TI DLP takes interactivity to next level

USA: Texas Instruments (TI) DLP unveiled new technology advancements that will make seamless interactivity a reality for projection and display. DLP's multitouch technology prototype, which is being shown for the first time this week, lets customers turn any surface into a fully interactive touch screen for multiple users.

Combined with DLP's any-format-3D-compatibility, solid state illumination and high-contrast 1080p data projectors, this new technology will enable classrooms and boardrooms to create powerful shared interactive experiences.

"It's no longer enough to be able to simply view content, consumers expect to interact with their technology in a seamless way," said Roger Carver, manager of DLP Front Projection. "The solution we're demonstrating this week registers up to 20 points of touch on any surface, and from a technical standpoint, there's no reason we can't move well beyond."

Between 2010 and 2012 global sales of interactive projectors more than tripled reaching over 140,000 units shipped, and according to Futuresource, demand continues to rise this year. Consistent with the market trend toward interactive displays, schools are looking for a way to replicate the traditional chalk or whiteboard shared-learning experience with technology. With multitouch interactivity, DLP is creating a platform that will allow teams of students to participate simultaneously on a screen big enough to fill an entire wall.

Manufacturers such as Hitachi, NEC, Panasonic and Ricoh have been adding DLP technology to their existing product lines to leverage DLP innovations.