Texas Instruments, a company known for its computers and semiconductors, is based in Dallas and has made a significant impact in the cinema industry. Despite not being commonly associated with movies, Texas Instruments’ DLP (Digital Light Projection) technology has played a crucial role in transforming the movie-going experience.
The DLP Cinema technology, developed 25 years ago, utilizes a small square chip called a Digital Micromirror Device (DMD) that contains tiny mirrors. These mirrors reflect light projected onto the chip to produce brighter and crisper images, transitioning movies from film to digital. The first digitally shown movie was Star Wars Episode 1 in 1999, marking a milestone in the global cinema industry.
Today, Texas Instruments DLP Cinema is used in nine out of every 10 movie theaters worldwide, showcasing its widespread adoption and influence. The technology has significantly enhanced the quality of movie presentations by offering vivid colors and clear images, setting a new standard for the industry.
Employees at Texas Instruments recently celebrated the 25th anniversary of the DLP technology with a costume contest and gathering at a theater located on the company’s campus. The event commemorated the quarter-century of innovation and magic that DLP has brought to the cinema industry, with employees dressing up as their favorite movie characters to honor the occasion. Overall, Texas Instruments’ impact on the cinema industry has been profound, showcasing how a company renowned for computers and semiconductors has made its mark in the world of entertainment.