Pico projectors set to grow
iSuppli identifies DLP and other MEMS-display technologies, as well as LCOS technology, as showing strong promise in the embedded pico projector market.
Edited by Suzanne Deffree, Managing Editor, News -- EDN, September 3, 2009
Tiny pico projectors embedded into products such as smartphones are set for a 60-fold increase in shipments during the next four years, according to iSuppli Corp. The market-research company estimates that shipments of embedded pico projectors—front projectors weighing less than 2 lbs and smaller than 60 in.³ without a battery pack—will rise to more than 3 million units in 2013, up from less than 50,000 units this year.
“Mobile electronic devices offer consumers and corporate users the portability they desire, causing an increasing number of users to employ products like smartphones and netbook PCs as their primary platforms for computing and Internet access,” says Sanju Khatri, principal analyst for signage and projection at iSuppli. “However, a major obstacle blocking the use of mobile devices in this fashion has been their tiny displays ... . Embedded pico projectors promise to enlarge these displays, making mobile devices more capable as primary computing and Internet-access platforms.”
Pico projectors are likely to find initial acceptance in the corporate market. However, iSuppli believes consumers will also be attracted to the technology.
