Toshiba is right on track to follow the trail opened by Samsung and seems to be prepared to the launch of a "pocket" projector very soon (during the CES in Las Vegas?). It will be a evioce very similar, as it semms, to the prototype in demonstration during the IFA Berlin 2005. It will not be heavier than 565 grams (!), that is to say half the weight of a bottle of mineral water. As for its tiny size, well, this half a kilo device could stand on your own hand with its 14.0X10.2X5.7cm (5.71X4.05X2.24 inches)... It is dubbed "TDP-FF1A" - don't ask what it can possibly mean, it's been a long time since the acronymania has gained the whole techy world... They could have thought of "tiny eye" or something more poetic though...
Toshiba's version of minimalist projector seems to be most advanced...
At such sizes, one cannot expect the latest possible high-end results... So, here we go with an SVGA 800X600 resolution, a claimed 1500:1 contrast ratio obtained through a 5.5 inch (2.24 in) digital mirror.
It uses USB connectivity to transfer pictures; in fact it can connect to your PC for PowerPoint JPEG presentations; a 250-gram battery has a two hours lifetime and Toshiba claims it can be fully recharged within three hours only. So bear in mind that the weight of the battery is added to that of the projector, i.e multiplying it by some 1.5 factor. The total weight would then stand around 800 grams.
Now what about the technology used to obtain such minimalist dimensions. The TDP-FF1A is equipped with an LED chip. This allows to get rid of the colour wheel and the lamp. How does this work? Several LED in different colours are mounted on a panel that serves as colour source and determines the colour of images projected. Another advantage of the LED technology is about heat: LEDs do not burn as hot as lamps, so that there's no need for a fan... Less volume, much less noise. As for the light is woud produce, Toshiba leaks something like 18 Watts. Exactly where can you use this? Certainly not in your 1000 square feet basement, where you're planning to install a full cinema auditorium... Rather in a small room (or office).
Another aspect to this device is that Toshiba says it is connectible to 3G multimedia handsets. OK, so what? Pricing? About £500...
Sony little beast is an XGA crystal liquid projector - No hand here
Sony had also presented something similar in size, although apparently usind LCD technology; a very slim (full dimensions 27.3x21.0x5.2cm or 10.75X8.27X2.09 in) XGA liquid crystal video projector, capable of 2000 Lumen and 1.9 Kg - Price in the region of £1000. Name? Again, a very poetic VPL-CX20... Hopeless!
Last, Epson had introduced its own pocket projector concept, some say very similar indeed to that in use for the Toshiba pocket projector -LED- while other sources would mention 3LCD or other technology. Size: 13.8x10.3cm (7.20X4.06 in). No mention of weight so far, especially about the battery...
Epson vision of hand carried projector concept
Quite eager, however, to see so many little wonders in so many lovely hands...