projector questions (1 Viewer)

[Bill Polley]

I have several questions about projectors. First, Is xga (1024x768) the minimum needed for fully utilizing hdtv? (or not enough) Second, I like the size (and prices)of the dlp and lcd projectors, but would like the pros and cons of each. Any help? Finally, Are dlp or lcd projectors able to be adjusted via a service menu like hdtv sets or crt projectors? Thanks for any help with these questions.

Bill

 

[Gabriel_Lam]

1. No, not enough. 720p is 1280x720, 1080i is 1920x1080.
2. Ugh, big question. Here is a bit of the answer:
DLP Pro's:

• Small size. Single chip allows them to be built smaller and cheaper
• Low screen door: 85-88% fill factor for single chip units. Only digital format to beat it is LCOS at >93%
• Good colors
• Contrast tends to be high, especially the new 12 degree mirror units. Upwards of 1800:1 on/off contrast (ie. the HP XB31)
• Lots of models to choose from
• They tend to be reasonably quiet

DLP Con's:

• Single chip DLP's have rainbow effect. Few people see them and are annoyed, fewer still get headaches. Most people don't see them. Faster the colorwheel, less you tend to see them
• They tend to be dim. Even at equivalent lumens, they don't "seem" as bright as LCD's, and definitely not as bright as LCOS/DILA
• Clear section in colorwheel boost lumens and contrast spec, but lowers color saturation, accuracy, and perceived contrast

LCD Pro's:

• Bright. Very good for large screens or imperfect ambient lighting conditions
• Good colors, many better than EQUIVALENT COST dlp units, though high cost HD1's tend to have better colors
• No rainbows to worry about

LCD Con's:

• Screen door effect: Fill ratio lowest of any digital technology. Downwards of 60% fill factor on older LCD projectors, but new MLA equipped LCD's have upwards of 80-85% fill factor
• Lower contrast ratio than DLP's. This generation tends to peak out at about 800:1 on/off. Next gen will be about 900:1 to 1100:1 or so.
• Slightly larger than DLP projectors on average
• Sometimes dust gets into the optics and must be blown out. Also, some have dead or stuck pixels or subpixels. The pixel problems are becoming more rare, but still exist
• Very few native 16:9 LCD projectors, though some good ones do exist

Yes, you can adjust all DLP and LCD projectors via the normal menus and some even with the service menus (you have to be careful in the service menus). They're much much easier to adjust than CRT's.
In reality, there is no perfect technology. Each has its own benefits and drawbacks. Each projector has its own strong points and weak points too, regardless of what technology its based on. You'd do better figuring out your room configuration, what points are important to you, how much you have to spend, and what looks the best to your eyes than just looking at the differences between technologies.

 

[andrew r. katz]

well done gabriel. as most of us know by now, there is no perfect solution. each model has its benefits and drawbacks. what is most important is that you go and see for yourself what looks good to you. demo, demo, demo and more demo before you make the call. thanks again apex for stating the facts that help all us new guys.