Choosing a Projector: LCD or DLP?

Choosing a Projector: LCD or DLP?Today, when buying equipment for a home media centre more and more people are choosing projector as the image display device. There are several reasons for that. Firstly, it's the large size of the image which can be several metres wide. Secondly it's the compact size and low weight of the projector itself. Thirdly, a good projector costs about half as much as a 42'' LCD display or a PDP. It's easy to connect and easy to set up, it's compact and inexpensive - what else does an average customer need? Indeed, an average customer doesn't want to waste money. Projectors have many various features. However, one of the most important things is the technology used to produce the image. Today you can buy either an LCD or a DLP projector. LCD projectors use liquid crystal technology. They are somewhat like film or slide projectors. An LCD panel is used instead of film. A digital electronic circuit creates images on the panel. The light of the lamp goes through three panels, each displaying a colour, and a lens. As the result we can see a multifold-increased image on the screen.DLP projectors use digital light processing technology. Light is reflected from the surface of a special chip, about 15x11 mm in size. Several millions of microscopic mirrors on the surface of the chip form the image. Then light travels through a photic disk and a lens, and is finally projected onto the screen. Micromirror arrays are an example of the innovation technology. These are the so called MEMS devices or microelectromechanical systems.Both LCD and DLP technologies have their own advantages.LCD projectors produce luminous flux of high intensity and their image has good colour saturation.DLP projectors produce a high contrast image. Apart from that DLP technology is used to create ultra lightweight portable and micro portable projectors. Another advantage of DLP is the absence of screen door effect. In this case pixels in DLP projectors with SVGA resolution can only be seen if the image is zoomed in considerably.And the last point - the optical system of a DLP projector is sealed in a casing which protects it from dust. This type of design allows to avoid using filters in ventilation system. This makes cooling more efficient, reduces maintenance, and enhances durability of the device. But what about drawbacks? Unfortunately there is one big minus. DLP technology works perfectly for static images but if the image is moving and if the viewer is blinking or quickly moving his eyes between different parts of the screen, then artefacts may appear. The viewer will see a rainbow or colour flashes. Some people even complain about headaches and itchy eyes. Here everything depends on the individual peculiarities and perception of each viewer.So what do we choose? If you are choosing a projector for your home then you may choose a DLP. It has better contrast, its black colour is deeper and the whole image is smoother than in LCD projectors with the same resolution.But you should make sure that neither you nor any other potential viewers are susceptible to artefacts which are a side effect of DLP technology. To do this you simply need to watch how this particular model works.

Category:

Science & Technology

Tags:

• display information
• operating principle
• PC
• technology
• video

[Hirnduebel]

@MooDHooDs I bought the Acer H7530, which is said to have an intense rainbow effect. I have since returned it as there was a malfunction. As for the rainbow, I can see it, but it's not too bad. Only in really sharp black and white contrast images, like movie credits. Wouldn't stop me from buying it again.

[MooDHooDs]

@Hirnduebel You visit a store and look at a running dlp projector. You will quickly find out how sensitive you are. Keep in mind that more expensive dlps got a better wheel and therefore reducing the rainboweffect than cheaper ones. So that you dont see the rbe on one dlp projector dosent mean on another dlp projector.

[Hirnduebel]

How does one find out how sensitive they are to the rainbow effect?

[jjovereats]

At least the Easterners of Europe can be understood... you need better lipsync and mics.

[scarabeus79]

Best review! And yes DLP's rainbow effect was bothering me too, I ended up taking it back to the shop.