A pico projector, also called a handheld, mobile, or pocket projector, is a fast-developing technology attempting to revolutionize the use of a video projector as a lightweight device with the size and weight of a typical smartphone. The emergence of portable gadgets in today's technology-driven society makes the pico projector an interesting addition to the arsenal of on-the-go media devices.
Features
The primary advantage of a pocket projector is its ability to get connected to other portable gadgets, such as mobile phones, digital cameras, personal digital assistants, tablets, and laptops that have the expected limitation on their screen sizes. This projector allows these smaller devices to showcase still and moving images with the size of a large HD TV in topnotch resolution, especially when using a top-of-the line model.
The best models range from $180-$300 in price, which is relatively cheaper than the cost of a good HD TV. Many pico projectors also have built-in and expandable memory card slots where movies can be readily stored and projected without the need for additional connections to other mobile devices.
Uses and Benefits
Mobility as an entertainment device is the main selling point of a palm-sized projector. Pico offers a great way to enjoy HD movies, TV shows, and games without investing in space-consuming and very expensive HD TVs. Any clean screen from the room's wall to a white cloth hanging on a flat surface can serve as an effective projection screen, which makes it an ideal companion in a small room.
It becomes a very valuable alternative to a TV in any room, college dorm, apartment, in a restaurant to show a photo slideshow or watch a video, and even in a car during long travel. Its portability makes it possible to carry a pico projector around for a school or work presentation, a party or other special event, a camping trip's outdoor movie night, or just about any type of personal and professional endeavor where image projection becomes an advantage.
Parts and Accessories
A handheld projector utilizes miniaturized hardware and software that enables the projection of digital image, video, and presentation files on practically any viewing surface, from a wall to cardboard to a professional projection screen. It basically comprises a battery and charger, electronic circuit, light bulb that is usually a laser or LED light, scanning mirrors, lens optics, storage system, analog and digital ports, and menu and power buttons.
Some of the most popular brands of these projectors include Optoma, AAXA, MicroVision, Cinemin, 3M, and LG.
Although a pico projector's available ports vary per brand and model, it usually provides USB, VGA, HDMI, and component video connectivity for a wide variety of digital and analog devices, including iPods, mobile phones, tablets, laptops, gaming consoles, and Blu-ray and DVD players. It is also possible to connect it with a headphone or high-end speakers as an alternative to its typically small 0.5-watt built-in speaker.
Some of the most popular accessories used with it include a small tripod, iPod or mobile phone kit, and remote control. As of 2011, most of the available palm-size projectors have at least 20 lumens of projection power. HD resolution from both professional and consumer cameras, home movies, and commercial Blu-ray discs almost always come standard with the different projector models.
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