We ran into this magnificently realistic R2-D2™ droid at the 2008 Consumer Electronics Show and were curious about what it does, and then the people at the Nikko booth showed us. This droid wanna-be is a video projector that displays DVD movies on a wall or screen.

The R2-D2 Digital Video and Audio Projector from Nikko uses Texas Instrument’s DLP technology to display movies with a resolution of up to 1024 x 768. It uses a 2000 lumen bulb and can display images as large as 260 inches (21.6 feet). It also boasts a built-in CD player and can play MP3 or MP4 video. There is an iPod docking stations and USB slots for playing video files from these sources. A built-in 20 watt speaker system supplies the sound.

The projector droid comes complete with a remote control styled after the Millennium Falcon. From here you can control the video functions as well as turn R1-D2′s head, run the droid forward, reverse and turn 360 degrees. It also plays several popular R2-D2 sound effects, which should raise squeals of delight from any junior Star Wars fans.

Unfortunately, thus far there aren’t any authorized USA dealers who have committed to sell the product and a suggested retail price was not available. I suspect that this premium gadget gift will be pricey, but nonetheless is sure to please your little Star Wars fans.