<title>Ultraportable projector progress and prospects</title>

Abstract

Ultra-portable projector size and weight have decreased more than 50% in the last three years. DLP projectors are the smallest currently available, but three-path polysilicon LCD projectors are also rapidly improving and LCOS technology is emerging. Future miniaturization will come from shrinking of the display devices, lamp arc size improvements, increasing of optical engine efficacy, integration of electronics, improved thermal management techniques and high power density power supplies. Electronics integration and to some extent power supply shrinking should provide relatively easy near-term improvements. Optics, display device and lamp improvements appear feasible, but will be more challenging. Projector thermal management is not yet optimized, but improvement is another key challenge since power density is already high. Within the next five years, sub-2 lb. projectors with volumes less than notebook PCs should be possible.