News From CES 2005 - Palm-sized DLP Video Projectors Attract Attention

In what may turn out to be a very interesting new consumer electronics product category, both the Texas Instruments and InFocus booths at CES displayed working prototypes of small palm-sized DLP video projectors. The projectors shown were powered by a TI DLP chip with an LED light source instead of a high wattage lamp, to reduce heat generation and power consumption. Although not as bright as their larger cousins, both units on display were capable of projecting a solid 27-inch image in a darkened room setting. Although specifications are still being finalized, the Mitsubishi and InFocus branded projectors are expected to hit store shelves by the end of 2005, with an expected price of about $600.

It remains to be seen how the market will respond, but it is expected that these new mini projectors will have both business and entertainment applications. The photos below show both projectors. The Mitsubishi is on the left in size relationship to an actual DLP chip, while the Infocus projector is shown in size relationship to an average sized cell phone.

Robert Silva, About Home Theater Guide.