The Laser Illuminated Projector Association reports that as of the end of 2017, the global installed base of high-end RGB laser projectors had reached nearly 700, an increase of nearly 100 percent since 2016, according to industry analysts at IHS Markit. In addition, the analyst firm also reported that, according to industry sales figures estimates, the number of laser phosphor projectors installed in cinemas has now surpassed 10,000; again an approximately 100 percent growth rate over the previous year.
“These numbers are outstanding. LIPA and its member companies, prominent manufacturers, are seeing the benefits of their combined promotional and industry governance work reflected in this success,” said Jan Daem, LIPA chairperson. “Based on input from our member manufacturers, it seems order books are also pretty healthy for 2018 so far, so we’re expecting similar growth rates to last year, with RGB unit installations very likely topping well more than 1000 sites, and similar growth of phosphor units. With such strong growth for the whole industry, it is more essential than ever that LIPA is there to represent the interests of its members and worldwide cinema viewers.”
As an industry association, LIPA’s mandate is to focus on speeding the adoption of laser illuminated projectors across all venues worldwide and to help enable the enacting of regulatory change for the industry. LIPA’s mission supports its members, all leading providers of laser projection solutions, to markets worldwide.
Daem also believes the market is increasingly convinced about installing laser projectors because of the ever-improving quality of the technology being developed by its member companies, which is evident in the higher resolution, higher contrast, brighter and more varied colors, brighter and more vivid 3D films, and vastly better energy efficiency. In addition, the industry has continued to improve total cost of ownership for customers, across the spectrum of projector solutions, including OEM retrofits/upgrades, fibre solutions, phosphor and full RGB.
“We will continue our efforts to assist the industry to speak with one voice, lowering potential market confusion and strengthening our members’ seat at the table of regulatory discussions,” Daem said.