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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.

What is DLP TV?

Digital Light Processing (DLP) is the projection technology generally used in theaters. A DLP television creates images by digitally 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
    by dottotech | video info

    19 ratings | 12,564 views
    curated content from YouTube

    What Do You Say?

    Is a DLP the TV for You?

    Loading Fetching blurbs now... please stand by

    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

     

    Where to Buy DLP TV

    Most major retailers will carry some DLP TV models. There are some models featured below.

    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
    by FixYourDLPcom | video info

    9 ratings | 20,401 views
    curated content from YouTube

    Projection TV Lamps on Amazon

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    Projection TV Color Wheels on e-Bay

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    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.
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    Mitsubish DLP TV

    If you don't find what you want below, you can look for more DLP TV models at this link.
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    Go BIG

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

    Samsung DLP TV

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    RCA DLP TV

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    Toshiba DLP TV

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    Zenith DLP TV

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    Photo Credits:

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

    by

    mulberry

    As webmaster of an online home electronics store, I made this page to help everyone learn more about the affordable option of a DLP TV. more »

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