New DLP Home Theater Projectors Use LEDs

More Colorful, Too

Another benefit for the new LED-based DLP technology: It extends the color gamut beyond traditional lamp projectors, just as the technology does with LED-backlit LCD televisions and monitors.

"The light spectrum of a lamp is limited compared with LEDs," explains Carver. "LEDs have a larger light spectrum, which in turn enables a wider color gamut." Texas Instruments says you get 50 percent more colors with LEDs than with a standard lamp projector.

Again, the company says its technology is well-matched with the LED technology. LEDs have a fast switching speed--they can switch in microseconds, notes Carver. "The DLP chipset's mirrors can match that switching speed. You can pulse the LEDs and pulse the mirrors to get the right colors on the screen," Carver says. "It's the best use of the available light."

Products Coming This Year

Currently, TI is aiming its new LED design to transform the home theater projector market. The prototype, on display as a technology demo at the InfoComm trade show here in Las Vegas, is between 500 and 1000 lumens range, Carver says. That's the sweet spot for home theater projectors, which is why Texas Instruments chose to focus on home theater projectors first. However, business projectors need to be brighter -- from 1500 to 3000 lumens -- because they're often used in ambient light environments.

The company says it expects its partners to release the first LED-based home theater projectors by the end of 2008. However, the technology will come to corporate and education projectors soon, and with sufficient lumens to serve those markets.

"This has the potential to be a game changer for corporate and education markets," adds Carver. He expects the lumen range to grow over the next year or so, and that products will be available by end of next year.