Texas Instruments (TI) recently introduced a new display controller to enable the smallest, fastest and lowest-power 4K UHD projectors ever. Measuring just 9mm by 9mm TI’s DLPC8445 display controller is the smallest of its kind allowing for a diagonal display of 100 inches with vivid image quality with ultra-low latency. When combined with TI’s compatible digital micromirror device (DMD), the DLP472TP, and power-management integrated circuit (PMIC) with LED driver, the DLPA3085, TI’s new controller enables projector designers to create the display experience of high-end televisions and gaming monitors in the form of a compact projector.

Lifestyle and gaming projectors are growing in popularity as consumers seek immersive experiences with their content, from movies and games to TV shows. With TI’s new DLPC8445 controller and DLP472TP DMD, projector manufacturers can deliver displays that achieve sub-millisecond display latency, matching or exceeding the world’s most high-end gaming monitors and reducing lag time for gamers.

Integration of variable refresh rate (VRR) support, a first for a DLP chipset, will enable better displays for gamers by allowing projector designers to easily sync frame rates and eliminate lagging, image tearing and stuttering. Advanced image-correction capabilities dynamically adjust for surface imperfections, making it possible for consumers to take their gaming and viewing experience anywhere. It is also the first DLP controller designed for laser-illuminated battery-powered projectors.

The DLPC8445 controller is the first device in this new family of products. Future chipsets using the new controller technology will feature DMDs of different sizes and resolutions to address new trends in display applications such as augmented reality glasses.

Preproduction quantities of the new DLPC8445 controller, DLP472TP DMD and DLPA3085 PMIC are available now, and pricing for the new DLPC8445 controller starts at US$60 in 1,000-unit quantities.

PMA Research, the large screen display experts, collect and analyze sell-in and sell-through data for the projector industry, to provide a series of monthly and quarterly market reports. These reports provide timely insight on market trends and serve as a useful resource and navigation tool for all stakeholders in the display industry.