HK's institute earns worldwide recognition for breakthroughs

Technological breakthroughs and the development of new products have earned the Applied Science and Technology Research Institute (Astri) worldwide recognition at international electronics shows.

Two of Astri's latest technology breakthroughs drew plenty of attention at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) 2010, held in Las Vegas.

A prototype 1024x600 pixel pico-projector, developed by Astri together with Syndiant, a global leader in high-resolution microdisplays for pico-projectors, and Foryou Multimedia Electronics, was displayed in Foryou's booth.

Employing the first wide Super Video Graphics Array (SVGA) microdisplay in the world, Astri's solution has allowed the partners to produce pocket-sized devices with high resolution and exceptional colour quality which are ideal for LED illuminated accessory pico-projector applications, such as laptops and netbooks. Astri is also adapting the projector for cell phones.

An earlier version of Astri's pico-projector won the Innovative Product Award at the Second China National Solid State Lighting Innovation Contest in 2008.

In the same show, a prototype of Astri's dual-screen e-book reader, jointly developed with Marvell Technology, was also featured in the partner's booth.