DLP Projector vs LCD Projector

A DLP projector uses digital light processing technology originally developed back in 1987 by an American company called Texas Instruments. This technology uses a computer microchip fitted with numerous mirrors on it. With the use of a special bulb, light is pointed towards the mirrors which, in turn, will reflect the light onto a color wheel and into the screen. DLP is often compared with another technology in the market, the liquid crystal display or LCD. Here are some of the most salient differences between DLP and LCD.

Service Life

When it comes to useful life, a DLP projector can outlast LCD or even Plasma projectors. The reason behind this is that the special bulb used in digital light processing can be easily replaced. So, you can surely get the quality picture that you have always wanted for as long as you can change the bulb or light source for the DLP microchip. Meanwhile, all the components of LCD and Plasma projectors depreciate in time, which can affect picture quality later on.

Value for Money

Both DLP and LCD technologies provides top quality pictures. The big difference is in the price-to-size ratio. A DLP projector will come out cheaper than a same-sized LCD. And even if there are cheap LCD screens available in the market, such products cannot produce the same crisp and sharp images as a DLP projector in the same price category.

Weight

DLP generally weigh less compared to LCD projectors. Most projectors being sold in the market have an average weight of at least 5 lbs.  But with a DLP projector, you can get a unit that only weighs around 2 to 3 lbs. Even in terms of size, DLP projectors are some of the smallest that you can find.

Viewing Angle

LCD projectors can provide a wider viewing angle compared to a DLP unit. So, if you are going to use the projector in a wide room, you are better off buying an LCD. But despite the fact that DLP projectors are not that good when the images are viewed from off the center of a room, they still prove to produce smoother videos.

Picture Quality

DLP projectors offer higher contrast and sharper images when used with DVD and HDTV. The color black produced on these projectors are also blacker, which allows images to pop up vividly from the background. Another factor that allows these projectors to play smoother video is the fact that the pixels in DLP are almost invisible compared to those in LCD projectors.

On the downside, DLP projectors tend to produce a rainbow effect wherein some people can see multicolored streaks on the display. This is not present in LCD projectors. The good news is that not all people can perceive the rainbow effect. It usually happens when you look back to the screen as quickly as you look away from it. Also, makers of DLP projectors are finding ways to address this problem. If you are not bothered by the occasional rainbow colors on the screen, then a DLP projector is definitely a good choice.