DLP is the fastest growing type of home theater video projector. Like their digital brethren, the LCD projector the image is first displayed on a chip. This chip is called a Digital Micromirror device or DMD. Each pixel on a DMD is in essence a reflective mirror.
The image is displayed on the DMD chip and this chip tilts extremely quickly as the image changes. This process is what makes the image in black and white. Color is then added as light passes through a color wheel on to the DMD chip. This light is then sent through a lens and then projected onto your screen.
DLP has several advantages over some of the other home theater projector types. DLP projectors can make excellent color with great accuracy. The screen door effect is minor with a DLP projector (compared to a LCD projector). DLP projectors tend to be very compact which makes them perfect for people who need to travel with their projector or don't want a permanent installation. DLP projectors can also off a high contrast ratio and can be very bright (LCD projectors tend to be brighter though).
DLP projectors do have some limitations. Like LCD projectors, a DLP has a fixed resolution, unlike CRT projectors.
While the screen door effect isn't as prevalent on DLP projectors as it is on LCD projectors, DLP projectors can exhibit what is known as the rainbow effect. Some viewers will occasionally see slight rainbows in the image, usually on the edge or dark to light transition. These rainbows are most often seen when the viewer is looking rapidly from one side of the screen to the other. Not everyone sees rainbows and they are usually only seen when the viewer is moving their eyes from one side of the screen to the other.
Lamp life is another thing to consider when purchasing a DLP projector. Some projectors will have to have their lamps changed every 1,000 to 2,000 hours. Lamp life is improving though. Beware though, a lamp can go out at any time and replacement lamps can cost hundreds of dollars.
DLP projectors are amongst the most popular home theater projectors and for good reason. They can put out an excellent image for a low cost.
|
