A couple of months after sending us a MPro-120 projector for review, 3M were kind enough to answer a few questions we had. The person we interview here is Gabe Wiebenga, the product manager of the MPro range of pico projectors.
3M's latest projector is the MPro-120. It is LCoS based,
has 12 lumens, 640x480 resolution, and works for 20,000 hours. It has a very good battery life (4 hours at low brightness, 2 hours at max brightness). The
MPro-120, which also includes stereo speakers costs 309$.
Q: Gabe, thanks for agreeing to do this interview... Can you describe 3M's Pico Projector program? Do you offer just projectors or also modules?
3M is one of the market leaders in providing handheld battery operated projectors and mobile projection engines and components.
Q: You have recently announced the next-generation MPro-120. It has the same resolution as the older module, but with more battery life, and is brighter, too. Can you tell us how you achieved this?
The 3M MPro120 features our latest projection engine, the MM200. The MM200 utilizes an advanced liquid crystal on silicon (LCoS) electronic imager with a full color gamut. The combination of engine efficiency and battery performance enables the four hour battery life.
3M MPro-120 pico projector
Q: MPro-110 was one of the first pico projectors on the market. Did you achieve your sales target with it?
3M has been very pleased with the market response to the MPro110 as well as the initial response to the MPro120.
Q: The MPro-120 is said to be a 'next-gen' pico projector. How do you think it'll fare against the competition (for example the AAXA P2 or Microvisions' Show WX)?
It is almost impossible to focus on one specification or feature to compare products because customers have a variety of needs and uses. MPro120 is an ideal solution for business or personal use. The total combination of features makes it one of the best values on the market.
Q: Will you still offer the older MPro-110 as a cheaper alternative to the 120?
The MPro-110 is currently available today at a very attractive price. [It is available now from Amazon for 171$].
Q: Your projectors use LCoS with a LED. Are you considering a laser-based LCoS solution?
3M wants to provide the best solutions to their customers so we are constantly evaluating different technologies.
Q: Laser-Beam-Steering seems to be the next "big" thing in pico projectors. This tech offers smaller size, no focus, great colors and resolution and, on the other hand, there's the speckle problem. What are your thoughts on laser based projectors? Will 3M use or produce this new tech too?
Based on our evaluation we currently believe the combination of LCOS and LED provides the best value for our customers. We will continue to evaluate all technologies to bring forward the best combination of features and price for our customers.
Q: What are you views on the pico projector market? What challenges are still facing this new technology?
We are very excited about the current response and the potential for this market. As with any emerging market, it will take time, technology development, and awareness for the mass market to understand the benefit a handheld battery operated projector can provide. The good news is there seem to be no limits in both business and personal applications.
Q: What part will 3M take in the overall pico projector market?
We will continue to be a leader in developing technologies, and delivering high value products to our customers.
Thanks again Gabe, and good luck to both you and 3M!
