Image display system and method

A method for displaying an image comprising:

• generating image data and control signals from a received video signal;
• controlling a light source assembly with the control signals so as to generate light in a spatial distribution pattern;
• coupling light from the light source assembly using a homogenizing device and illumination relay;
• controlling an optical modulator assembly, which is configured with at least one optical modulator surface, with the control signals such that light received from the light source assembly via the homogenizing device and illumination relay generate an image from the image data on the optical modulator surface;
• projecting the image from the optical modulator surface onto a viewing surface;
• and
• providing the optical modulator surface with a substantially 1:1 aspect ratio in order to increase the amount of illumination coupled from the light source assembly.

An image display device comprising:

• an image processing unit configured to receive a video signal and generate image data and control signals;
• a light source assembly and an optical modulator assembly each controlled by the control signals such that the light source assembly generates illumination in a spatial distribution pattern that is coupled to optical modular assembly via a homogenizing device;
• a projection lens assembly configured to project an image from the optical modulator assembly onto a viewing surface;
• means configured within the optical modular assembly for maximizing the amount of illumination coupled from the light source assembly, wherein the means is configured with at least one optical modulator surface configured to have a substantially 1:1 aspect ratio.