View Full Version : Pocket Projectors


jr_tech
08-19-2010, 06:21 PM
In the Indextron thread, I opined that my newly acquired 1984 40+ Lb Sony "Vidimagic" projector was roughly equal in performance to a modern 4 Oz pocket projector.
Link to pix on Indextron thread:

http://www.videokarma.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=167973&d=1282193602

More viewing last night pretty much confirmed that the Pico actually outperforms the 26 year old Sony... The technology has come a long way! The Pico that I have is a very "bottom end" model that sells for about $150 or so:

http://www.amazon.com/Optoma-EP-PK-100-Pocket-Projector-Black/dp/B002O0KOWI/ref=sr_1_9?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1282258145&sr=8-9

(not affiliated)
It is a low resolution device, rated at only 320x 480, using a Texas Instrument DLP chip (and perhaps a color wheel) and a high efficiency LED as a light source. Pix 1
Much of the space inside the projector is consumed by the battery! Pix 2
I use it, connected to a Channel Master DTV converter to project an image to the foot of the bed, for late night viewing. Pix 3
I posed "David and Goliath" in front of a 32" LCD set for size comparision. Pix 4
Anybody else playing with one of these toys?
jr

crtfool
08-19-2010, 06:36 PM
I read recently that they are incorporating pico projectors in some higher end cellphones. This miniaturization is getting scary! Your picture of the pico on top of the Vidimagic reminds me of the comparison of the UNIVAC computer to a watch with a calculator built in.