Highlights
- TI's new DLPC8445 controller is 90% smaller than previous versions, ideal for gaming projectors and AR glasses.
- The compact chipset delivers vivid displays with ultra-low latency, suitable for screen sizes over 100 inches.
- TI's DLP tech offers sub-millisecond display latency, 240Hz frame rates, and image correction for immersive gaming experiences.
Most people have heard of Texas Instruments (TI), though typically the company is associated with the graphing calculators required by thousands of schools. However, as a global semiconductor company, their designs go far beyond high school-level accessories. TI also manufactures analog and embedded processing chips for several markets, including projector displays.
TI’s new DLPC8445 controller is 90% smaller than the previous generation, meaning manufacturers can more easily fit the compact chipset in gaming projectors and even augmented reality (AR) glasses. This new display controller is only 9mm by 9mm, approximately the width of a pencil eraser, making it smaller than any of its competitors. Despite the tiny design, the chipset is still more than capable of delivering vivid diagonal displays with ultra-low latency, even when the screen size exceeds 100 inches.
“Immersive display entertainment is now sought out by everyday consumers, not just movie enthusiasts and gamers,” said Jeff Marsh, vice president and general manager of DLP Products at TI. “Where consumers once needed a big TV or monitor for a crisp and clear display, they can now use a lifestyle or gaming projector and transform a wall into the screen size of their choosing with 4K UHD quality. Our new controller is the latest example of how TI DLP technology is helping engineers develop epic displays for entertainment that can be taken anywhere.”
Supporting this new tech is TI’s reliable digital micromirror device (DMD), the DLP472TP, and a power-management integrated circuit (PMIC) driver, the DLPA3085. This makes visuals appear smoothly, thus creating a more immersive viewing experience than ever before. This is especially true when it comes to gaming on a projector, which has dealt with slightly longer refresh times and lower-quality graphics on average, at least until now.
With TI’s innovation, manufacturers and designers can compete with high-end monitors and gaming TVs. Projectors outfitted with the DLPC8445 display controller and DLP472TP DMD will boast sub-millisecond display latency and frame rates up to 240Hz. Additionally, advanced image-correction capabilities dynamically adjust for surface imperfections, making it easy for users to set up their gaming display just about anywhere.
With projectors becoming more affordable and more popular, TI’s development comes at a fantastic time. The conversation has only just begun to pivot towards whether projectors are worthwhile for gamers, but the DLPC8445 comes ready to play, with integrated VRR support, which is a first for a DLP chipset, and promises seamless frame rate synchronization and reduced lag time. It is also the first DLP controller designed for laser-illuminated battery-powered projectors.
For over 25 years, TI DLP tech has innovated high-resolution displays and advanced light control solutions to deliver vivid, crisp image quality in theaters and homes. Now, with this newest chipset, portable projectors will be changed forever. The fairly affordable DLPC8445 controller is available to designers now, so it’s surely only a matter of time before consumers have a wide selection of cutting-edge projectors for their games, movies, and other favorite content.
