Last year, Sony entered the pico projector market with the MP-CL1. Almost a year later the company has made a few tweaks and unveiled the MP-CL1A, which boasts the same pocket-friendly dimensions as the previous model, but sees the addition of a few new features inside and out, including Bluetooth connectivity and focus-free viewing.
Designed to be slipped into a bag or pocket for business or personal use, the MP-CL1A measures in at a compact 5.9 x 3 x 0.5 in (15 x 7.6 x 1.3 cm) and weighs just 7.4 oz (210 g). The screen size capabilities remain the same as the MP-CL1, too, with the tiny package throwing an image of up to 120 in from 12 ft (3.7 m) away, while it can be brought forward as close as 3.7 ft (1.2 m) for a 40-in screen.
Using Laser Beam Scanning (LBS), Sony claims the projector will stay in focus regardless of how far away the projector is from a wall (within that given range), and can maintain its image quality across curved and uneven surfaces. That screen displays at a resolution of 1920 x 720, with a contrast ratio of 80,000:1.
The MP-CL1A is powered by a 3,400 mAh battery, which can also be used to charge a phone or other mobile device via USB – although given it only provides two hours of viewing time from a full charge, there might not be enough juice to spare.
On the short list of new features, this update adds the option to output the audio to wireless headphones or speakers via Bluetooth. It doesn't sound like that extends to input though, so users will have to connect to a media-playing device over Wi-Fi, HDMI or MHL.
Also new is a kickstand that folds up to form a lens cover, an included carrying pouch and the option to go for a gold unit, in addition to the standard gray model.
The MP-CL1A is set to launch in October for US$400.
Source: Sony
