Comparing Projection TVs
If you are considering buying a rear projection TV, it pays to know about what you're getting. There are four basic types of projection TV, and a wise shopper needs to compare the features, advantages and disadvantages of each one. The four types of rear projection TV that we need to compare are LCD, DLP, LCoS and CRT.
A CRT projection TV compares very well when it comes to price and to image quality - if the screen is set up in the right conditions. However, a CRT projection TV compares poorly against the other types regarding bulk (CRT projection TVs are always bulky, much like the old traditional TV set) and maintenance costs. Also, CRT projection TVs have a narrower viewing angle. Traditional CRT projection TVs can't accept input from computers, either. Microdisplay CRT displays fare a little better when compared to other types. These can take input from a PC and are much thinner than older CRT TV sets, but their thickness does not even begin to compare with that of the other projection TV types. If maintenance and on-going costs are an issue, however, bear in mind that microdisplay CRT projection TVs need their bulbs replaced after every 3,000 to 10,000 hours of use, and each bulb costs about $200 - at least. DLP or Digital Light Processing TVs compare very well to other projection TVs. They have excellent black-level performance and are light and thin. However, the most widely available variety of DLP projection TVs have the "rainbow effect" which reduces the quality of images, particularly moving images, and the flickering can cause headaches or trigger migraines. The bulbs also need replacing from time to time. LCD TVs are the thinnest and lightest projection TVs, so if that is the aspect you wish to compare, LCDs win. However, the blacks on an LCD display are not as deep as those in a CRT or DLP projection TV, so if you compare the image contrast, then LCD projection TVs are not as good. This is doubled by the "screen effect" that can occur. LCD projection TVs do not have the "rainbow effect". Judging how LCoS projection TVs compare against other types can be tricky, as the image quality produced depends on the manufacturer. One manufacturer of LcOS projection TVs is cheaper but has a poorer image quality, while the other major manufacturer of LCoS projection TVs has a better image quality but cost much more. |