By using an LED rather than a bulb, Epson's prototype projector is smaller, cooler and longer-lasting

A prototype pocket-sized Epson projector which uses an LED as a light source will be shown at the IFA (Internationale Funkausstellung) 2005 trade show this week.

With a footprint of 138mm × 103mm, the 500g prototype projector can fit easily into the palm of your hand, the company said.

The projector is based on a technology called 3LCD, which uses three LCD displays within the projector — one to display red, one for green and one for blue. This is the first Epson 3LCD projector to use an LED light source, which should consume less power than a standard light bulb, emit less heat and last longer. It will also allow the projector to be switched on and off quicker, Epson said in a statement.

Epson has no immediate plans to market the projector, but company representatives believe that the prototype shows how small projectors based on a LEDs, rather than bulbs, could one day become.

The IFA is running in Berlin from 2 to 7 September.

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