How is the market for projectors evolving? With the expanding screen sizes of TVs, are projectors losing out? Or is there some new technology or applications enabling them to survive and grow? These were our doubts which we sought to clarify during a discussion with Muneer Ahmed, Vice President of ViewSonic India. Read on to find out more…
Q. What major trends do you see in the projectors and TVs market?
A. The overall projector market has been shrinking since 2019, but certain segments, such as projectors for larger screens, are experiencing growth. People are increasingly aware of the benefits of using projectors, such as having a larger display in their living rooms or conference rooms.
Q. What changes and improvements can we expect in the projector market?
A. While the overall projector market is not growing, LED projectors are showing promise. Compared to laser projectors, LED projectors have a lower cost of ownership and are more affordable. LED projectors are expected to flourish in the coming years. Additionally, improvements in components, such as lamps and light intensity, contribute to better image quality.
Q. Can projectors replace TVs or home theatre systems?
A. Projectors are gaining momentum as an alternative to TVs or home theatre systems. People prefer projectors when they desire a larger screen experience. They eliminate the need for multiple devices, and the light projected onto the screen is less straining on the eyes compared to direct TV viewing.
Q. What are interactive projectors?
A. Interactive projectors allow users to interact with the projected surface using touch or gestures. They find applications in education and can also be used at home for presentations or creative activities.
Q.Are projectors getting any smarter?
A. Yes, the market is witnessing an increase in projectors with built-in Android systems, which offer great potential. With Android-based projectors, users can access various apps and stream content from platforms like Netflix and Prime Video without the need for extra devices. This segment is gaining momentum.
Q. Are there any use cases or applications of artificial intelligence that you plan to implement?
A. We have already integrated artificial intelligence into our software. One notable feature is the integration of external speech recognition technology, such as Speech Tradex, which enhances the functionality of our software. For example, our whiteboard software incorporates AI-powered pen recognition, allowing users to draw shapes or symbols and search for related information on the internet.
The AI algorithms provide suggestions and options based on the user’s input. We believe that artificial intelligence has great potential in our software and anticipate its continued growth and usage in the future.
Q.What are your thoughts on the “Make in India” initiative?
A. I believe that the “Make in India” initiative is a positive step towards promoting domestic manufacturing and self-sufficiency. While we currently import components from countries like Taiwan, Vietnam, and China, we recognise the importance of developing manufacturing capabilities in India. The initiative encourages the establishment of semiconductor and panel manufacturing plants, which are crucial components in our industry. We closely monitor the progress and are open to collaborating with local manufacturers once the necessary infrastructure and expertise are in place.
