The Pros And Cons Of Dlp Hdtv

Comparing DLP HDTV Units to Plasma and LCD Reveals Strengths and Weaknesses

Digital Light Processing or DLP is one of the latest HDTV technologies that is taking the television industry by storm. Developed by Texas Instruments, DLP is a process in which millions of microscopically small mirrors called Digital Micromirror Devices or DMDs reflect light onto the television screen. The large number of mirrors, each representing one or more pixels, ensures a high quality image. DLP HDTV can come in the form of front projectors, which are standalone units, or rear projectors, which compete against LCD and Plasma flat-screens. DLP projectors have mostly supplanted CRT projectors, and is also one of the primary technologies used in digital cinemas.


One or Three Chips?

One disadvantage to DLP HDTVs is that most single-chip systems, which are standard in home units, can produce a "rainbow effect" of red, blue, and green shadows when showing a bright object moving quickly across a black background. This is caused by the movement of the color wheel, which rapidly spins in front of each DMD to produce color. Some people rarely see this effect, while others perceive it all the time. As the effect can lead to eye strain, headaches and migraines in some viewers, anybody considering purchasing a DLP HDTV would be well-served to see an in-store demonstration of the unit they are considering before purchasing. More recent DLP units incorporate several technologies that greatly lessen this effect, and three-chip projectors do not have this problem at all.

Pricing and Other Considerations

DLP HDTVs are considerably less expensive than LCD or plasma displays that offer the same resolutions. They are smaller, lighter, and thinner than CRT projectors, and while they are lighter than LCD or plasma displays they are not as thin. Like plasma, DLP units do not suffer from phosphor burn-in of CRT units or image persistence of LCD units.

One great advantage to DLP HDTVs is that they use an easily replaceable light source, which means a potentially longer life than CRT or plasma units. The light source is easier to replace than the backlights used for LCD displays, and on DLPs is often user-replaceable, eliminating the need for an expensive trip to the service department.

The biggest problems with DLP HDTVs are response time and contrast. The response time problem with DLP primarily occurs when dealing with a low-resolution input, such as analog signals and older video game units. Newer consoles such as the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 do not have this problem, nor do HDTV cable and satellite systems. The contrast on DLP units is slightly below that of LCD or plasma units but comparable to them, but is only mediocre compared to a CRT.

Conclusion

DLP HDTVs are a fantastic option for anyone who wants high definition on a budget. The advantage of the easily replaceable light source cannot be overlooked, because the bulbs can cost as little as 0, and when replaced the unit should perform like new. However, the picture quality, while definitely HDTV-level, is not as good as a LCD or plasma unit. In short, DLP is HDTV on a budget, but if you can afford it you should go for LCD or plasma.

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