What is a DLP?

DLP projectors and televisions utilize DLP technology to display a superior image onto a screen or other surface. DLP projection systems include an optical semiconductor (DMD chip), which was developed by Texas Instruments in 1987. When you see a reference to DLP technology it includes not only the optical semiconductor(s), but also the digital video signal, light source, projection lens, color wheel and mirrors that are used together to create a high quality image.

Home systems that use DLP technology, such as a DLP projector, have a single Digital Micromirror Device (DMD) system that can display over 16.7 million colors. A single DMD system includes one DMD chip, a lamp, a color wheel and a projection lens. DLP Cinema projection systems utilize a three DMD system and can product up to 35 trillion colors.

How DLP Works

How DLP works is complex, but basically a DLP chip consists of up to two million microscopic mirrors that tilt individually towards the DLP projection system light source based on the digital message it receives. A mirror tilted “off” reflects a light gray pixel and a mirror tilted “on” reflects a dark gray pixel to create up to 1024 shades of gray. The white light produced by the lamp in the projection system is then passed through a color wheel that filters the light into red, green or blue (and sometimes yellow). At that point, your eyes actually create the color. For example, red and blue together will be perceived as purple.

The Good and the Bad of DLP Projectors and Televisions

Good

• Excellent grayscale

• No phosphor burn in

• DLP TVs are smaller than traditional CRT TVs

• Less expensive than LCDs

• Light source is replaceable

• Smooth, stable image at 1080p resolution

• Usually produce a better image than LCD projectors

Bad

• Not as thin as an LCD or Plasma (televisions)

• Some projectors and TVs produce a noticeable noise

• Sometimes the colors are off (especially yellows)

• Limited viewing angle compared to CRTs, LCDs and Plasmas

• Mechanical parts may require maintenance

• Some people experience eyestrain or get headaches from viewing DLP screens

• Some see a “rainbow effect” or notice the separate red, green and blue colors

DLP projectors and DLP televisions, are capable of producing excellent color at an affordable price and should definitely be considered when planning your next television or projector purchase..

For more information on DLP technology:

Texas Instruments Incorporated has an informative demo (see left nav) http://www.dlp.com/tech/what.aspx on their site that explains DLP technology extremely well.