| Comparing DLP HDTV Units to Plasma and | | | | DLP HDTVs are considerably less |
| LCD Reveals Strengths and Weaknesses | | | | expensive than LCD or plasma displays |
| Digital Light Processing or DLP is one | | | | that offer the same resolutions. They |
| of the latest HDTV technologies that is | | | | are smaller, lighter, and thinner than |
| taking the television industry by storm. | | | | CRT projectors, and while they are |
| Developed by Texas Instruments, DLP is a | | | | lighter than LCD or plasma displays they |
| process in which millions of | | | | are not as thin. Like plasma, DLP units |
| microscopically small mirrors called | | | | do not suffer from phosphor burn-in of |
| Digital Micromirror Devices or DMDs | | | | CRT units or image persistence of LCD |
| reflect light onto the television | | | | units. |
| screen. The large number of mirrors, | | | | One great advantage to DLP HDTVs is that |
| each representing one or more pixels, | | | | they use an easily replaceable light |
| ensures a high quality image. DLP HDTV | | | | source, which means a potentially longer |
| can come in the form of front | | | | life than CRT or plasma units. The light |
| projectors, which are standalone units, | | | | source is easier to replace than the |
| or rear projectors, which compete | | | | backlights used for LCD displays, and on |
| against LCD and Plasma flat-screens. DLP | | | | DLPs is often user-replaceable, |
| projectors have mostly supplanted CRT | | | | eliminating the need for an expensive |
| projectors, and is also one of the | | | | trip to the service department. |
| primary technologies used in digital | | | | The biggest problems with DLP HDTVs are |
| cinemas. | | | | response time and contrast. The response |
| One or Three Chips? | | | | time problem with DLP primarily occurs |
| One disadvantage to DLP HDTVs is that | | | | when dealing with a low-resolution |
| most single-chip systems, which are | | | | input, such as analog signals and older |
| standard in home units, can produce a | | | | video game units. Newer consoles such as |
| "rainbow effect" of red, blue, | | | | the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 do not |
| and green shadows when showing a bright | | | | have this problem, nor do HDTV cable and |
| object moving quickly across a black | | | | satellite systems. The contrast on DLP |
| background. This is caused by the | | | | units is slightly below that of LCD or |
| movement of the color wheel, which | | | | plasma units but comparable to them, but |
| rapidly spins in front of each DMD to | | | | is only mediocre compared to a CRT. |
| produce color. Some people rarely see | | | | Conclusion |
| this effect, while others perceive it | | | | DLP HDTVs are a fantastic option for |
| all the time. As the effect can lead to | | | | anyone who wants high definition on a |
| eye strain, headaches and migraines in | | | | budget. The advantage of the easily |
| some viewers, anybody considering | | | | replaceable light source cannot be |
| purchasing a DLP HDTV would be | | | | overlooked, because the bulbs can cost |
| well-served to see an in-store | | | | as little as $200, and when replaced the |
| demonstration of the unit they are | | | | unit should perform like new. However, |
| considering before purchasing. More | | | | the picture quality, while definitely |
| recent DLP units incorporate several | | | | HDTV-level, is not as good as a LCD or |
| technologies that greatly lessen this | | | | plasma unit. In short, DLP is HDTV on a |
| effect, and three-chip projectors do not | | | | budget, but if you can afford it you |
| have this problem at all. | | | | should go for LCD or plasma. |
| Pricing and Other Considerations | | | | |