According to Pacific Media Associates (PMA), the worldwide market information experts on front projectors, the worldwide front projector market will grow to a total of 8.65 million units in 2010 from its 2009 level of 6.33 million units.

Although some of the growth is because of comparison with a relatively weak 2009 due to the recession, the rest is due to stronger demand for a number of recently-introduced products that have responded to changing buyer demands.

PMA has dubbed 2010 "The Year of the Projector" because numerous supply-side product innovations, combined with rapid demand-side growth in developing countries, have breathed new life into what had become a mature industry with single-digit growth rates.

"Innovations such as 3D-ready ultra-short-throw models, built-in interactivity, PC-free presentations, and LED or laser illumination are responding to user needs, in some cases expanding the lists of applications or buyer types for which projectors can be used," said Dr. William Coggshall, President of Pacific Media Associates.

"And countries in MEA (Middle East and Africa), Latin America, the ASEAN countries, and China are growing at rates outpacing those in the historically larger markets, often due to major national programs for education."

Although it is not the largest category within the overall projector market, the New Era (sub-500 lumen) category is the fastest-growing one, and is expected to grow from 512,000 units in 2009 to 1,143,000 units in 2010.

"The two sweet spots in this category are the tiny battery-powered pico projectors currently offering a brightness maximum of 50 lumens, and their larger wall-powered personal projector siblings," said Coggshall. "During 2010 we expect the pico projectors to account for roughly three times as many units as the personal projectors."