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