What is a Pico-projector?
Technology has evolved so much over the years, and the hardware is changing so fast and getting smaller and smaller as we progress. Looking back at a time computers used to fill up a whole room to now, where a PC can fit in one’s pocket, you’ll understand just how much we’ve advanced. Projector hardware has in the same way advanced so much from pinhole projectors to today’s high definition projectors, and it only gets better from this point onward. A Pico-projector is a form of technology that allows projectors to be integrated into handheld devices.
They come in an assortment of types:
- USB projectors: This is the smallest of Pico-projectors as they have no power supply relying solemnly on a USB connection for both power and data.
- Standalone projectors: They are powered by a battery source and receive data from a physical cable connection such as A/V or HDMI just to name a few.
- Embedded projectors: Embedded projectors are rooted into mobile devices and come along with the device on purchase.
- Media-players: These have more usability as they come with embedded video memory allowing them to play content directly from a storage space.
- Android projectors: Android phones are gaining a lot of popularity, and it is no surprise that this hardware would thrive here. Android’s open source program allows for seamless creativity and allows developers to take advantage of it on a whole different playing field. Android screen casting API’s allow for screen casting to share images, video and animation displayed on the screen to the projector.
Hardware
Pico-projectors are mostly battery powered and are small enough to carry around. As small as they are, they can project large images accurately. As opposed to typical projectors, Pico-projectors make use of LED lamps or lasers to power projections. Compared to their bigger counterparts, the resolution on Pico-projectors and brightness is lower but good enough to be viewed.
The three chief technologies involved in assembling Pico-projectors include liquid crystal on silicon (Lcos), digital light processing (DLP) AND Light Beam Steering (LBS). LBS makes use of a tiny liquid crystal display to regulate the quantity of light in each pixel. Lcos and DLP, on the other hand, implement a white light source and different filters to generate different brightness levels and intensity.
Installation
Installing of Pico-projectors is easy. They support Plug and play setups that provide easy one-time integration.
Standard installation
A user manual along with accessories and software in cd form is usually provided, if not the software can be offered online for download. The software contains the drivers required to fire up the projector and provides an interactive interface to control it.
On installation of the software to the hard drive, connect the required media cables to your PC and power on the projector. Adjust the picture quality to the desired level and play your media through the projector while pointing the projecting end to a solid surface preferably a clean white area.
Android installation
Android projection depends on screen mirroring tech. Chrome cast offers screencasting and can be downloaded. Additionally, the Pico-projector company might offer its version of the software (app). Android projection works through a wireless network connection. Both the Droid and projector need to be on the same network. Scroll through your app list and locate the app. Launch it from the apps drawer and it will automatically detect any projectors on the same network and pair.
Standalone installation
For independent Pico-projectors, it gets even easier as their made to play content directly. Installed storage drives will be quickly recognized and brings a list of options for selection.
Uses
According specialty stores like Projectorshop 24, the pico-projectors are very useful for people on the go. Due to their reduced size and functionality they come relatively cheap. Their size ensures portability as they can be carried around conveniently without having to waste too much space.
Pico-projectors are particularly useful in office environments where they are used for making presentations and videos. They can also be very helpful in learning institutions and areas where a relatively large mass needs to be addressed.
