Lasers have become a common tool in the tech industry, with devices such as laser mice and printers. But there is a new use for lasers that is starting to make its way into the consumer market: laser projectors. These projectors have numerous advantages over traditional bulb-based projectors, making them a popular choice in commercial settings. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at laser projectors and why they are superior to their counterparts.
Most traditional projectors, whether LCD or DLP, use a bulb as a light source to create white light. This light is then separated to create red, green, and blue pixels, which are then projected onto a screen. However, much of the light generated by the projector bulb is filtered out, as only the red, blue, and green are needed at any given time. In fact, less than one-fifth of the light generated actually makes it onto the screen.
Laser projectors, on the other hand, use separate red, blue, and green lasers instead of white light. These lasers are combined by a lens into an image, resulting in much greater efficiency. This efficiency means that laser projectors can be much brighter than their bulb-based counterparts without requiring more electricity than a standard wall outlet can safely deliver. Additionally, lasers emit light at a precise wavelength corresponding to a specific color of light, making it easier for manufacturers to build projectors with arrangements of lasers at the correct wavelengths to enable wider color gamuts for more realistic and vibrant colors.
Beyond picture quality and efficiency, laser projectors are also much more convenient. Laser light sources last much longer than bulbs, with some models lasting up to 30,000 hours. They also don’t require time to achieve peak brightness when turned on, eliminating the need to wait around for the projector to warm up. And, they turn off nearly instantly.
Of course, as with any new technology, there is an early adopter tax to pay. Epson’s home model, for example, costs $8,000 at the time of writing. Additionally, consumer-focused laser projectors often have only two blue lasers, with one hitting a phosphor that separates the light into red and green. Another concern is an effect known as speckle, which refers to how the dot on the wall kind of shimmers if you look at it really close. However, well-made projectors should be able to minimize this effect.
Laser projectors are an exciting new technology that offers numerous advantages over traditional bulb-based projectors. As they become more widespread, we can expect to see them in more homes and commercial settings.