DLP™ Projectors Buyer's Guide and Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Choosing the DLP™ projector can be difficult and we've compiled some information
that we hope will make that decision easier for you. If you are looking for a
projector, here are some things and reasons that you should seriously look at
one powered by DLP™ technology.
DLP™ FAQ
What Is DLP™?
Digital Light Processing (DLP™), invented by Texas Instruments, is a
unique digital projection-display technology. DLP™ technology is driven
by hundreds of thousands of microscopic mirrors on a digital chip, named
the Digital Micromirror Device (DMD). There is a mirror for each image
pixel which tilts independently to adapt the projected image.
What makes DLP™ digital?
The only fully digital display technology available today is DLP™. DLP™ is digital because
each mirror is either on or off. When a mirror (pixel) is "on", light is reflected
through the projector to the screen. Otherwise, when "off", the mirror is directed
away from the lens. Thus, DLP™ projectors are uniquely suited to controlling
color and motion, as opposed to the analog nature of competing LCD technologies.
Being digital, DLP™ projectors have greater efficiency, and thus higher brightness
through its single panel architecture and reflective, rather than transmissive technology.
How widespread are projectors powered by DLP™?
There are over thirty DLP™ powered microportable projectors - from over sixteen of the
world's major projector manufacturers.
What is the most common use of DLP™ projectors?
DLP™ projectors are becoming the leading computer projector. Because single chip DLP™
Projectors are the lightest, the majority of new ultraportable and microportable
projectors are powered by DLP™ technology.
What DLP™ products are available?
There are over 50 DLP™ projectors available today. As mentioned there are single
DMD chip DLP™ projectors available. The majority of these DLP™ projectors are small,
lightweight, most weighing less than 2kgs. They have bright light output ranging from
600 to 2000 ANSI lumens. Most DLP™ projectors intended for display of computer data and
4:3 video sources, but some do support component-video, 16:9 formats, and high-definition
signals. Next there are three DMD chip projectors. These, three-chip projectors
have much higher price. These three chip DLP™ projectors have similar size and
weight of a small CRT projector. Some three chip projectors have higher fan
noise required to cool components that produce higher light levels. Most 3
chip projectors support high-definition and digital signals. For better video
performance, 3 chip projectors often: use of Xenon arc lamps (like that used in
film projectors) and have better electronics.
Is DLP™ is better for home theater projectors than LCD?
Like all projector technology, DLP™ is best suited for large images - from about
42" up. Home theater video images are typically washed out without deep blacks.
Generally black levels are much better with DLP™ projectors than most LCD projectors.
However, this result varies depending on whether the projector uses one or three
DMD chip. DLP™ projectors powered by a single DMD chip do not perform to the same
level as three DMD chip projectors. Like most LCD projectors, single chip DLP™
projectors are typically designed for computer use, rather than home theater.
Whereas three chip DLP™ projectors, are more appropriate for home theater usage.
There is of course a price premuim for three chip DLP™ projectors.
What other types of projector technology exists?
Other types of projectors include: LCD Standard, LCD Polysilicon, D-ILA™ and
CRT projectors. LCD projectors have been the main type of projectors for the last
decade; LCD Polysilicon projects have a higher quality than the standard LCD active
matrix display. D-ILA™ and DLP™ are the newest digital forms of projectors. CRT
based analog projectors, tend to be used in auditoriums and theaters. In the past
12 months, a new type of projection technique called LCOS (Liquid Crystal on
Silicon) has entered the market. This new technology gives users the benefit of
high resolution SXGA images at a lower price than LCD.
So, should I use LCD, DLP™, or D-ILA™) technology?
Each technology has its own advantages and price is one of them. LCD projectors
will typically give you better color saturation, have a lower noise level, and
offer slightly better video. DLP™ will typically offer more lumens in a smaller
sized projector, and have an image that has less space between the pixels. D-ILA™
offers the highest resolution, film like quality, and highest contrast ratios with
the truest colors when a Xenon lamp is used. The D-ILA™ will also be a more expensive
projector. To really get a good idea of which projector will work best for you,
ask a audio/visual dealer to show you the projectors side by side with the same
image so you can evaluate the differences.
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