In the development history of LCD projection, we have witnessed the emergence of fully open optical engines, semi-enclosed optical engines, and the latest full-sealed optical engines. They represent different generations of products and technological advancements. Among them, the full-sealed optical engine has experienced the most rapid growth. So, why did this new technology, which was initially a differentiating product led by a few LCD brands, become the decisive factor for industry experts when choosing products within just a year? This is undoubtedly due to the significant experiential advantages brought by the full-sealed optical engine.
Full-sealed Optical Engine Breakthroughs
Contrary to common perception, a full-sealed optical engine goes beyond simply enclosing the light source, light valve, and lens components of an LCD projector in a box. In fact, the full-sealed optical engine has achieved at least three major breakthroughs:
Firstly, there is a breakthrough in product design. The full-sealed optical engine not only completely seals the light source and optical path but also requires a more compact product design. Almost every optical lens needs to have higher optical resolution, thinner thickness, and smaller diameter. Furthermore, each optical conversion step must be arranged and fixed within a limited enclosed space to meet the requirements of thermal fluid mechanics and imaging.
Secondly, the full-sealed optical engine necessarily transitions from air convection cooling, as seen in fully open or semi-enclosed optical engines, to solid-state conductive heat dissipation technology. Currently, full-sealed optical engines extensively utilize new heat conduction technology (sealed heat-conductive materials that simultaneously achieve the requirements of dust-proofing and high-efficiency heat exchange). This new heat dissipation principle closely resembles the internal heat dissipation structure of our smartphones. It enables efficient heat conduction and excellent temperature control in an enclosed environment. The shift from relying on blowing air and strong airflow to new technology focusing on heat conduction and materials, along with the need for complex thermal source points and heat dissipation channel designs, positions the full-sealed optical engine as a treasure trove of thermal science.
Thirdly, the widespread availability of LCD projectors with full-sealed optical engines relies on the support of manufacturing factories that meet the conditions for full-sealed dust-free operations, including at least cleanrooms at the tens of thousands or even thousands level. This represents a major revolution in the projection system manufacturing and process environment. Without a clean manufacturing environment, dust can easily enter the optical engine during the manufacturing process, significantly diminishing the significance of a full-sealed design.
The aforementioned three points demonstrate that the widespread adoption of LCD projectors with full-sealed optical engines is a comprehensive and systematic industrial progress. It can be said that products with full-sealed technology need to excel in every aspect, from design to materials and assembly.
Sealed Optical Engine Empowers LCD Projection
2022 witnessed the dominance of LCD projection. The popularity of high-brightness LCD projectors, represented by sealed optical engines, played a crucial role in increasing the market share of LCD technology. In early 2023, with the introduction of new sealed optical engine products with a brightness of 1000 lumens, LCD projection has even challenged and rivaled the market position and user experience of 0.33-inch DLP optical engine products.
Comprehensive advancements in light sources, optical engines, complete devices, and industrial design! Industry experts believe that the technological upgrades of LCD projection are accelerating rapidly, and the position of being the first choice for young people and the king of affordable large screens is becoming prominent. In particular, the anticipated release of a 4K version of sealed optical engines in 2023 is expected to be revolutionary for high-brightness LCD projection. This will undoubtedly bring about disruptive competition to today’s dominant DLP 0.47 models in the 4K projection large-screen market.
“Innovation and progress lead to market rewards!” This is the consumer’s recognition and reward for the bold and meticulous innovation achieved by LCD projectors.
