Thinking about upgrading your projector from lamp to laser? According to Mark Wandsworth, international marketing manager for Digital Projection, the benefits are clear
The introduction of 4K projectors brings a remarkably bright, highly detailed solution for discerning large-screen applications. For installations where both image detail and image stability are critical will directly benefit from the 4K-advanced resolution together with a solid-state illumination platform.
Additionally, applications where image uniformity is critical, such as venues employing the same content across numerous screens simultaneously, will immediately realise value from the 4K lasers consistent solid-state illumination performance. In environments where the projector will be installed in hard-to-access locations, the impressive limited maintenance of the range of 4K laser projectors will save both time and maintenance costs – an often overlooked significant hidden cost.
The Consumer Technology Association (CTA) definition of 4K Ultra HD resolution states the display must have at least 8 million active pixels on screen. For the 4K UHD content to be enjoyed as accurately as possible, all 8M pixels need to be displayed and not all 4K projectors are equal. However, with Digital Projection DLP, 8.3M pixels are guaranteed to be displayed on all 4K models.
Laser Phosphor
Today, the majority of Digital Projection’s projector line up uses laser-phosphor illumination in place of the traditional lamp or bulb used previously in most video and data projectors. When one thinks of lasers, one thinks immediately of eye safety; however, the safety of a laser-phosphor illumination system is no different than that of a lamp based system and no special regulations or waivers are required to use the technology.
Consumers for laser-illuminated products include anyone who wishes to eliminate the variable performance, cost and service interruption that lamp replacement demands. Lamps age over their life of 500-2000 hours, typically producing roughly half of their original illumination at the end of their life. This means that customers with lamp-based projectors actually experience projectors that produce lumens far below their initial spec in a cycle that repeats with every lamp replacement, so every 500-2000 hours. If you plotted that on a lumen maintenance chart, you would see a pretty dramatic lumen rollercoaster. The laser illumination system within the laser projectors offer much more stable lumen performance, with lumens following a very linear performance curve from first use through 20,000 hours. No roller coaster in lumen performance. Stable, predictable, reliable.
Laser-phosphor illumination is here to stay because it offers the customer significant advantages:
- Long lasting, predictable brightness, providing 20,000 hours or more performance
- 20,000 hours = around 7 years of operation, 365 days per years, 8-hours per day
- Laser life is based on laser manufacturer predictions when 50 per cent of lasers in a projector will reach end of life
- Power increased incrementally to remaining lasers over time from light sensor feedback results in steady linear brightness drop off – less volatile and more predictable than lamp based illumination
- Matches and often exceeds lamp based projectors achieving REC709 or better color space
- Up to 4x less cost per hour for laser-phosphor versus lamp based projectors of similar brightness
- Increased warranty cover offered on laser-phosphor illuminated products
