Lasers entered mainstream culture through science fiction classics like star wars and star trek, however they have also quietly served a functional purpose within our daily lives. While most people recognize their use in the popular laser pens used in classrooms, they have also quietly made their way into overhead projectors.
Laser projectors utilize the same core elements of a laser, which is the optical amplification of electromagnetic light. The intensity that is generated from this process makes it a more viable and useful option than light projectors. Light projectors rely on a fully dark room to fully see the projected image. Likewise with LCD projectors, which also rely on relative darkness to function properly. Instead laser projectors can be used in most lighting conditions. The image also retains much of the detail through different lighting conditions, that other projectors are unable too.
This type of technology is still relatively new, however it can be applied to a variety of everyday uses and when marketed properly has the capacity to replace all other projectors in boardrooms and classrooms. The technology can also be used to display digital content, meaning theoretically it could eventually be modified to show movies on the big screen. A small laser could be set-up outside to project a film on the side of a building for promotional purposes. The bottom line is that it is still a relatively untapped form of technology and still in its infancy.
Because laser projectors have not been widely produced and are still being tweaked by the few manufacturers that make them, the costs are still relatively high. Currently, there are only four commercial manufacturers that are making the device for consumers. Out of this four, only one has a consumer grade laser projector for home use.
If you'd like a more comprehensive look at the four companies and the products they are working on, check out this [link]
Harvey J. Sharp is an avid traveler and writer, who spends little time in the United States, preferring South America, India and parts of Asia. His interests are in art, design, photography and sculpture.
