World's First USB 3.0 Pico-Projector Developed by Himax

Given the fact that the number of notebooks and laptops equipped with USB 3.0 interfaces is going to skyrocket in 2011, the people over at Himax have decided that rolling out an accessory designed specifically to work with the high-speed port is certainly a good idea, and launched what they tout to be the world's first-ever USB 3.0 pico projector. Beside incorporating an USB 3.0 chip (ET12U320A) from Evolution Technology Corporation, the yet unnamed pico-projector from Himax is also capable of delivering a SVGA (800x600) resolution via the built-in high-resolution LCOS microdisplays.

Now, as far as Himax's pitch (or reason for building such a product) is concerned, the company claims that the USB 3.0 interface will enable a higher data bandwidth and transfer speeds, which also enables a boost in image quality.

On the downside, Himax says absolutely nothing about the brightness level of contrast ratio delivered by the pico-projector, which are also some pretty important elements worth mentioning in the case of such a device, all things considered.

HC Tsai, Vice President of Himax Display, commented, “Himax’s world-leading LCOS USB 3.0 picoprojector solution demonstrates a breakthrough in the pico-projector market and brings two major benefits to customers: The first is an unprecedented real-time, seamless and high-quality video streaming projection.

The second is the higher portability and enhanced convenience of the picoprojectors through utilizing the ubiquitous USB port and eliminating the need for external power supplies.”

“Our LCOS USB 3.0 solutions can be adapted with laptops, desktops, monitors, digital photo frames,digital cameras, handsets and other consumer electronics devices. We believe this solution will become the leading mainstream choice for pico-projectors,” Himax' rep added.

Sadly, no pricing and/or availability details for the new USB 3.0 projector from Himax have been provided just yet, but we'll try our best in order to come up with these important pieces of information as soon as possible.