Latest Lamp-Free Projectors With Texas Instruments DLP® Technology Bring Brighter, 3D-Ready Projection to Your Pupils With Virtually No Maintenance

LONDON, Jan. 11, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Texas Instruments (TI) DLP® is delighted to announce here at BETT Show 2012 the availability of all-new, lamp-free projection solutions from BenQ and Optoma, each powered by award-winning DLP technology and ready to enhance learning experiences in today's classrooms. By utilizing lamp-free illumination, such as LEDs and lasers, versus traditional bulbs, the BenQ LW61ST (WXGA) / LX60ST (XGA) and Optoma ZW210ST (WXGA) / ZX210ST (XGA) projectors can offer high quality imaging and enough brightness (approximately 2000 lumens each) to light up today's classroom spaces, while increasing the lifespan of the projectors and reducing long-term maintenance costs. These new models join exiting solid state illumination projector models from Casio to incorporate other in-demand features, such as 3D-Ready capabilities, connectivity and interactivity to best fit current as well as future teaching demands. These and other products will be available for demonstration at the TI stand, J30, at the Olympia in London throughout the week.

By dispensing with the most expensive part of projector ownership – lamp replacement – these latest models, like all lamp-free projectors with DLP technology, allow for a lengthy 10,000-plus hours of operation with practically no loss of light output, which enables teachers and their schools' technology administrators to not worry about operational downtime. Other benefits of using lamp-free DLP projectors in today's classrooms include the convenience of instant on/off, reduced power consumption, vibrant color reproduction and greater environmental friendliness (versus traditional lamp-based projectors). And because every DLP-powered projector is inherently filter-free, maintenance worries and related ownership costs are reduced even more.  

"In the current economic climate, budget cutting remains a key priority for the public sector. Consequently, schools are finding themselves under increasing pressure to deliver stronger long-term results with fewer associated costs," said Roger Carver, manager of Front Projection, DLP Products. "We have nearly two decades of experience in working to provide teachers with the technology tools that can expand their instructional reach and be proven, long-term investments that work. These new lamp-free projectors from BenQ and Optoma reinforce our commitment to that goal, and join our broad range of options to empower teachers and pupils for greater education results."

Beyond larger-scale models that are best suited for the full-sized classroom, the benefits of lamp-free projection can also be found in every DLP Pico™-based projector currently available. Typically small enough to easily fit in a backpack or laptop bag, there are now more than 30 products with DLP Pico technology inside, ranging from iDevice, laptop and mobile phone/tablet accessories and docks, to Wi-Fi/Bluetooth-ready standalone units, multimedia players and even cameras, camcorders and mobile phones. With extreme portability, instant on capabilities and multimedia features, these products available from brands like Acer, Asus, Dell, LG, NEC, ViewSonic, Vivitek and others can take small group collaboration and learning to new levels.

Taking Learning Into The Third Dimension

In addition to being lamp-free, the new BenQ and Optoma are also part of the extensive group of DLP projectors that are 3D-Ready. Though widely known for its use in today's movie theatres, video games and elsewhere, 3D can also have a notable positive impact on pupils' potential at school. Recently, Professor Anne Bamford, Director of the International Research Agency, released findings from the LiFE research project, which aimed to measure the value and impact of 3D experiences on pupil learning and achievement, and determine the most effective types of 3D experiences.

The study was undertaken between October 2010 and May 2011 across seven European countries and revealed that pupils' comprehension, information retention and overall behaviour all improved with the addition of 3D projection in the teaching/learning environment. Measured by comparing the pre and post test results of 2D and 3D sample groups, the study found that:

• On average 86% of pupils improved from the pre-test to the post-test in the 3D classes, compared to 52% who improved in the 2D classes.
• Individuals improved test scores by an average of 17% in the 3D classes, compared to an 8% improvement in the 2D classes between pre-test and post-test.
• 92% of students on average were attentive during 3D lessons, while only 46% were actively paying attention during non-3D lessons.

Aside from product demonstrations of the latest lamp-free projection solutions during BETT, TI DLP will also be further showcasing the complete results from the LiFE study. Professor Anne Bamford, along with Kathryn Macaulay, whose school in Reading was among those that took part in the study, will be presenting their findings and insights during two separate seminars at BETT:

Thursday 12 January

Kathryn Macaulay

12:30 – 13:30

21st Century ICT in schools: Sustainable implementation of visual interactive technologies

Friday 13 January

Professor Anne Bamford

11:15 – 12:00

3D animations in the classroom: Results from a European study into the use of 3D projection technology in the classroom

To learn more about the Texas Instruments DLP technology found in multiple products being shown at BETT Show 2012, or to read additional details from the LiFE research, please visit www.dlp.com/bett2012.

About Texas Instruments DLP Products

Since 1996, Texas Instruments' award-winning DLP display technology has powered the world's top projectors and displays, delivering pictures rich with color, contrast, clarity and brightness to screens of all sizes. DLP's technology spans movie theaters (DLP Cinema®) and large-scale, professional venues; in conference rooms, classrooms, and home theaters; and with DLP Pico™-enabled mobile devices, the ability to project images from the palm of your hand. Every DLP chip features an array of up to 2.2 million microscopic mirrors that switch at ultra high speeds – an innovative advantage that remains cutting edge and ideal for current and future applications alike. The results are high-resolution, highly reliable, razor-sharp images, that even work with fast motion video. To learn more about DLP technology, please visit www.DLP.com, or follow DLP on Twitter at www.Twitter.com/TI_DLP.

About Texas Instruments

Texas Instruments (NASDAQ: TXN) helps customers solve problems and develop new electronics that make the world smarter, healthier, safer, greener and more fun. A global semiconductor company, TI innovates through design, sales and manufacturing operations in more than 30 countries. For more information, go to www.TI.com.

SOURCE Texas Instruments DLP