A new association has been formed by industry leaders of the US projection industry. The Laser Illuminated Projector Association (LIPA) was launched with the aim of detailing the advantages of laser illuminated projectors, recommending for a beneficial regulatory environment and stating suitable training guidelines for the industry.
The announcement was made by the LIPA Advisory Committee, which included NEC Display Solutions, Barco, Eastman Kodak, Christie Digital, IMAX Corporation, Laser Light Engines, Necsel/Ushio and Sony.
An advisory committee member representing Sony, Pete Lude stated that LIPA will serve as an essential medium for the projection industry to work in co-operation with each other and in nurturing a positive business and regulatory environment.
The light source in a laser-illuminated projector is a system of red, green and blue lasers. Industry specialists are of the opinion that using such a source in digital cinema projectors are beneficial in terms of cost-effectiveness and improved clarity. It reduces maintenance costs and also provides consistent image color and intensity along with greater three-dimensional brightness. Currently, the use of lasers requires acquiring a variance from regulatory agencies.
LIPA aims at developing unified messages in conveying laser benefits and moderate laser regulations to important areas. It will serve as a platform for companies to create and offer evaluation methods.
The guiding principles set by LIPA's Advisory Committee include communicating the advantages of laser illumination, fostering a receptive business environment for projectors which are laser-based, focusing on laser-illuminated projectors equal to or greater than 5000 lumens and promoting the best practices across the value chain.