DLP TV FAQ

Choosing the DLP™ projector can be difficult and we've compiled some information that we hope will make that decision easier for you.

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™ 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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