SMA began its foray into digital projection by developing systems incorporating LCOS panels and wire grid polarizers. Our paper describing the benefits of the wire grid polarizer and the necessary considerations in the design of compatible lenses was delivered at SID 2001.

Since that time SMA has developed a variety of digital projection lens designs, including a patent pending wide-angle, short-throw, low-distortion lens compatible with TI’s DLP that can be produced at very low cost.

SMA has designed a specialty Pico Projector around two forms of this patent pending Pico lens. Optomechanical assemblies (lacking electronics, 0.17” DLP, and RGB LED) can be produced in high volume for less than $20.

The pages in this section provide more detailed descriptions of these designs. SMA is continuing to develop proprietary illumination and lens designs for this important market segment.