LG has demonstrated a new Laser TV system at CES which uses an Ultra Short Throw (UST) projector to display an image on a 100-inch screen at a distance of less than two feet.
To cast an image on the screen, the projector sits a mere 22 inches (approximately 56 centimeters) in front of it and shines the image upwards. Despite the close distance and large size, the Laser TV delivers a full 1080p image with a 10,000,000:1 dynamic contrast ratio. LG hopes the shorter range will eliminate some of the issues posed by typical home theater projectors that require a much larger space to function.
Inside the Laser TV box are a set of lamps that can run for 25,000 hours before needing to be replaced. The projection unit also comes equipped with dual 10-watt stereo speakers that can play virtual surround sound.
LG has also included a host of Smart TV features, which allow it to run apps like Netflix or Facebook, access external devices to play personal videos or music, and use the company's Magic Remote to control it with voice commands and gestures.
Aside from its sheer size, the Laser TV was almost indistinguishable from the LED and Plasma screens cluttering LG's CES booth, which says something about the quality of picture it delivers. It's also worth mentioning that the 5.7-inch tall projector was barely noticeable despite its position so close to the screen.
A U.S. release is expected in March at a price point of around $10K.
Source: LG
I would love to have this beast, but at that price, I think I'll wait a few years until it gets closer to 1 grand.
awesome tech though, wonder if they could up it to UHD with glasses free 3D....then I'd go as high as 2 grand.
It is not actually laser, despite the name, as it is mentioned that lamps are the light source.
But with a tight beam, perhaps they could combine this with Seereal's technology (www.seereal.com) and kinect to control what each person sees in each of their eyes and produce glasses free holographic TV. However it might require a laser light source to achieve this.
And yeah, $10,000 is way too much.
So I'm guessing this unit has some sort of limiter in it that won't allow it to be placed more then 2' from a wall for safety reasons. Otherwise you could probably cover a much larger area.