Rear Projection Vs. LCD TV
Televisions, especially HDTVs, improve nearly every year. For a period of time, rear projection TVs were one of the major types of big screen TV, but technology progresses, and now LCD TVs are the highest-selling type of TV. When it comes to comparing the two, LCD presents a much wider range in size, options and availability for consumers.
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Rear Projection
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Rear projection big screen TVs have evolved from a CRT (Cathode Ray Tube) to the DLP (Digital Light Processing) technology used by the majority of models in stores today. Early projection TVs were large and heavy, with a low viewing angle, and could not be seen well in brightly-lit rooms, though newer DLP models provide a much brighter, sharper picture.
LCD
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LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) TVs have taken off in popularity in the past few years. As the technology has improved, the range of models and sizes available has grown, and prices have dropped. With LCDs, the screen is comprised of thousands of pixels between two polarizing filters reacting to light passed between them, creating the images shown on the screen.
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Screen Size
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Rear projection has always been better suited to larger screen sizes, with current models generally ranging from 50 inches (diagonal) up to 82 inches and above. LCD TVs are available in a much wider array, from as small as 19 inches up to 60 inches.
Size and Weight
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One drawback with rear projection is that even though they are now more compact and more closely resemble pure flat panel TVs, the design requires more room for the circuitry, especially behind the screen, making them take up more space and be less suitable for wall mounting. But though smaller, LCD TVs will obviously weigh less. Comparably sized DLP rear projection TVs are actually a bit lighter, with 60 inch models weighing around 65 pounds, compared to 65-80 pounds for certain LCD models 55 inches or larger.
Picture Quality
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Determining which delivers a better picture depends on the type and model of TV. LCD TVs will have a brighter, more detailed picture than older CRT rear projection TVs, but newer DLP models have impressed consumers with the quality of HD video, especially when factoring in the larger screen sizes. One drawback to DLP is that the bulb can burn out, though replacements are not as costly as they once were.
Price and Availability
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As LCD and plasma screens are produced in larger sizes, more manufacturers are phasing out DLP models, making them available in fewer stores and more suited to high-end consumers. They can range in price from $1000 to $4000 or more, while smaller LCD TVs can be found for under $200, with larger models varying from $1000 to $2800 or more, depending on the make and model, the retailer and any current specials. All prices are as of 2009.
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