Video projectors have been a highly successful product category for many years. Having said that and also acknowledging that during these years projectors have seen tremendous technological development and improvement, it is still true that they are not beyond criticism. This article will report on an innovative new product designed by projectiondesign specifically to address two of the more persistent problems found in high brightness projectors.

Art Berman
Insight Media Consultant

The first problem is noise. Noise is caused by the fans used to cool the lamp. Ironically, the projectors that produce the brightest and best images are also often some of the noisiest products on the market.

A second problem can be difficulty in replacing a burnt out lamp. Problems occur because this type of projector may be mounted in a place inconvenient for maintenance, such as on the ceiling.

To address these issues, projectiondesign (Fredrikstad, Norway) has developed the model FR12 Remote Light Source (RLS) projector. It debuted at the Integrated Systems Europe 2010 conference held at the Amsterdam RAI February 2-4.

The patent pending FR12 RLS concept removes the lamps from the projector and relocates them to a 19-inch rack-mount enclosure located at a distance from the projection head. The head is connected to the light source by a Liquid Light Guide cable that can run up to 30 meters without loss of brightness.

The upsides of this approach are that the projection head is virtually maintenance-free and that it operates in almost complete silence. In addition, installation of the head is likely simpler than a conventional projector since ventilation is not required and any head orientation is acceptable. In addition, the RLS approach allows design of a projection head that is likely smaller than a conventional projector and this, in turn, should increase the range of installation options. At the other end, the RLS approach can make lamp maintenance more convenient.

The down side with the RSL approach is the unavoidable need for "cable management."

The FR12 Remote Light Source projector is represented as well suited for 24/7 operation and in applications where fan noise and heat management are issues, as well as in any location where projector access is restricted.

At this time, most specifications of the FR12 are unknown. Announcement of further technical details as well as price and availability are expected to follow ISE 2010.

projectordesign will reportedly pursue commercial applications as the initial and primary sales target for the new projector. However, given the features and benefits of the RLS approach, it seems likely that products utilizing the technology will meet the needs of other applications. It would not be surprising to find RLS type projectors show up in home theaters. -Arthur Berman