Backed by an integrated ecosystem—from panel production to complete device assembly—China has emerged as the global hub for LCD projector manufacturing and innovation, especially in the 4K segment.
1. 1LCD Technology Leads the Global Projector Market
As of 2024, global projector shipments reached 20.17 million units, with 1LCD projectors accounting for 67.9% of the total market share—an increase of 6.6 percentage points over 2023. By 2025, this figure is expected to approach 70%.
One key driver of this growth is the highly localized supply chain in China. Over 90% of the 1LCD production process—ranging from LCD panels to optical engines and final assembly—is now domestically produced. This high level of localization not only cuts costs but also supports faster innovation cycles and improved product reliability.
2. A Fully Upgraded 1LCD Supply Chain
The rapid ascent of 1LCD projectors is closely tied to four major areas of supply chain evolution:
• Panel Technology Breakthroughs
Chinese manufacturers such as BOE and TCL CSOT now supply over 90% of the world’s LCD panels. New generations of panels offer significant improvements in light efficiency, resolution, contrast ratio, and color accuracy. Notably, mass production of 4K 1LCD panels (up to 5.5 inches) is now underway, setting the stage for high-end product development.
• Sealed Optical Engine Systems
Older open-frame optical engines faced issues like dust accumulation and poor heat dissipation. In contrast, sealed engine systems use airtight designs and advanced cooling technologies to greatly improve projector lifespan and reliability, while also enabling compact, portable projector formats.
• Smarter, Cleaner Production Lines
Leading ODM factories have embraced automated assembly, online quality inspection, and smart manufacturing algorithms to improve yield, reduce defects, and increase efficiency. Facilities with dust-free clean rooms ensure consistent build quality, even at high volumes.
• Cross-Supply Chain Coordination
Thanks to these advances, 1LCD projectors are rapidly closing the performance gap with DLP projectors—while maintaining a significant cost advantage. For example, a 1080p 1LCD projector can cost up to 30% less than a comparable DLP model, giving brands more room to compete at retail.
3. China’s ODM Powerhouses: The Backbone of Global Projector Manufacturing
ODM (Original Design Manufacturer) factories represent the final and most critical link in the manufacturing chain. In 2024, global 1LCD projector production reached 23 million units, with China contributing the overwhelming majority—particularly in Guangdong, Sichuan, and Anhui.
After filtering out ultra-low-end and refurbished models, major Chinese ODM factories produced approximately 14 million units. These manufacturers serve well-established brands both domestically and abroad, offering high standards in engineering, quality assurance, and after-sales support.
Major ODM Supplier Categories:
- Export-Driven ODMs: Companies like KJM, Invision, Hision, and Raywing focus on international markets with full-stack “R&D-to-retail” strategies.
- Dual-Market Players: Brands like Rigal and Honpow integrate overseas experience to serve both local and international demand.
- Domestic Specialists: Players like Yishu and Saier support emerging Chinese projector brands through custom development services.
In terms of shipment volume, Rigal and KJM lead the pack in 2024, each delivering over 1 million units.
4. 1LCD Projector Trends: From “Good Enough” to “Truly Great”
Consumer expectations for resolution and brightness are steadily rising. Mainstream 1LCD projectors are now transitioning from 100–200 ANSI lumens to 300–500 ANSI lumens, and from 720p to 1080p—with early adoption of 4K on the horizon.
In 2024, China-based ODMs shipped over 6 million 1080p+ 1LCD projectors, with KJM, Rigal, and Yishu forming the top-tier cluster (each over 500,000 units). Mid-tier manufacturers like Invision and Honpow followed closely, with 300,000–500,000 units.
Meanwhile, 4K LCD projectors are gaining momentum in the home theater space, where competition from large-screen 4K TVs is intense. While DLP and 3LCD 4K options are growing, 1LCD 4K panels are also entering the mainstream thanks to recent breakthroughs.
5. Smart Features and AI Take Center Stage
Hardware alone isn’t enough. Consumers now expect smart interfaces, content access, and automated features.
Until recently, most budget 1LCD projectors lacked licenses from major content platforms like Google TV or Netflix, relying instead on screen mirroring or TV sticks. As a result, only 10% of global 1LCD shipments in 2021 were “smart projectors.” However, that number rose to 24% by 2024, thanks to ODMs like KJM and motherboard suppliers like CVTE securing official certifications.
China is also pioneering AI-driven projector functions, such as auto-focus, keystone correction, obstacle avoidance, and scene optimization, significantly lowering the barrier for first-time users.
Conclusion: The Road Ahead for 1LCD Projectors
1LCD projection is no longer a “budget option” — it’s a globally competitive, rapidly evolving display solution. Backed by China’s powerful ODM ecosystem and technological momentum, 1LCD projectors are on a clear trajectory from “good enough” to “truly excellent.”
Whether for home entertainment, portable use, or cost-sensitive markets, the value proposition of 1LCD technology is stronger than ever—and the future looks bright.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- What is a 1LCD projector?
- A 1LCD projector uses a single LCD panel to project images, offering great value for money, vibrant colors, and reliable performance—especially for home and education environments.
- Are 1LCD projectors better than DLP projectors?
- Both have advantages. 1LCD projectors typically offer better color saturation and lower cost, while DLP projectors may excel in contrast and sharpness. For many users, 1LCD strikes the right balance of price and performance.
- Can 1LCD projectors support 4K resolution?
- Yes. With recent panel advancements, 4K 1LCD projectors are now in mass production and entering the consumer market, especially from Chinese ODM factories.
- Are smart features available on 1LCD projectors?
- Yes. Many newer models support Google TV, Netflix, and other streaming platforms, along with AI functions like auto-focus and keystone correction.
- Who manufactures the most 1LCD projectors globally?
- China dominates global production, with top ODM manufacturers including KJM, Rigal, Invision, and Honpow.
