Optoma’s Pico a.k.a PK101 allows you to share videos from your mobile or multimedia player on a wide screen. Its tiny size (50 x 103 x 15 mm for 115g) is only that of a bigger phone.

Handling

The device comes with a tripod, a 2.5mm to composite sockets lead, a USB cable (to power the projector and charge the batteries),a USB to mains plug… Normally a cable for the iPod is an optional buy, but here it was in the box. This model does not have a zoom. You can only modify the focus here. In order to change the size of the picture you have to move the device closer to the wall for a smaller screen. Taking it further away will give a you bigger one. You won’t find a button dedicated to settings and in order to change, you need to go through the video source (DVD player…) you are using.
The Pico’s speaker should not be used at its loudest, the sound then becomes unclear; hardly bearable really.


In terms of darkness, you can still see the projected images when you slightly open the door of the room. When you put on the light however, you will be able to see the projected image only if you are very close to the wall (50 cm).
Another interesting point, there is practically no noise coming from the Pico. You would really have to put your ear on the device to hear a sort of whistling that disappears when you move away.

Projected image

The recommended projection distance is between 0,25 et 2,6 meters. The projection is indeed possible from the maximal distance but only if ithe room is totally dark. Pictures are less distorted than those of the Aiptek and of the 3M and image quality is stunning.

The dark colours are very deep and the image is as good as that of an entry-level Home Cinema projector three or four years ago. Once the wow factor is gone, we did notice some blur, fuzziness, stretched images (lengthwise). Also you really have to be in pitch dark beyond a certain distance for quality viewing.

DLP or LCoS

Comparing the PK101 with its direct competitor, the Pocket Cinema V10, the PK101 really has a lot going for it. It is more compact in size and offers less deformed corners. The colours are more vivid (sometimes even too flashy).
However it has no internal memory or slot for a memory card and therefore it depends on external sources.

Battery life with the light on maximum, the projector went on for 1'05'' (the Aiptek model goes on for 1'10''). The MPro 110 has a very muted image in comparison but holds the advantage of offering VGA input (ideal for laptops) allowing it to conquer the business markets.