DLP vs LCD

When it comes to choosing between DLP vs LCD televisions out there, the choice can sometimes be overwhelming and overly time consuming. Here you will be able to find the information you need concerning the advantages and disadvantages DLP and LCD televisions have to offer, as well as the technology each runs on.

DLP Technology

DLP technology offers a seamless, all-digital, lifelike picture that allows you to become completely lost in the action each and every time you sit down and watch television. Whether you're watching your favorite movie or your favorite sports teams, you will be blown away by the incredibly sharp image created by the DLP's chip, which minimizes the gaps between the individual pixels in the screen (less than one micron), leaving you with nothing but a awe-inspiring picture.

DLP televisions are rear-projection units, meaning that the picture you see is produced and projected by the manipulation of light. This light manipulation comes from a central source. Unlike LCD TVs that create pictures by blocking light, DLP TVs reflect light and deflect light. DLP technology works by using an intricate set of tiny mirrors that reflect or deflect red, blue, and/or green light through a special projection lens. This is then projected onto your screen in a brilliant image and incredibly accurate image.

The core of DLP technology stems from its DMD semiconductor, or Digital Micromirror Device. A DMD has millions of tiny mirrors so small that each one is about 1/5 the width of a human hair. The mirrors are made from aluminum which is utilized for its durability and maximum light reflectivity. The number of micromirrors is determined by your DLP TV's screen resolution, one pixel = one micromirror. Thus, a 1280 x 1024 contains a DMD that has 1,310,720 micromirrors. This is what gives the DLP its exact digital imaging.

LCD Technology

LCD, liquid crystal display, panels are constructed of two polarized glass-like sheets with liquid crystals trapped between them. When the LCD television is on, an electric current passes through the individual liquid crystals, allowing the crystals to block or pass light, thus creating the colorful images you see. A bulb is used as its light source.

They are great for bright rooms and often run less than 4" deep, making them the optimum choice between the DLP vs LCD if you are looking to hang the television on your wall. It does not have the greatest angle viewing without losing the screen brightness. Unfortunately like plasma, LCD TVs have a limited lifespan. Their limited lifespan has to do with their crystals failing, not a bulb that can be easily replaced, meaning that the entire television must be replaced, not just the bulb. They are lighter weight and thinner than the DLP, which is advantageous for some.

Although you will need to replace bulb on the DLP every several years, which will cost about $250 and last 7000-8000 hours with normal wear and tear, it will keep its image quality for as long as you own it. With an LCD, the picture quality will degrade and distort over time losing its brightness and clarity. An LCD has a maximum lifespan of about 70,000 hrs. Because of this bulb, the DLP TV also offers a bright picture that you can see in bright or dark rooms, and are able to see the picture clearly from all angles - although a 40° angle or less is best for optimal viewing. I must say that I have a 65" DLP television I love, and I can see perfectly from almost a 90° angle. The depth of a DLP TV is usually from 6"-18", so this is not a wall hanger. As far as televisions go, the DLP television will offer you the most bang for your buck as far as money to size ratio. If you are able to find an LCD television in the same size to dollar ratio, the picture quality will most likely be incomparable to the DLP.

If size is what you're looking for, then the DLP is the way to go. For their size, they are incredibly lightweight. When it comes to DLP vs LCD TVs, the DLP wins by a long shot in the maximum size available. LCD will only go up to 60", while DLP goes all the way to 80". Also, if you're looking for a larger screen size LCD with the same precise imaging as a DLP, you are going to pay a lot of money. As far as which has the better clarity or contrast, this has a lot to do with the manufacturer, the model, and of course, the price. It also has to do with whether or not the screen has 720p or 1080p resolution. If you're looking for impeccable screen resolution, then definitely look for a 1080p in either the LCD or the DLP.

Buying an LCD or DLP Television

For the best prices on DLP or LCD TVs, try looking on Amazon.com. Even if you find a TV that you love in stores, you are never going to find cheaper prices on quality televisions than you will pay online at Amazon. If you're worried about getting all the right accessories, have no fear. Amazon has everything you need for prices up to 50% off retail.