Prokia announced that its optical engines for use with single-panel LCOS (Liquid Crystal on Silicon) are ready for mass production. The offering is slated to begin shipment in the second quarter of 2005, with an expected volume of 60,000 units by the end of 2005.

 

Pointing to the higher luminosity of single panel to three-panel LCOS, the company has stated that initially its optical engine would be used for 40" to 50" RPTV (Rear Projection Television), adopting MicroDisplay's LCOS panels. Lenses are supplied by Guang Yao, screens are developed in cooperation with Prodisc, and some lamp supply is sourced from NEC.

 

However, given the likelihood of a prolonged lamp shortage into 2005, Prokia is cooperating with Wavien, which has licensed to Prokia's parent company to produce 150-watt 300 lumens mercury lamps.

 

For three-panel LCOS optical engines, the company has been adopting panel from Aurora, which has enjoyed an upswing in yield rates. Prokia has claimed that Aurora's panels are roughly 20% less expensive than those of JVC, leading to more cost competitive offerings.

 

Prokia has stated that its three-panel LCOS optical engine is expected to hit 15,000 units in 2004, which will be chiefly supplied to Kolin for RPTV. Shipments are anticipated to particularly heavy in October and November, accounting for about 70% of total 2004 volume.