Comments by Projector Reviews staff:
Well, we knew it was coming! What we have here from Optoma is the first integrated projector and iPod sound dock! Now you can project from your iPod, iPhone and iPad and other smart devices. In other words, will you pay a bit more to also have a projector to share your content with others? With a $449 price, it's hardly the most expensive "boom box" around for these devices. Many nice ones without video sell from between $200 and $500. And it's extremely well equipped with inputs and HD resolution.
Press Release
OPTOMA UNVEILS INDUSTRY’S FIRST IPOD SOUND DOCK WITH BUILT-IN PICO PROJECTOR
Neo-i Gives Plug ‘n’ Play Audio Video Compatibility to Portable Media Players & Other Source Components
FREMONT, Calif. | Nov.1, 2010 | Optoma, the world’s best-selling brand of DLP projectors and leader in Pico projection technology, announces the
Neo-i, the first all-in-one iPod
® sound dock with built-in Pico projector that gives digital media device users plug ‘n’ play compatibility to enjoy their audio and video content projector in one transportable, tabletop device. Complete with built-in a 16-watt stereo speaker system and additional inputs to accommodate just about any source component, the Neo-i combines the best of both portable digital technologies providing users with a simple, unique audio/video solution. The Neo-i goes on sale in mid-December with an end user price of $449
“The Neo-i offers a unique solution to a marketplace that is increasingly dependent on portable devices for both audio and video content,” said Jon Grodem, Optoma’s senior director of sales & marketing. “This gives them a simple, all-in-one solution for sharing that content.”
Built on the award-winning designs of Optoma’s Pico projectors and incorporating the latest audio and amplifier technologies, the Neo-i offers consumers an elegant, innovative product with a unique set of qualities and features. Sporting a modern, graceful design that blends easily into any environment, the Neo-i combines a 50 ANSI Lumen Pico projector delivering an image of up to 120” in native WVGA (854 X 480 pixels) resolution in 16:9 format, with a full-bodied 16-watt stereo system that employs a bass reflex design within the 2-speaker system that increases the effective displacement of air, resulting in a louder, fuller sound with greater frequency range. The effective dynamic range of the audio was also increased using unique digital signal processing techniques, resulting in a listener perception of greater bass and dynamic range. And because The Neo-i also incorporates Class D amplifiers for maximum efficiency, it can be also be run using an optional battery pack.
Utilizing Apple’s
® patented 30-pin connector, the docking station accommodates all iPod, iPhone
® and iTouch
® devices. Users will have three options for accessing and controlling their media selections: From the control interface of the iPod/iPhone device; the included IR remote control; or through the backlit control panel on the Neo-i, itself. Metadata, such as song and video titles and artist names, can be displayed by the projector to make playback management easier. And the Neo-i also charges the iPod/iPhone while docked in the unit.
The Neo-i also incorporates A/V inputs for external devices that expand its usability beyond the iPod or iPhone. HDMI and VGA ports allow connection to laptops, Blu-ray players, and Apple TV. In addition, an optional accessory kit provides connectivity to the iPad.
While not categorized as a portable device, the Neo-i’s small size (12.8” x 8.9” x 3.1”) and light weight (less than 2.5 lbs) make it easily transportable. And its low operating temperature and instant on/off feature enhance its portability. Additional product details and specifications are available at www.optomausa.com.
Complete Neo-i Specs
General
Native Resolution: 854 X 480 (16:9)
Panel: 0.3” WVGA DLP
Brightness: 50 lumens Bright mode
Contrast Ratio: 2000:1
Uniformity: 60% (JBMA Standard)
LED / Life: RGB LED, >20,000hrs
Dimensions: 12.8” x 8.9” x 3.1”
Weight: < 2.5 lbs
Lens & Throw Distance
Image Size: 5”~120” (16:9 native)
Projection Lens: Fixed Focus Lens, F/1.8
Throw Ratio: 1.8
Off-set: 100%
Compatibility
Video/Audio In: 2.5 mm A/V jack, Composite
VGA CNNT: PC in (WXGA max)
HDMI in: HDMI 1.3 (1080i 60)
Audio Out: 3.5 mm audio out jack
Speaker: 8W x 2
IO Terminals
Sockets (iPod Dock, VGA, A/V Jack, Audio Out, HDMI, DC Jack)
About Optoma Technology, Inc.
Optoma Technology, Inc. is an award-winning developer of projection and digital display products for business and home. The company manufactures multimedia projectors for mobile users, fixed installations and home theaters, as well as HD displays. Optoma products combine superior image processing technologies with exceptional engineering and innovation to deliver images that are bright, crystal clear, and finely tuned for tone and color. Optoma products are sold through the company’s global network of ProAV dealers, major consumer electronics retailers and Internet resellers. For more information, visit www.optomausa.com.
