Pacific Media Associates (PMA) forecasts "exponential" global growth for the "New Era" projector category, with 2012 shipments reaching around 1.8 million units before growing to over 12.3m units by 2016.

The New Era category covers pico and personal projectors.

The analyst expects embedded pico projectors (in mobile phones, cameras and camcorders) to show strong growth, with a global 66% growth rate-- from 1.5m units in 2013 to 6.4m units by 2016.

Integrated projectors (such as battery-powered pico companion, personal and gaming/toy projectors) are another future "bright spot," with a growth rate reaching 68% for the 2013-2016 period.

“Pico and Personal projectors continue to gain momentum as the technology improves,” PMA says. “People like mobile devices and are embracing the ability to share photos and videos straight from their phones and cameras. As personal projectors become brighter and their resolutions become higher, they are ideal for road warriors making small group presentations, so the corporate sector sees the value in these projectors as well."

Go New Era Projector Industry Forecast from PMA Anticipates Exponential Growth

What do you give the person that has everything? In answer to that question, SIM2 launches their LUMIS Fuoriserie projector at the home of bling, CES in Las Vegas.

Fuoriserie is used in Italy to describe a custom-built, high-performance, exclusive and expensive auto that “qualifies the owner’s financial ability and desire to stand out from the crowd.”

SIM2’sFuoriserie describes its limited-production special which incorporate advances in design and technology.

SIM2’s wants Fuoriserie to have only the latest, most carefully selected components (each one individually tested). That built-out quality gives it high performance-- coupled with SIM2’s signature red-gloss finish, SIM2’sLUMIS Fuoriserie embodies luxury.

The LUMIS Fuoriserie will only be made available to SIM2 Premiere Dealers.

Go SIM2’s LUMIS Fuoriserie

LCD, Plasma or OLED? LG goes for neither at CES 2013 with the Hecto Laser TV-- not actually a TV (despite the name) but the combination of ultra short throw (UST) laser projector and special 100-inch screen.

Providing 1080p resolution with a 1000000:1 dynamic contrast ratio, the projector is also easy to install. According to LG users can place the unit just 56cm away from the screen, mounting it on either floors or ceilings.

It includes digital tuner, 10W speakers, x3 HDMI inputs, RS-232 port, WiDi/Miracast compatibility and Smart TV capabilities (controllable via LG Magic Remote).

LG claims the laser system uses specialised lamps and runs for up to 25000 hours before requiring replacement. The device features LG's "Dynamic Arc" design, while the screen adopts the slim bezel LG Cinema Screen aesthetic.

Go LG Announces Cinematic 100-inch Class Laser TV

dnp denmark announces the worldwide introduction of the *Supernova Blade”, an ultra-thin frameless version of their Supernova Screen.

To meet modern demands for wider, flatter screens, the dnp Supernova Blade is only 3mm thick and available in 100”, 110” and 120” displays (in 16: 9 aspect ratio). Yet it contains the performance characteristics typical of a Supernova Screen.

A built-in optical filter in the screen’s material absorbs ambient light and boosts image contrast, delivering up to 7X higher contrast than conventional front projection screens. These light-absorbing capabilities eliminate the need for a dedicated darkened room, making it suitable not only for home theatre applications but also in brightly lit surroundings such as meeting rooms and point of sales situations.

The new screen, which uses ISF-certified Supernova 08-85 screen material, can be installed in two ways: either wall-mounted — when it gives the effect of a ‘window on the world’ — or suspended from the ceiling, when it appears to be floating in mid-air. In retail situations, where every square meter counts, the new slim-line screen also helps save space.

dnp Global Sales & Marketing Manager, Søren Kraemmergaard explains, ” Supernova Blade offers a minimalistic, clean appearance that fits into modern architecture and interior design. No frame, no thickness – just a big image in fantastic quality.

While Supernova Blade was principally designed for residential use, dnp says it’s no surprise the commercial market is also showing major interest.

Go Supernova Blade

Now Electrosonic’s projector lamp website serves customers throughout Europe and supports the euro (as well as the dollar, the pound, the krona and more).

Electrosonic claims they have “the largest and most comprehensive inventory of OEM lamps.”

Also available are OEM-equivalent lamps for xenon and UHP projectors--Electrosonic says they offer savings of up to 50%. The “Sapphire” xenon projector lamps are made in Japan. The “Diamond” UHP lamps use OEM bulbs and offer a 120-day warranty.

Electrosonic’s lamp customers receive a 30-day satisfaction guarantee and an enhanced 90-day warranty on their lamp purchases.

Electrosonic also offers its Lamp Replacement Program-- customisable and offers installation and calibration services, and guaranteed availability.

Electrosonic says its volume buying power and knowledge of the lamp businesses allows them to source lamps via many different channels. Special discounts exist for education, government, entertainment and corporate buyers who join Electrosonic’s buying group for their vertical sector.

Go Electrosonic’s Lamp Sales

At CEDIA Expo, DPI introduced the new HIGHlite 330-3D, a new addition to the company's HIGHlite Cine 3-chip DLP series. Two new models have been launched -- a high contrast version delivering 2500 lumens and greater than 10,000:1 contrast, and a high brightness version delivering 4500 lumens. Both of these 3D projectors are priced under $30K MSRP including lens, making these about 60 percent of the cost of the entry level TITAN 3D models.

The two models also offer installation flexibility due to the HIGHlite 330-3D’s compact chassis design and lens shift range of 120 percent vertical and 30 percent horizontal. Multiple lens options provide further flexibility, with .77 and 1.16:1 fixed lenses plus zoom lenses with throw ratios ranging from 1.45 – 6.76:1. Connectivity options include two HDMI inputs, as well as RGB via D-15, component, composite and S-Video inputs.

Go DPI’s HIGHlite 330-3D