Yesterday, it was discovered that Optoma had already released their next generation of pico projectors, the PK102. Turns out that Optoma is now releasing this device world wide and it looks much better than what was announced yesterday. For starters, the projector features a 2000:1 contrast ratio, 10 ANSI lumens, and a HVGA (480 x 320) resolution, but can accept up to SVGA (800 x 600) resolution content. The PK102 comes with a universal port that can accept both composite and VGA connections, but also portable devices like the iPod and iPhone with the help of optional connection cables. “Customers made it clear that the best way to improve on the Pico concept was to add convenience and connectivity options, especially VGA,” said Jon Grodem, Director of Product and Marketing. “The new improvements make Pico more versatile and more convenient for both personal and business use. The internal memory can hold thousands of photos or several full-length movies.” Yesterday, the PK102 was priced at just under $650, but fortunately, the actual MSRP is only $249. Optoma also stated that the original Pico projector will be reduced in price to $229 and will include the optional iPod/iPhone connector kit.

OPTOMA INTRODUCES PICO PK102, WORLD’S SMALLEST, BATTERY-POWERED DLP VIDEO PROJECTOR WITH VGA CONNECTION AND 4GB INTERNAL MEMORY

Plays Video Files From Internal Memory, USB Keys and USB Flash Memory Card Readers

MILPITAS, Calif. | September 1, 2009 | Adding new connectivity and memory features to its acclaimed, palm-sized Pico video projector, Optoma® Technology, Inc. has introduced the PK102, the world’s smallest and most advanced battery-powered DLP® projector, weighing just 4.4 ounces. Boasting 4GB of internal memory, enough to hold 6,000 pictures or eight hours of video, the new Pico PK102 allows unparalleled on-the-go content-sharing freedom directly from the internal memory or from USB memory keys and other external memory card readers. It can also connect to an iPod, smartphone, digital camera, or other device with video output and show videos, photos or presentations playing on these devices. The Pico’s dimensions are 4” long x 2” wide x 0.6” thick.

In addition to a composite video input, the new Pico has a universal port capable of receiving VGA and component video signals. This makes connecting to the VGA port of laptops and netbooks for impromptu presentations easy. The component video capability allows higher quality connections to iPods and portable gaming devices.

The Pico PK102 is available now from major electronics retailers at a manufacturer’s suggested retail price of $249.00. Accordingly, Optoma has reduced the price of its PK101, the original Pico projector, to $229.00, which includes an iPod/iPhone connector kit.

“Customers made it clear that the best way to improve on the Pico concept was to add convenience and connectivity options, especially VGA,” said Jon Grodem, Director of Product and Marketing. “The new improvements make Pico more versatile and more convenient for both personal and business use. The internal memory can hold thousands of photos or several full-length movies.” According to Grodem, other new Pico features include a dedicated power plug for faster battery recharging and an optional USB adapter to display content directly from USB thumb drives and memory card readers.

With Optoma’s encoding software, the PK102 plays common picture and video formats directly from files stored internally or on external memory devices. The supported video formats are MPEG-4 (AVI, ASF, MP4), H.264 (MP4), and M-JPEG (AVI) thru video conversion software. Supported picture formats are JPEG, BMP, GIF, TIFF, PNG and ICO.

The Pico employs Texas Instruments’ latest DLP Pico Digital Micro-mirror device (the reflective chip that creates the image), and combines that with the latest in LED technology to produce an image with high 2000:1 contrast ratio and enough brightness for users to project images up to 60” (diagonal). PK102 can accept resolution up to SVGA (800 x 600 pixels), and it projects images at a native resolution of 480 x 320 pixels. PK102 is shipped with one rechargeable lithium-ion battery; fully charged, it powers the projector for up to 1.5 hours.

About Optoma Technology, Inc.

Optoma Technology, Inc. is an award-winning developer of projection and digital display products for business and home. The company manufactures multimedia projectors for mobile users, fixed installations and home theaters, as well as HD displays. Optoma products combine superior image processing technologies with exceptional engineering and innovation to deliver images that are bright, crystal clear, and finely tuned for tone and color. Optoma products are sold through the company’s global network of ProAV dealers, major consumer electronics retailers and Internet resellers. For more information, visit www.optomausa.com

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