Digital Cinema: A New Chapter, a Long Journey

This technology from Texas Instruments will change the interactive experience now and in the future.

In celebration of the 25th anniversary of DLP Cinema® technology, Texas Instruments' DLP product innovators gathered to reflect on the past, the future and the next.

On May 16, 1999, the premiere of "Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace" marked the turning point in the film industry's transition from the film era to the digital cinema era, the first film to be publicly screened using digital projectors using DLP Cinema® technology.

DLP technology uses a digital micromirror device (DMD), an array of millions of micromirrors, to project output via a light source.

DLP Cinema technology has evolved from low-resolution prototypes to transform not only the movie experience, but also the way countless applications interact.

DLP® Technology Driving a Revolution in Cinema

Before the advent of digital display technology, filmmakers used celluloid film. Film was fragile, expensive to copy, and difficult to transport to theaters intact. "In the past, a movie would only be shown in a few thousand theaters on its first day," said Dave Duncan, former DLP® front projection and DLP Cinema business manager at Texas Instruments.

Even if film made it to a major city like New York or Los Angeles intact, repeated use and transportation of film would cause flaws and defects in the film, so in smaller towns and theaters, the film was nowhere near the original. "When we saw the film in my hometown of West Lafayette, Indiana, the picture was mottled and the color was dull," Dave said.

In the 1990s, Dave and his team traveled to Hollywood and used their expertise in the film industry to perfect the prototype. They met with producers, directors, cinematographers, distribution executives, and film technology experts. Over the months, the DLP product team incorporated their feedback and continued to refine the technology. Dave said that when technicians could no longer tell the difference between film and digital images, the team realized that "they had revolutionized movies" and created a consistently superior viewing experience for audiences.

Film leads the way, all industries shine together

While the film industry has changed dramatically over the past 25 years, one thing that has remained constant is DLP technology's ability to change the way people experience and use the technology.

"Displays based on DLP technology are eye-catching with their vivid colors, high contrast and clear images. DLP technology has always been committed to providing an immersive and magical experience," said Jeff Marsh, vice president and general manager of DLP products at Texas Instruments. In many industries and fields such as automobiles, education and gaming, DLP technology can help improve users' visual experience.

In the automotive sector, DLP technology can enhance communication between vehicles and pedestrians, and between vehicles, helping to provide a safer driving experience. Light-guiding headlights help drivers detect pedestrians and adapt to road conditions, turning off headlights or increasing/decreasing light brightness as needed.

In the classroom, technologies such as interactive whiteboards allow only one or two students to interact with content, but DLP projectors can turn an entire wall into an interactive display, creating a more engaging and inclusive experience for more students and teachers.

DLP technology is even changing the way we interact with video games. New display products can now achieve lower latency than ever before, allowing projectors to compete with the fastest gaming monitors.

"We are not only good at creating amazing display products, but also provide a series of light control products that are completely different from displays." Jeff emphasized, especially the application of DLP technology in cutting-edge fields such as printed circuit board (PCB) manufacturing and industrial 3D printing. Taking PCB manufacturing as an example, DLP light control technology is leading a technological innovation, moving from traditional mask lithography technology to more efficient and flexible direct laser imaging technology. In the past mask lithography process, once the design changed, the entire set of masks needed to be replaced. In addition, the natural aging of the mask and the subsequent additional costs such as cleaning and inspection undoubtedly increased the burden of manufacturing costs. However, DLP technology, with its excellent real-time programmability and high-resolution advantages, enables direct laser imaging technology to significantly reduce the total manufacturing cost while improving the yield of finished devices. This technology can also reduce the line spacing between wiring (i.e., the conductive path for transmitting current), thereby providing the opportunity to use advanced packaging and ultimately shorten the distance between semiconductor chips.

For industrial 3D printing, DLP technology can project multiple wavelengths of light to melt or harden media, achieving high-precision exposure, fast updates, and reliable operation. Using DLP products in manufacturing can shorten design cycles, help to adjust prototypes faster, and ultimately print production parts.

Looking ahead to the future, unlimited possibilities

Today, 90% of cinemas use DLP technology to ensure image quality. Adhering to the spirit of exploration in the field of digital projection and film, the DLP team continues to seek breakthroughs and innovations. Today's DLP technology solutions are smaller and more affordable than ever before.

“Ten years ago, augmented reality glasses, gaming monitors, and projection displays inside cars were not yet available to the public. As the technology has improved, we have opened the door to new areas,” said Jeff.

While the DLP team looks back on its glorious history and outstanding achievements in the film industry, they also look forward to the future, hoping to create greater success. "Projection display is our core foundation," Jeff said, "relying on this technology, we can explore more new application areas. And this is just the beginning of our brilliant future."