How to Compare DLP and LCD Technology

DLP stands for digital light processing, and LCD stands for liquid crystal display. Both are types of digital image viewing technology that are becoming more popular. Both provide the high resolution and clear picture that is required to view high-definition television properly.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• High definition TV signal

Compare DLP vs. LCD Technology

1. Pick DLP over LCD if overall picture resolution is your primary concern. DLP technology is superior to LCD where pixelation, or "fill factor," is concerned. Pixels are tiny squares of color that when thousands or millions are interlaced on a screen produce the image you see. The tiny space between pixels is the fill. DLP projections have less space between pixels than LCD technology so the pixels are not noticeable.

2. Look for the contrast ration reported by the manufacturer. Contrast is a measurement between light and dark. More specifically, it is the difference between the lightest white and darkest dark. The higher the contrast ratio, the better the picture. Anything about 1000:1 or higher is ideal. This is another area where DLP is slightly superior.

3. Consider color as a point of reference to compare DLP and LCD technology. Color is an arena where LCD has the advantage. DLP projects use micro-mirrors and a color wheel to produce colors. The color wheel constantly adjusts colors and adjustments are made so quickly your brain combines them all so that it appears as a single image, an "average" of the thousands of tiny split second adjustments.

4. Shop for a three chip DLP projector. One chip projectors are the standard right now and these are the ones where the tiny variations in color can sometimes be picked up by a perceptive eye and brain. Three chip projectors use a different chip for blue, green and red which are combined to form all the other colors. Three chip projectors use a constant image so you won't notice the constant color flux produced by a one chip model.

5. Don't overlook the element of style. Don't forget that while a DLP projector can be used for a large picture, you'll need a table or projector cart to set it up without other items blocking the projection. It can be hard to integrate a DLP projector into your room's decor.

6. Compare price between DLP and LCD technology. Both are relatively affordable and the real price differences will come into play when deciding what size image you desire. The bigger the image, the more expensive the technology.

Tips & Warnings

• With DLP units, there is the possibility of experiencing what is known as a rainbow effect. The rainbow effect occurs when an individual sees streaks of color on the television while viewing programs. It is caused by the use of a color wheel in DLP televisions and cannot be corrected.