Understanding Different Rear Projection Television Options

In a previous post, we discussed the different types of HDTVs you can select from. One type, rear projection, is capable of providing you with a greater amount of screen size for less money than the flat panel type. As I wrote in a previous post, there are many different types of HDTVs that fall into the rear project category. Therefore, if you have decided that rear projection is right for you, you need to learn more about the televisions in this category and what each has to offer.

One type, the cathode ray tube (CRT), uses the same basic technology as tube televisions. Essentially, it utilizes three different types of tubes: green, red, and blue. These tubes project to the screen and create the images that you see. You won’t find too many of these televisions around, however, because they are very heavy and the imaging developed with CRT televisions is not particularly sharp. Nonetheless, if you can find someone selling one of these TVs, you can usually pick it up for pretty cheap. So, if money is an issue, this can still be a good HDTV to have.

DLP, LCD, and LCoS rear projection televisions utilize a combination of lamps and optics to create an image, which is then projected onto the screen. These televisions do create a great image, but the lamps used in them usually need to be replaced every 1500 to 3000 hours. Since these lamps cost $200 or more each, the expense can become quite costly.

DLP, or Digital Light Projection, utilizes millions of small mirrors along with a spinning color wheel in order to create an image. These sets typically provide very colorful and sharp images, but you might see rainbows from time to time because of the spinning wheel. It seems that not everyone can see the “rainbow.” So, if you don’t see it and you think the picture looks great, this could be the right television for you. Also, some companies are getting rid of the lamps and using LEDs instead. This can be a good alternative if you are concerned about the possibility of needing to periodically replace a lamp.

LCD, or Liquid Crystal Display, televisions utilize anywhere from one to three small LCD panels to create an image. It is becoming increasingly rare to find LCD technology in rear projection televisions because more advanced technology is being favored instead. Nonetheless, a good rear projection LCD television can be quite affordable.

LCoS, or Liquid Crystal on Silicon, utilizes reflective silicone panels to create the image. These panels are colored blue, red, and green, which eliminates the need to use a spinning color wheel as seen in the DLP. As a result, there is no rainbow effect associated with the LCoS. Some companies call this technology by different names. For example, Sony calls it SXRD while JVC calls it D-ILA.

So, there you have it! Now that you know the difference between these televisions, you can finally settle on the one that is right for you!