Latin America. In recent years, interest in laser-based projectors has been on the rise within the Pro AV industry, they are regarded as a first-rate technological development that could eventually replace traditional lamp-based systems.
Manufacturers are beginning to market various laser-based projectors and describe them using terms such as pure laser, laser phosphorus or hybrid laser phosphorus. For customers, laser lighting offers several benefits over lamp-based projectors. However, it is important to understand some of the differences between these new systems.
The pure laser, also known as 3-Primary (3P) or RGB laser, generates light directly from three individual red, green and blue lasers. The main advantage of an RGB laser system is the light output, while achieving higher performance on other standard image quality parameters, such as color gamut, contrast ratio and dynamic range, compared to standard lamp-based systems. As such, the RGB laser is ideal for large format applications and for cinema.
Laser phosphor lighting, such as that used in Christie's GS Series, uses a blue laser diode as a light source instead of a high-intensity discharge lamp (HID). To generate the three primary colors, the laser diode emits laser light on a phosphor wheel to create yellow light, while the blue laser light passes through an opening in the phosphor wheel. The projector then sends the yellow light through a color wheel to generate the red and green, while the blue laser light passes through a different window.
These red, green and blue colors are then directed onto a surface of images, such as a DLP® chip, which sends light through a lens and over the projection screen. The advantage of a laser phosphor projector is the long life of the lighting system before it reaches 50% brightness. Being a lampless system, laser phosphor also eliminates the need for lamp and filter replacement, reducing downtime, maintenance, and costs associated with lamp-based projectors. The long life and low maintenance of laser phosphor projectors make them ideal for corporate boardrooms, classrooms, and location-based entertainment.
A hybrid laser phosphor projector is similar to a laser phosphor system, but with the addition of a second or third light source (usually LED) to increase the amount of red color that is produced.
Some manufacturers claim that their laser phosphor projectors provide "maintenance-free" operation. Beware of these types of statements. While it is true that laser phosphor lighting systems are solid state and do not require any maintenance throughout their life cycle, this only applies to the light engine. Laser-based projectors still require regular maintenance, such as cleaning fans and lenses to maximize efficiency and performance.
The development of laser-based projection is a very interesting possibility. With increased brightness, throughput and service life, customers will be able to reap the benefit of these new systems. However, as with any new technology, it's important to understand exactly what these new advances offer.
Text written by Mike Garrido, Senior Product Manager at Christie.
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