Design Management Group

Pioneer digital sound projector PDSP-1

The Pioneer digital sound projector, launched in October 2002, creates realistic surround-sound from a single flat panel, without the need for multiple speaker systems positioned around the room. This is achieved by directing separate beams of sound from the panel which are separately steered to bounce of the walls and ceiling.

The panel contains an array of 254 small individually driven transducers developed by technology startup 1 Ltd. Ideas for the technology emerged in 1994 and the first patent was granted the following year. 1's business model is based on IP exploitation, providing the technology under license to consumer electronics manufacturers, along with chipsets and software.

In spite of this business model, 1 still found it necessary to produce a number of full prototypes in order to demonstrate manufacturability. This was achieved in cooperation with a local contract manufacturer. Indeed, 1 found that getting the technology to market proved considerably more complex than first envisaged.

Further information

• PDSP-1 information from Pioneer website
• 1 Ltd website

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