Microdisplay
Single-Panel LCoS Television
MicroDisplay Corporation partnered with D2M to develop their first 56” rear projection television around advances in their proprietary 1080p single-panel LCoS technology. MDC sought to break into the cost and time-sensitive consumer television with low-cost solutions, and a sleek, high-end industrial design from Pentagram. They made a strategic decision to fully outsource the mechanical design and system level integration to D2M based on our mechanical and opto-mechanical expertise. Our engineers worked with Asian vendors to develop and test a custom light engine that utilized single-panel LCoS technology, while optimizing picture quality. In parallel, we engineered the housing of the television for large injection molded parts in a compressed timeframe. A senior principal from D2M also assisted in the product’s business development strategy, and steered the high-end industrial design from the onset.
Client Testimonial
“Our engagement with D2M included a tightly integrated project team and management structure that bridged our two organizations. With D2M’s help we were able to quickly add expertise in the areas of system, mechanical, thermal, and industrial design. Further, D2M helped us to establish relationships with tool vendors and manufacturing partners. Nine months after we began our project with D2M, our product won the Best Buzz Award at CES 2007! I think that speaks for itself!”
- Chris Norris, President and CEO of Microdisplay
The Details
During early phases of development, D2M collaborated with optical and electrical engineers, and overseas light engine vendors to package MDC’s proprietary LCoS technology into an optical engine. Our engineers provided innovative opto-mechanical and thermal solutions to improve image quality and product lifetime through a rigorous process of prototype iteration and testing.
In less than half a year, Pentagram’s industrial design was taken from initial concept to overseas production tooling. Within this timeframe, MDC relied upon D2M for light engine development, prototype builds, thermal testing, electronic and optical packaging, and design verification support.
The D2M team’s efforts helped MicroDisplay Corporation earn a CES 2007 Best Buzz award from Insight Media for the Best MDTV.