Optoma Pico Projector Range Overview and Comparisons

Optoma’s Pico Projector Range includes three models, the PK100, PK101 and the PK102. Optoma’s Pico Pocket Projectors are part of the new class of personal projectors that have recently entered the projection market. All models are based on the DLP Pico chipset from Texas Instruments which is a miniaturized version of the well established DLP chip found in projectors and rear projection HDTVs.

Optoma Pico Projector

Small enough to pocket at 1.97 x 0.59 x 4.06 inches (50 x 15 x 103 mm), the black Optoma Pico projector is correspondingly feather weight at 4 oz (114g) – with the battery installed. Restricted by (battery) size, the projectors’ brightness is only 9 lumens which translates to a projected image from 6 to 60 inches (0.15 to 1.5m) with the projector positioned between 10 and 102 inches (0.25 to 2.6m) from the screen. This usage is also restricted to low ambient light settings to obtain a suitably bright projected image.

So what are projectors with these sorts of capabilities useful for? Probably many applications are yet to be discovered as Texas Instruments have a DLP Pico Projector Development kit to foster integration of the product into devices that have been previously considered impossible to fit a projector to. Presently, the Pico Projectors are an ideal size for sharing pictures and videos from mobile devices (think personal media players, mobile phones, iPODs, PDAs, cameras and gaming consoles) with a small groups of friends. Viewing a projected image is far easier than packing together close enough to view a small display limited by the form factor of a portable device. You can have a large (projected) display while away from home without lugging a monitor. The PK102 has a wider range of connectivity options and can be used with a PC and USB drive as well as the handheld devices mentioned already.

As one would expect, there is no keystone correction with the Optoma Pico Projectors so you have to have align the projector square to the projection surface. You can use the projector as a handheld or purchase a small tripod can connect using a tripod adapter (included).

Contrast ratio is an important factor in picture quality and the Optoma Pico Projectors score well with a 1000:1 for the PK100 and PK1011 2,000:1 for the PK102. The DLP projection system, as always, delivers excellent color reproduction. LED projection bulbs are used in all models and have a characteristically long life of 20,000 hours.

Optoma’s Pico Projectors can be charged through a USB connection or an included AC power adapter however the PK100 can take up to 4 hours to charge as does the PK101 which does however come with an extra battery. The extra battery and an included iPod kit and Dock Connector (US Only) are the only differences to the PK100. As well as the more extensive connectivity options mentioned, the PK102 also features 4GB of internal memory so presentations don’t require any other device.

The table below summarizes the differences between the various Optoma Pico Projector models. Of the models in the range the PK102 would the be the model to pick if there was any intention of using the projector for business with the others well suited as a personal projector.

Optoma PK100

Entry level model

Optoma PK101 (additional features to PK100)

2x lithium ion battery packs
iPod kit and Dock Connector (US Only)

Optoma PK-102 (additional features to PK100)

2000:1 contrast ratio for detailed images
4GB of internal memory – enough to hold up to 6000 pictures or 8 hours of video.
Wider range of adapters and will connect to a PC and external USB host
Faster battery charging at 2.5 hrs (vs 4 for other models)
Shorter battery life up to 1.5 hrs (vs 2 for other models)
Wider range of computer, video input and video file format compatibility.
Optoma Pico Video Encoder software available (free).