First Look: Optoma Pico Projector

Posted on 21 Oct 2008 at 12:24

We've been excited by mocked-up photos of mobile phones with micro projectors built into them. Although this isn't a phone now it is a projector the size of a phone and allows you to project content from portable devices onto a nearby wall. Computer Shopper was at the launch of Optoma's new Pico Projector, and got a first-hand look at the company's first handheld, battery-operated projector.

The Pico is little bigger than a Nokia N95, and is fitted with the latest DLP Pico chipset, which has a resolution of 320x240 - the same as many mobile phones and portable video players. It uses an LED lamp, which will never need to be replaced - and has two brightness settings.

Optoma claims a maximum image size of 60in from a distance of 1.5m, but our brief tests showed that, even in a darkened meeting room, brightness and colour saturation dropped off noticeably when the image increased beyond around 30in. However, at 30in or below, the Pico's image was surprisingly bright and sharp. Despite the claimed contrast ration of 1,000:1, colours were a little murky in our test photos (shown using an iPhone), but video looked fluid.

Each of the two supplied rechargeable batteries is claimed to last for two hours at the maximum brightness setting (actual lumen figures weren't disclosed) but you can also plug the Pico into the mains.

There's a single 2.5mm AV input, and a bundled cable with composite video and phono connectors. Also in the box is a useful case for the Pico.

Optoma plans to launch accessories including a fold-up 17in or 19in high-gain screen, and a mini tripod. We'll bring you a full review of the Pico as soon as possible.

Author: Jim Martin

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