and the 3M MPro110:
Advantages of Pocket Projectors :We have also been asked if the proper name for these tiny beamers is “pocket” or “pico.” It seems the industry is yet to standardize on one term, but this blogger believes “pocket” will eventually take the prize.
Why? Because pico projector is an industry term that has been used to describe projectors under four or five pounds, AND, pocket gives the end user an immediate sense of exactly how small these projectors are. There are some ‘pico’ projectors that would make for a very bulgy pocket. So if you’re shopping for a pocket projector, don’t be confused by the pico’s already on the market. No disrespect to some very good, very small pico projectors (like the Mitsubishi PK20), but the pocket projectors are indeed small enough to slip into your pocket. Of course, I could be wrong. Maybe they will ultimately be called ‘micro’ projectors, or ‘bitty beamers’, or ‘video pointers’, or ‘petit projectors’…
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Let’s say you had the technology to create a tiny projector. It’s cool. People are talking about it. But beyond an on the fly presentation of travel photos from your cell phone or a portable DVD player accessory, what else can be done with this micro display? How can this display change the world as we know it?
Texas Instruments, creators of the DLP Pico projector technology, has so much confidence in human ingenuity, they are going to give industrious inventors a chance to figure that out for themselves. A new Pico Projector Kit will include all the components needed to integrate a projector into just about anything computerized.
A bunch of stuff MacGuyver would love. The company reselling the kit for $349 retail is Digi-Key. Based in Thief River Falls, MN, they are one of the larger distributors of electronics components. From the press release here’s what’s in the box:
The kit will contain an HVGA resolution DLP projection device, a three color LED, a power supply, and a video cable connected to a BeagleBoard which boasts an OMAP35x processor, supported by Linux. (source : Market Watch)
From the sound of things, there are a number of specific markets that might be served. From general consumer interest products to industrial markets, and even medical applications, or perhaps even some more unusual uses. From the press release :
“We are very excited about offering TI’s DLP Pico technology to our customers. The Pico Projector Development Kit will enable the development of a wide array of embedded systems in the high-growth medical, industrial and consumer segments, creating flexibility and options on how information and content is shared. With regard to the pairing of the pico projector and the BeagleBoard, it will be fun to see what engineers come up with using these two gadgets,” said Mark Larson, Digi-Key president and COO.
Potential applications for this kit include simple 3D measurement applications, virtual cosmetics, augmented reality, battery or USB powered display applications, projection of video and images, and miniature applications that do not have space for a large display.
Unfortunately we don’t carry the kit at ProjectorPeople.com. However it is available online from Digi-Key’s website (part number 296-23836-ND).
Needless to say we are excited about the potential applications for this micro projection technology. As Sinatra might say “The best is yet to come, my friends.” We are keeping our eye on it, but not looking directly into the light because that might damage our retinas.
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[ UPDATE 11/12/2008: We recently learned that there will not be a large release in the USA for this projector. It will be available at Apple stores in Japan, and may be available in select consumer electronics stores. However, if you are looking for a small portable projector for presentations rather than a gizmo, we do offer several "palm" sized projectors that are MUCH brighter and also are not limited to composite only inputs. Projector People will demo the PK-101 projector soon, and provide some feedback for Optoma and for our blog readers. Stay tuned! ]
There’s a new projector gadget in town. It’s handy, high tech, and portable. It’s called a “pico” projector. Sometimes promoted as iPod projectors, these tiny portable beamers are getting lots of attention these days. So are they a good fit for a professional presentation pitch? Or are they just a gadget? Read on.
New pico projectors like the soon-to-be-released Optoma PK-101 weigh in well under a pound. The PK-101 weighs just 4.2 ounces. Its footprint is about the same size as an iPod classic or a cell phone. By comparison, the smallest projector would be about 2.75 pounds, and it would have a footprint several times that size. Your pico projector actually slips into your pocket, rather than into a carrying case.
Well, if you are comparing it to a professional business projector, there are a few things that won’t cut it. Those include: brightness, image size, input flexibility, and sound. The pico projector is not nearly as bright as any professional presentation projector. Not even close. But it is definitely viewable. The maximum image size is about 60-inches, but the image will not be particularly bright (a dark room will help). You will also have limited inputs (just composite video and stereo audio-in). There is a built-in speaker on the PK-101, but it won’t exactly fill up a room with just .5 watts.
One more thing you might not like: the $430 list price. The street price may be lower than that, but since it’s new on the market it’s not clear how much less expensive it will be. And since we love comparisons, our cheapest professional “ultra” portable (but not Pico) projector is around $500-800. It will weigh more than the PK-101, but it would provide a significantly improved image and might also be highly conspicuous in your pocket.
If you’ve always felt you were a little like James Bond on the inside, or you just like to be the first to have an exotic gadget, this is a very cool toy. It’s also great for a plane ride (project on the back of your seat) or a car trip with the youngins’ (as long as they don’t try and blind you while you drive). Or you can also brandish your pico projector to promote your independent film guerrilla style when you bump into Spielberg in the men’s room at Canter’s.
So, go Optoma gadget go!
Optoma PK-101 Quick Specs :
Click here for mores specs and info
Some Ultra Portable Options :
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Posted by Jennifer on Thursday, March 5th, 2009 | 