Pixelworks Launches SoC for Next-Gen LED, 3D Projectors

By Douglas Perry
published

Pixelworks has said it has begun shipping a new SoC that is targeting next-generation, mainstream LCD or DLP projectors for the education, business and home theater segments.

The Topaz SoC supports 1080p and WUXGA (1920 x1200) resolutions as well as standard and non-standard 3D content, including 3D format decoding with a universal 3D glasses interface.

The SoC also comes with a video decoder that supports 8/10 bit analog inputs or HDMI/DVI digital inputs (HDMI 1.3, 1.4 3D), a USB 2.0 host controller, Ethernet MAC, an on-screen display menu controller and an ARM9 processor to enable projector vendors to use  customized applications.

"Current projector technology is undergoing a significant transition as more diverse and sophisticated applications become available, creating expanded opportunities for our newest family of products," said Pixelworks senior vice president Graham Loveridge in a prepared statement.

"The evolution in illumination engines and light source technology is migrating from traditional lamp-based light sources to LED and laser technologies, which will enable a lower cost of ownership as well as more compact and portable designs."

Pixelworks did not reveal any products that may include its new SoC.

12 Comments Comment from the forums
  • master_chen
    Just take my money already.
    Reply
  • waxdart
    master_chenJust take my money already.And make a 2538×1080 - 2.35:1 projector and take mine too.
    Reply
  • annymmo
    to LED and laser technologies
    That's where we need to go with projectors. Increase efficiency and decrease wasted heat.

    More efficiency improvements coming up:
    Reply
  • annymmo
    http://phys.org/news/2012-07-physicists-efficiency-lc-projectors.html
    Reply
  • drwho1
    "The evolution in illumination engines and light source technology is migrating from traditional lamp-based light sources to LED and laser technologies, which will enable a lower cost of ownership as well as more compact and portable designs."

    Right...
    But at what cost?
    Reply
  • drwho1
    annymmohttp://phys.org/news/2012-07-physi ctors.html
    very good article
    Reply
  • freggo
    Bit light on content/facts and not even a hint of the price range.
    Just wasted 60 seconds of my life :-)

    Reply
  • master_chen
    drwho1Right...But at what cost?
    THE CONSEQUENCES WILL NEVER BE THE SAME!!!
    Reply
  • CaedenV
    drwho1"The evolution in illumination engines and light source technology is migrating from traditional lamp-based light sources to LED and laser technologies, which will enable a lower cost of ownership as well as more compact and portable designs."Right...But at what cost?They have a higher up-front cost, but then the lamps typically will never need to be replaced, or else only replaced once over the life of the projector. From what I have read (I have yet to play with one yet) they give off better image quality, use much less power, and the break-even point on cost for a 6hr day (like a classroom) is ~2-3 years after you figure in the costs of bulbs. And that is only considering the cost of bulbs and power... it is stupidly expensive to get a janitor to break out a ladder and change a lightbulb.
    Reply
  • marcusgarvey
    I mean that is sexy but i'm really curious how they are going to argue that 3d is necessary as a features in a classroom setting. That is just going to increase mark-up. Besides enterprise I don't see how this is going to fly in the consumer market. It is going to be a high cost with a useless 3d features whereas your AAXA's Optomas and 3M's are going to market their mini projectors at a much more consumer friendly price. Let's hope Pixelworks doesnt fudge up the marketing
    Reply