Have you ever thought, while watching a movie, that it would be amazing to lie in bed and watch a film? It sounds perfect, but the problem is, you can't just use your ceiling as a projector. The idea of setting up a projector in your bedroom seems complicated, especially if you don’t know how to install one. And without a screen, how can you get the full cinematic experience?
No Screen TV
This is where DLP technology from Texas Instruments comes into play. DLP, or Digital Light Processing, works by digitally processing image signals before projecting them. At the heart of this technology is the DMD chip, also known as a digital micromirror device. This tiny component is built using standard CMOS processes and includes a rotating mechanism that controls the reflection of light. The DMD acts as an optical modulator, directing light based on digital signals. By switching between 0 and 1, it controls the light’s path, allowing for precise image projection.
Originally developed for digital projectors, DLP technology revolutionized the film industry. TI partnered with Hollywood to introduce digital cinema projectors, which helped transition the industry from traditional film to digital. Today, TI holds 85% of the global cinema market share, with over 90% of Chinese theaters using DLP-based projectors. Dr. Larry Hornbeck, the inventor of DLP, even received an Academy Award for his contributions.
So, what are the other applications of DLP technology? At this year’s DLP seminar, I saw some exciting new uses. Let’s explore a few of them:
Laser TV: 4K Ultra HD
When it comes to TVs, Volkswagen has always been pushing for ultra-high definition and large screens, both of which enhance the viewing experience significantly.
Hisense 4K Laser TV
This is the Hisense 4K laser TV, featuring crystal-clear images powered by TI’s DLP660TE chip. To achieve true 4K, it must display 8.3 million pixels, and those pixels must be precisely aligned, especially on large screens. Any misalignment can lead to poor image quality. Single-chip DLP systems avoid this issue, offering one-to-one pixel mapping, which makes them ideal for 4K displays.
Zheng Haibing, a business development manager at TI, explained, “To support the growth of 4K, TI released two DLP chips: DLP470TE and DLP470TP. The main difference is their package size, which affects heat dissipation. Larger packages offer better cooling and higher brightness. The DLP470TP, though less bright, provides excellent portability and cost performance, making it ideal for mobile applications.â€
Desktop Display: Portable and Simple
Desktop Display
This is a computer desktop with a built-in projection display, allowing users to interact directly with the screen. While convenient, the clarity could be improved. Zheng Haibing noted, “Clarity depends on panel resolution and optical lens performance. Since it’s an ultra-short throw projector, corner blurring might occur due to lens manufacturing.†If lens quality improves, such projections could replace laptops entirely in offices.
Zheng Haibing, Business Development Manager, DLP Products, Texas Instruments
Car HUD: A Step Closer to Mass Production
Car Head-Up Display
Head-up displays have long been a focus in automotive tech. With DLP, they become even more powerful. Lincoln’s Continental was the first car to integrate DLP for its front display. Next year, the Navigator will also feature DLP-based HUDs. TI introduced the DLP3030-Q1 chipset for automotive HUDs, enabling high-brightness AR content on windshields, keeping critical information within the driver’s line of sight.
With DLP technology, designers can create HUDs that project images up to 7.5 meters away, even under intense sunlight. This allows for more realistic augmented reality experiences, improving safety and convenience for drivers.
Spectral Detection: Reusable and Precise
While DLP is best known for display, it also has other uses, like spectral detection. Traditionally, this involves analyzing light absorption patterns. But with DLP, the process becomes digital. Instead of using multiple arrays for different samples, a single detector can handle multiple scans, increasing accuracy and reducing costs.
Digital exposure is another area where DLP shines. In PCB manufacturing, it replaces traditional masks, improving precision for high-density boards. In beauty devices, DLP helps target specific skin areas during treatments like laser therapy, minimizing damage to healthy tissue.
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