DLP TV

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All About DLP Projection TV

There are so many technologies to choose from when buying a television: CRT, LCD, Plasma, DLP, LCOS, and eventually SED, OLED, and FED may creep into the conversation too.



DLP TV is another great option. The DLP flat screen projection TV models are among the biggest screens on the market and the most affordable, learn more about them here.

Use the expandable Table of Contents below to find what you want quickly.
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What is DLP TV? 

Digital Light Processing (DLP) is the projection technology generally used in theaters. A DLP television creates images by digitallly manipulating light via an optical semiconductor. The light is reflected off of the surface of a digital micromirror device, or DMD, which contains hundreds of thousands of tiny mirrors and is in return reflected off of a color wheel and lens onto the screen.

DLP is found most often in large screen digital televisions and projectors. DLP can make a rear projection television a viable option versus LCD or plasma.

DLP History and More 

If you want the details, here are some good resources.
Wikipedia definition
The details of how DLP works and it's primary characteristics.
Texas Instruments
The company that developed DLP has video demonstrations of how DLP works and includes information on 3-D DLP.
About.com
A list of frequently asked questions about DLP TV to help those who are in the process of shopping.

DLP TV Makers 

Many major manufacturers offer DLP television. HP, LG, Mitsubishi, Panasonic, Samsung, Sharp, Toshiba, Zenith, and RCA are among some of the primary makers of DLP TV.

If you have a favorite brand name, chances are they make a DLP TV model.

The Advantages of DLP TV 

There are several great options when buying a television. Each offers certain advantages and disadvantages.

DLP TV can boast:

  • A lighter weight than a CRT, LCD or plasma TV with a similar sized screen

  • A profile that is at least 1/3 slimmer than a traditional CRT television.

  • Excellent picture quality

  • Less expensive than similarly sized LCD and plasma screens in general.

  • Long life time (20-30 years estimated).

  • No risk of burn-in.

  • Deeper blacks and higher contrast than LCD screens.

  • Larger screens; project flat screen DLP TVs run from around 42" to 73"


  • No fast motion blurring

    • Disadvantages of a DLP TV 

    Like every type of television, a DLP TV does have some drawbacks as compared to other types of televisions.

  • A DLP TV is not as slim as a plasma or LCD TV. They are generally, at least 12 inches deep.

  • The bulbs which are the light source in a DLP TV have a limited life span, esimates vary but may be as little as just a few years depending on use. Replacement cost can be around $110-$200, however, most users are able to complete the repair without calling in a professional.

  • Slightly inferior color saturation than LCD screens but still have comparable picture quality.

  • If you are looking for a smaller screen, look for an LCD. DLP's aren't available in sizes under 42".

    • Laser TV: The Future of DLP TV 

    The latest development with DLP TV technology is laser based television. These sets will eliminate the color wheel and lamp on current DLP TV sets and use laser beams to project their image.

    Mitsubishi introduced their LaserVue line in late 2008. (You can visit our Laser TV page here.)These sets are said to offer twice the color as other flat screen HDTVs, improved clarity, depth of field and the capability of 3D viewing. In addition, these new and improved DLP TV sets will consume only 50% of the power that is used by current LCD screens of the same size.

    Compare DLP TV to Other Options 

    Dotto Tech - Season 5 Episode 20 - DLP Televisions

    Runtime: 5:02
    7269 views
    10 Comments:

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    DLP TV Reviews from Google To Help You Choose 

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    What Do You Say? 

    Is a DLP the TV for You?

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    Yep, I like the picture quality and lower cost!

    grandpas says:

    Well, I never had heard of DLP before, so it was an education for me. Thanks for making the lens. Just have the old-fashioned, standard TV right now.

    Posted February 16, 2008

    Home-healthcare says:

    Great alternative with the lighter weight and excellent picture quality!

    Posted January 24, 2008

    Not for me, I want the thinnest screen I can get!

    nightcats says:

    I like the lower cost, but I think I'm going to bite the bullet and get a skinny screen tv next time around. They're simply lighter weight for me to carry and move around, and that's important.

    Posted February 18, 2008

     
     
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    Where to Buy DLP TV 

    Most major retailers will carry some DLP TV models.

    Some of the best bargains can be found online, particularly if the store offers free shipping. In addition, customer satisfaction tends to be high with online retailers. Our suggestion is Home Media Store.

    How to Replace Projection TV Lamps 

    The primary concern in maintaining your DLP TV is related to replacing an old lamp.

    Certainly the first step is to try to assure the longevity of the lamp. The following recommendations can help:

  • Keep air filters clean to assure dust does not accumulate needlessly
  • Turn the TV off when not being watched
  • Avoid touching the lamp with bare hands
  • Avoid selecting settings that will increase brightness excessively

    Following such basic guidelines can add hundrends of hours to the life of the lamp. Lamp life varies, but average is probably in the neighborhood of 1500 to 2000 hours.

    Eventually, the lamp in will fail, but unlike some of their more complex cousins, a DLP TV doesn't necessarily require a professional to replace the lamp and the lamps themselves can also be purchased online.

    Below are some videos to demonstrate lamp replacement. However, there are also many sites that provide a good how-to related to this. Here are a few to get you started:

    Jangro.com

    About.com


    • RCA Lamp Replacement Guide.

    How to Replace the Lamp on Your DLP TV: A video demo 

    Some Example of How Easy It Is


    Samsung Lamp Replacement for Enclosure BP96-01472A

    Runtime: 4:20
    4149 views
    2 Comments:


    TY-LA1000 Lamp Replacement Installation

    Runtime: 5:34
    15894 views
    2 Comments:

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    Projection TV Color Wheels on e-Bay 

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    eBay

    Cleaner for Your DLP TV screen 

    Remember not to spray your DLP TV screen directly. Apply any cleaner to a clean, dry cloth and then wipe.
    Purosol Multi Purpose Plasma Cleaner for Monitors & Screens, including Plasma LCD, DLP, & CRT's, 4.0 oz. Pump Spray Bottle
    Purosol Multi Purpose Pla...
    Purosol Multi Purpose Plasma Cleaner for Monitors & Screens, including Plasma LCD, DLP, & CRT's, 16.0 oz. Pump Spray Bottle
    Purosol Multi Purpose Pla...
    Purosol Multi Purpose Plasma Cleaner for Monitors & Screens, including Plasma LCD, DLP, & CRT's, 1.0 oz. Pump Spray Bottle
    Purosol Multi Purpose Pla...

    Go BIG

    If you want a big TV; check out Mitsubishi's 73" inch 1080p DLP HDTV. It's even 3D ready!

    DLP TV: Was this page helpful? Let Us know! 

    If you didn't find the DLP TV you want, be sure to visit our full service home electronics store.

    Lensmaster

    chefkeem wrote...

    I don't really watch TV often enough to appreciate a new set for me. But! With the help of your great tech-tutorials I might actually be able to make an informed choice when the time is right for this kind of investment. Thanks, mulberry. 5*s

    ReplyPosted June 30, 2008

    Lensmaster

    chloecavanaugh wrote...

    Very informative, and easy to follow. Totally clueless when it comes to things like this.
    *****
    Chloe

    ReplyPosted February 21, 2008

    Lensmaster

    Susan52 wrote...

    Yes, helpful. I agree, it's a zoo out there and my TV technology expertise ranges from zilch to nil. I do know how to adjust the rabbit ears, though, but I guess they'll be gone before long. Ah, progress.

    ReplyPosted February 17, 2008

    Lensmaster

    Home-healthcare wrote...

    It is such a zoo out there now with the changing technologies. Thanks for clarifying just what DPL TV is and the tradeoffs. Great lens!

    ReplyPosted January 24, 2008

     

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    Photo Credits:

    Disadvantages of DLP TV: adifromusa.
    How To Replace a DLP Lamp: raydbbomb.

    This site is listed at LensMasterWorld.com.