The Global Smart Projector Market Continues to Grow, But Technological Bottlenecks Emerge
The global smart projector market is still expanding, but significant technological challenges have surfaced. For example, DLP technology has seen little progress in recent years, and 1LCD technology struggles to break through brightness limitations.
Against this backdrop, the industry has been eagerly awaiting the emergence of "next-generation" technologies to solve the "core" challenges of smart projectors.
- In late 2024, HiSilicon and Zhongguang showcased the world’s smallest native 4K optical engine using self-developed LCOS technology.
- In early 2025, Philips launched a new smart projector featuring 2LCD technology, manufactured by Kejinming.
- At the 5th CSPC China Smart Projector Industry Summit, Epson introduced its "Tri-Chip Tri-Color Full-Color Engine" solution.
These innovations are sparking a revolution in "LCD-based" projection technology!
LCD-Based Breakthroughs Keep Coming
2LCD: Doubling Brightness at Lower Cost
While 2LCD builds on 1LCD technology, it theoretically delivers over twice the brightness at a lower cost than 3LCD. Industry experts predict:
- 1LCD will dominate the sub-800-lumen market.
- 2LCD will fill the 800–2,000-lumen range.
Kejinming’s 2LCD design splits light into green + red and blue paths, replacing traditional RGB filters with dual-color filters. This reduces light loss from 77% to 50%. The company has invested heavily in R&D since 2022, securing multiple patents. By late 2024, 2LCD projectors entered small-scale production, with brands like Lenovo, Philips, and TCL placing orders.
Epson’s Tri-Chip Tri-Color Engine: Smaller, Brighter, More Efficient
Epson’s innovation combines 3LCD with direct RGB LED lighting (compatible with future laser sources). Unlike traditional 3LCD (which uses white light + color splitting), this system pairs three light sources with three LCD panels, eliminating the need for a prism.
- Parts reduced from 29 to 9
- 40% smaller size
- Result: The Epson EF-51, now the smallest 4K tri-color projector.
But the real breakthrough is light efficiency. Traditional LCD tech wastes 50% of light due to polarization loss. Epson’s "Light Recycling" tech converts unused P-polarized light into usable S-polarized light, boosting brightness by 30% at the same power.
Key Takeaways:
1. 3LCD may soon surpass DLP in efficiency thanks to polarization recycling.
2. This tech applies to all LCD variants, including 1LCD and LCOS.
3. Higher efficiency means smaller size, lower heat, longer lifespan, and quieter operation.
More LCD Innovations on the Horizon
- LCOS projectors (silicon-based LCD) will debut in 2025.
- FSHD (Field-Sequential) tech (similar to 1DLP) is entering testing.
- BOE and TCL CSOT unveiled 2.69-inch FHD and 5.5-inch 4K LCD panels, boosting 1LCD projectors.
Compared to DLP’s stagnant progress, 2025 is LCD’s breakout year.
Why LCD Dominates the Global Projector Market
LCD-based projectors (1LCD, 2LCD, 3LCD, LCOS) account for 80% of the ~20 million annual projector sales. Why?
1. Diverse Options
- 1LCD: Most affordable, now with native 4K.
- 3LCOS: Best for ultra-bright, compact 4K.
- 3LCD: Covers everything from $300 (1,000 lumens) to $14,000 (10,000 lumens) models.
2. No Supply-Chain Monopoly
- Unlike DLP (controlled by Texas Instruments), LCD components come from multiple suppliers (BOE, Epson, etc.), reducing risks.
3. Trade War Resilience
- With U.S.-China tensions, reliance on U.S.-made DLP chips raises concerns. LCD’s diversified supply chain offers stability.
2025: The Year of LCD-Driven Upgrades
- 2LCD fills the mid-brightness gap.
- 3LCD/LCOS with tri-chip designs and light recycling push efficiency.
- 4K + RGB adoption accelerates.
In China, where smart projector sales stagnated in 2025 (0.8% decline in Q1), premiumization is the new battleground. Brands must adopt these innovations to stay competitive.
Conclusion: Innovation Wins
The future of smart projectors hinges on core tech advancements. LCD-based solutions—with their flexibility, efficiency, and supply-chain security—are leading the charge. For brands, embracing this shift isn’t just an option; it’s a make-or-break strategy for 2025.
The global smart projector market is still expanding, but significant technological challenges have surfaced. For example, DLP technology has seen little progress in recent years, and 1LCD technology struggles to break through brightness limitations.
Against this backdrop, the industry has been eagerly awaiting the emergence of "next-generation" technologies to solve the "core" challenges of smart projectors.
- In late 2024, HiSilicon and Zhongguang showcased the world’s smallest native 4K optical engine using self-developed LCOS technology.
- In early 2025, Philips launched a new smart projector featuring 2LCD technology, manufactured by Kejinming.
- At the 5th CSPC China Smart Projector Industry Summit, Epson introduced its "Tri-Chip Tri-Color Full-Color Engine" solution.
These innovations are sparking a revolution in "LCD-based" projection technology!
LCD-Based Breakthroughs Keep Coming
2LCD: Doubling Brightness at Lower Cost
While 2LCD builds on 1LCD technology, it theoretically delivers over twice the brightness at a lower cost than 3LCD. Industry experts predict:
- 1LCD will dominate the sub-800-lumen market.
- 2LCD will fill the 800–2,000-lumen range.
Kejinming’s 2LCD design splits light into green + red and blue paths, replacing traditional RGB filters with dual-color filters. This reduces light loss from 77% to 50%. The company has invested heavily in R&D since 2022, securing multiple patents. By late 2024, 2LCD projectors entered small-scale production, with brands like Lenovo, Philips, and TCL placing orders.
Epson’s Tri-Chip Tri-Color Engine: Smaller, Brighter, More Efficient
Epson’s innovation combines 3LCD with direct RGB LED lighting (compatible with future laser sources). Unlike traditional 3LCD (which uses white light + color splitting), this system pairs three light sources with three LCD panels, eliminating the need for a prism.
- Parts reduced from 29 to 9
- 40% smaller size
- Result: The Epson EF-51, now the smallest 4K tri-color projector.
But the real breakthrough is light efficiency. Traditional LCD tech wastes 50% of light due to polarization loss. Epson’s "Light Recycling" tech converts unused P-polarized light into usable S-polarized light, boosting brightness by 30% at the same power.
Key Takeaways:
1. 3LCD may soon surpass DLP in efficiency thanks to polarization recycling.
2. This tech applies to all LCD variants, including 1LCD and LCOS.
3. Higher efficiency means smaller size, lower heat, longer lifespan, and quieter operation.
More LCD Innovations on the Horizon
- LCOS projectors (silicon-based LCD) will debut in 2025.
- FSHD (Field-Sequential) tech (similar to 1DLP) is entering testing.
- BOE and TCL CSOT unveiled 2.69-inch FHD and 5.5-inch 4K LCD panels, boosting 1LCD projectors.
Compared to DLP’s stagnant progress, 2025 is LCD’s breakout year.
Why LCD Dominates the Global Projector Market
LCD-based projectors (1LCD, 2LCD, 3LCD, LCOS) account for 80% of the ~20 million annual projector sales. Why?
1. Diverse Options
- 1LCD: Most affordable, now with native 4K.
- 3LCOS: Best for ultra-bright, compact 4K.
- 3LCD: Covers everything from $300 (1,000 lumens) to $14,000 (10,000 lumens) models.
2. No Supply-Chain Monopoly
- Unlike DLP (controlled by Texas Instruments), LCD components come from multiple suppliers (BOE, Epson, etc.), reducing risks.
3. Trade War Resilience
- With U.S.-China tensions, reliance on U.S.-made DLP chips raises concerns. LCD’s diversified supply chain offers stability.
2025: The Year of LCD-Driven Upgrades
- 2LCD fills the mid-brightness gap.
- 3LCD/LCOS with tri-chip designs and light recycling push efficiency.
- 4K + RGB adoption accelerates.
In China, where smart projector sales stagnated in 2025 (0.8% decline in Q1), premiumization is the new battleground. Brands must adopt these innovations to stay competitive.
Conclusion: Innovation Wins
The future of smart projectors hinges on core tech advancements. LCD-based solutions—with their flexibility, efficiency, and supply-chain security—are leading the charge. For brands, embracing this shift isn’t just an option; it’s a make-or-break strategy for 2025.
