James Bucklar

When viewing my favorite television shows, movies and sports, I subscribe to the theory that bigger is always better. The good news is that affordable large-screen TVs keep getting bigger, but consumers like me who crave that big-picture experience are often limited by wall space, room size and the eyesore of a massive TV. New display solutions called mobile smart TVs offer large images in stylish, portable packages.

Imagine taking your movie-time fun on the go and streaming your content virtually anywhere. Mobile smart TVs are quick to set up, can be displayed on virtually any surface, and have the ability to scale the projected image size based on the distance between the product and viewing surface. By having one adaptable unit, consumers can turn their inside wall into a screen, show the big game on the garage door, host movie night in the backyard (Figure 1) or even bring it with them while camping.

Figure 1 Mobile Smart TV for Camping

How is it possible to create a large, high-quality image from a small portable device? DLP® Pico technology enables the display of impressive imagery through its small form factor. The technology comprises tiny digital micromirror devices (DMDs) capable of producing wide video graphics array (WVGA)-to-1080p resolution images, which can scale up to 120 inches diagonally. With key optical efficiency, contrast, speed and advanced image-processing algorithms, you have the ability to design ultra-mobile display solutions for a variety of resolutions by leveraging the same award-winning technology found in DLP Cinema® products.

Today, there are several innovators and partners of mobile smart TV products, including JmGO, LG and xGIMI. For new entrants developing mobile smart TV’s, the integration of DLP Pico technology optical engines is easier than ever given TI’s ecosystem of third-party partners. Systems integrators can focus on more compelling, differentiated features in potential mobile smart TV solutions and consider product size, brightness, resolution, interfaces and audio capability.

Figure 2 Use Mobile Smart TV’s While in the Kitchen

If you’re not sure where to begin, TI has mobile smart TV training that explains how you can start designing effective solutions for this burgeoning product category. TI designed this training based on questions from product development managers and engineers.

Additional Resources

• Check out the Getting started with TI DLP Pico display technology page.

• Download the white paper, DLP Pico Technology for Screenless Display.

• Buy production-ready optical modules.

• Read the technical article, Your Next Home Theater Might Just Fit in Your Pocket.