DLP Technology Enables New Categories of Projectors to be Introduced at CES 2005

[Gregg Lengling]

Texas Instruments (TI) at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas announced that two entirely new categories of DLP projectors will be introduced by customers at CES: Instant Theater projection products from HP, Optoma and Cinego combine DLP projection, DVD player, and sound system in one affordable unit; and a new Pocket Projector from Mitsubishi will allow on-the-fly projection from gaming applications, cell phones and other mobile devices, all from a micro projector that fits into the palm of your hand. Additionally, DLP customers will be introducing new levels of affordable home theater to a wide array of products, including 480p, 576p, and 720p resolution projectors, further solidifying front projection home theater into mainstream consumer electronics.


The DLP Pocket Projector from Mitsubishi offers a never before seen micro form factor utilizing an LED light source to enable a whole new category of portable projection, allowing on-the-fly fun viewing movies, digital camera pictures and games from almost anywhere. With dimensions of just 121mmX47mmX97mm and weighing only 400g, the Mitsubishi Pocket Projector can easily fit into your pocket. It also features instant on-and-off, and quick play for true consumer convenience and flexibility.


HP, Optoma, and Cinego are introducing Instant Theater DLP-based projection products that offer consumers the entire home theater experience with just one product purchase. Avoiding the confusion of hooking up components, Instant Theater products give consumers DLP projection, DVD player, and sound system in one compact, affordable unit. Instant Theater DLP projection products at CES 2005 include:


    *  HP ep9010 Instant Cinema:  Announced in late 2004, the ep9010 includes
      a projector with a built-in DVD player with DTS audio and Dolby 2.1
      Surround Sound and has an ESP of $1999.  It has been honored with
      many prestigious awards, including CES Best of Innovations 2005
      Honoree; Best Product Audio-Video category award at WPC Expo in Tokyo;
      and Best Product Digital Home award at RetailVision event in Europe.
   *  Optoma MovieTime:  Announced at CES, Optoma MovieTime incorporates an
      integrated digital DVD player, powerful speaker system and short throw
      lens, making it a snap to turn any room in the house into a screening
      room -- right out of the box -- for just $1499.
   *  The Cinego D-1000 All-In-One Home Theater System, revealed today at
      CES, incorporates a DVD player and sound system with DLP projection
      and a Carl Zeiss D9-Home optical engine.  The Cinego D-1000 is a CES
      Best of Innovations 2005 Honoree.  It will be available exclusively at
      select RadioShack Corporation stores in early 2005 with a MSRP of
      $1,249.99.
Additionally, as more consumers are boosting their home entertainment experiences with projectors, DLP customers are responding with affordable price points on video projectors at all resolutions:


   *  480P:  More than nine 480P DLP projectors have been introduced to the
      market in the last 6 months, including the InFocus 4805 (the
      bestselling home theater projector on the market) priced at $1299.
      Most of these systems offer price points under $1499.  With 854 x 480
      resolution and a 16 x 9 aspect ratio, 480P DLP projectors provide an
      excellent picture for native content, including most DVDs.
   *  576P:  With even higher resolution, 1024 x 576, in a 16 x 9 format,
      more than 4 companies are offering affordable 576P DLP projectors for
      the home, including the NEC HT510.  Most of these products can be
      found in the marketplace for less than $1995.  The 576P systems are a
      perfect match for Wide PAL broadcast format used in Europe.
   *  720P:  With more than 14 native HD (1280 x 720P) DLP products in the
      market today under $10,000, BenQ marks a new milestone with the
      introduction of their PE7700 DLP 720p projector at a price point of
      just $3299.
DLP front projection products has seen strong momentum, with 39.6% marketshare worldwide and 9 consecutive quarters of growth, according to Pacific Media Associates. The inherent advantages of DLP technology, including unmatched picture reliability, precision alignment, fast switching speed, and industry leading contrast ratios, have helped fuel this strong growth.


"We are very excited about the developments we are seeing at CES, which takes DLP-based projectors to a whole new level of affordability and flexibility," said Lars Yoder, Business Manager, DLP Front Projection Products. "The innovation around DLP technology that we are seeing from our customers is truly revolutionizing the display industry."


Texas Instruments DLP Products and many of its customers will be at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas January 6-9 to showcase what is new and exciting with DLP TVs and home entertainment projectors. Texas Instruments booth: Central Hall #8602, Las Vegas Convention Center.