French distributor Sagemcom introduced two new additions to the Philips PicoPIX line. The PicoPIX 2040 produces 40 lumens at WVGA (854×480) resolution with 1,000:1 contrast ratio. Power and video input are provided by a single USB connection. The PicoPIX 2580 produces 80 lumens at WXGA resolution with 1,000:1 contrast ratio and features a built-in personal media player (PMP). Both models were designed around DLP optical engines, a first for Sagemcom. Prototypes of the new projectors are being demonstrated at the IFA Berlin 2011 show. Pricing and availability were not disclosed.

The new Philips models are the latest examples of two current trends revealed by PMA’s pico projector market research. Recent introductions take advantage of technology improvements to implement higher resolution and increased brightness, and manufacturers are minimizing connectors, cables and power supplies by using USB for both power and video input.