AAXA M1 Micro Projector is Brighter
When is a pico-projector not quite a pico-projector? Why, when it’s a micro-projector of course. Profligate pico producer AAXA have obviously decided that their latest model, the AAXA M1, isn’t quite small enough to fit into the “tiny” category, but what you lose in pocketability you gain in specifications. The M1 Micro-Projector has a native SVGA 800 x 600 resolution, 66 lumen brightness from its LED lighting, and a handy remote control.
Two models will be on offer, each capable of projecting up to a 100-inch picture. The entry-level M1 Standard gets a 3.5mm composite video input (complete with a suitable adapter cable), while the M1 Plus adds a 1280 x 960 VGA input (though you’ll obviously only get 800 x 600 max output); both also have 3.5mm headphone jacks and a microUSB port. Eventually, AAXA say, you’ll be able to use that USB connection to hook up a computer, though right now they’re not providing the necessary drivers.
Otherwise there’s 1GB of onboard storage and an SD card reader, integrated media player app and stereo 1W speakers; the whole thing measures 112 x 105 x 46 mm. Each model is available for preorder now, priced at $299 for the AAXA M1 Standard and $359 for the AAXA M1 Plus. They’ll ship on December 21st and January 21st respectively.
[From PicoProjector Info]
Optoma Pico Projector for Under $200
* By Denise Harrison
* 12/10/09
Optoma has announced its new PK100, a pico projector priced at $199. (The company also offers the original PK101 at a price of $229.) A pico projector is a small, often handheld, projection device. The Optoma PK100 measures 1.97″ x 0.59″ x 4.06″ and weighs 4 ounces.
This PK100, based on DLP Pico technology, can project an image up to 60 inches, said Optoma. It also offers a 1,000:1 contrast ratio and a 480 x 320 resolution, and its LED light source lasts more than 20,000 hours.
The PK100 has a variety of connections and is packaged with a composite video cable and a USB cable, power adaptor, tripod adaptor, and a single rechargeable battery. It is rechargeable via USB or a power cord.
The device also allows users to share photos and videos from mobile devices.
HD Projectors Coming Soon?
I was reading this morning a post over at UberGizmo about pico projector resolution and the future it may hold. According to Syndiant’s CTO, Karl Guttag, Picos may jump right from the unimpressive into HD territory. Read more
Epoq Cube- Worlds Smallest Pico Projector
“About the Size of a hen’s egg”, that’s the pitch the folks over at Epoq are tossing for their new Cube HH01 Pico Projector. Now I’ve not seen it in person, but from the specs, a 2.2 x 2.2 x 1.6 inche cube is probably going to kill the chicken….
It is small, though I’m not sure it’s the smallest out there. If it is, there will be other Pico Projectors coming soon to give Epoq a run for it’s money. Not important, Epoq claims it’s the smallest in the world at the moment, so let’s run with that.
Here is some more info on the Cube Pico:
VGA resolution images projected from the LCoS image chip with a 3W LED light source. Giving the Cube a 80:1 ANSI contrast ratio. It’s not a high-end video projector, but you can’t possible expect that from a piece of equipment this small. Plus, it does have a built in speaker, making it great for watching on the go, or for giving a business meeting on the fly. Epoq says the Cube will be available this month, for a teensy, weensy $230.
Well, the gauntlet has been thrown down by Epoq here, let’s see how small pico projectors go from here. It’s going to a race to the nano, I have a feeling.
Series A Extension for Pico Projectors
I was on my way to bed, but I got this Google alert with a press release from Light Blue Optics. Seems they have raised some $15 million in VC from Robert Bosch Venture Capital.
Here’s that press release:
July 21, 2009–Light Blue Optics (LBO; Cambridge, England), developer and supplier of laser-based pico projection systems, announced closing of a $15 million Series ‘A’ extension to enable LBO to accelerate its product development roadmap across multiple markets including automotive, industrial, and consumer electronics (see “Light Blue Optics demos smaller, brighter mini projector at CES 09″). LBO’s first product–a projection engine suitable for integration into an accessory pico projector–is scheduled for release to OEM customers in Q4 09.
Robert Bosch Venture Capital GmbH (RBVC) led the extension, with existing investors 3i Group plc, Earlybird Venture Capital, Capital-E and NESTA also participating.
LBO says its holographic laser projection technology delivers vibrant colors and focus-free operation, while maintaining the Class 1 laser safety classification essential to consumer electronics applications. Uniquely, the projection system can be touch-enabled, meaning any flat surface such as a table can be instantly transformed into a touch-sensitive display, eliminating the need for a touch screen and allowing users to interact with multimedia content in new and exciting ways.
LBO’s CEO, Chris Harris, said, “This $15 million financing round will enable LBO to accelerate its product development roadmap and address a wider range of applications. It’s a very exciting opportunity, not least in the consumer electronics space where the market for pico projectors has been forecast to exceed US$1 billion within 5 years. We now have the world-beating technology, experienced team and strong investor syndicate in place to realise that opportunity and become the world’s leading supplier of miniature projection systems.”
More information for Light Blue, visit http://www.lightblueoptics.com/
BTW, their technology development is friggin’ awesome. Their plan is to turn any surface into an interactive touchscreen using Pico Projector technology. All I can say is Wow!