Hi there,
As time passes, and technologies improve, the advantages and
disadvantages are disappearing. These closing comments from an article
at Projector Central make a good starting point for our comparisons,
which follow.
"Both LCD and DLP are evolving rapidly to the benefit of the consumer.
The race for miniaturization has produced smaller yet more powerful
projectors than we might have even imagined possible just a couple of
years ago. Light output per pound has increased dramatically. And
video quality on the best LCD and DLP projectors now surpasses that
available in a commercial movie theater.
ProjectorCentral continues to recommend both LCD and DLP projectors
for a variety of applications.... When it comes to home theater, DLP
has continued to make competitive advances in color, contrast, and
image stability that have served to make it the preferred technology
for home theater systems. But the fact is that both DLP and LCD
continue to improve, and both are capable of delivering much higher
quality video for home theater than they ever were before."
Projector Central: The Great Technology War: LCD vs. DLP
http://www.projectorcentral.com/lcd_dlp.htm
PROS AND CONS
=============
Here is a summary of what I have found. Please refer to the sources
listed below to read individual articles.
The Advantages of DLP
---------------------
Picture Quality - Because the tiny mirrors on a DMD chip are only 1
micron apart, the projected image is smoother, with less obvious
pixellation, whereas the pixel grid that divides the panels of an LCD
projector can be visible in the projected image.[2]
Slightly better "blacks", and less visible "pixels".[3]
Size - Since the DLP light engine consists of a single chip rather
than three LCD panels, DLP projectors tend to be more compact. All of
the current 3-pound miniprojectors on the market are DLPs. Most LCD
projectors are five pounds and up.[4]
The Disadvantages of DLP
------------------------
If there is one single issue that people point to as a weakness in
DLP, it is that the use of a spinning color wheel to modulate the
image has the potential to create a unique visible artifact on the
screen that folks refer to as the "rainbow effect," which is simply
colors separating out in distinct red, green, and blue.
How big of a deal is this? Well, for those few who can see the rainbow
effect, it is huge problem that creates distractions which in some
cases make the picture literally unwatchable. Fortunately, the vast
majority of the population is not sensitive to it. If everyone could
see rainbows on DLP projectors the technology never would have
survived to begin with, much less been embraced by so many as the
preferred technology for home theater video systems. Nevertheless, it
is something that needs to be discussed and put into perspective.[4]
Hype? of DLP
------------
Pure Digital - The entire process is digital, whereas LCD involves an
element of analog. Although this is used as a selling point, I
couldn't find an explanation of exactly why being purely digital is
better. There are expensive new soundcards for computers coming out
recently which boast that they use valves to produce better sound.
The Advantages of LCD
---------------------
The best LCD models... superior color dynamics... natural fleshtones
and brilliant colors... if you are setting up a room that cannot be
mostly darkened, the LCD models have a huge advantage.[3]
Fixed LCD panels produce an image that appears sharper than that
produced by the moving micro-mirrors in a DLP projector, particularly
for text.
They also produce much richer colours so if you're using a projector
for presentations with dark backgrounds and high-contrast colour text
and graphics, LCD will give you a bright, colourful image without
bleaching and the pixellation shouldn't be all that noticeable.[2]
The Disadvantages of LCD
------------------------
LCDs were always known for their visible pixel structure, often
referred to as the screendoor effect because it appears as though the
picture is being viewed through a screendoor.[6]
LCDs have a very visible "mask" or dark area around each pixel. If you
have ever seen a LCD panel or projector in use, or looked closely at
your laptop display, you understand. They are ever present. By
comparison, DLPs have virtually no mask. In normal use DLPs project a
virtually seamless image.[1]
To minimize the visible pixels from an LCD projector - you'll want a
model that uses "MLA" (micro lens array) technology. It makes a huge
difference and those models come much closer to DLP when it comes to
pixelization. Also we there are now a few LCD based models with
genuine 16:9 LCD glass, which means less visible pixels, and higher
native resolution.[3]
Then with the widescreen 16:9 machines, the pixel count improves by
another quantum leap. While an XGA projector uses about 589,000 pixels
to create a 16:9 image, a WXGA projector uses over one million. At
this pixel density, the screendoor effect is eliminated at normal
viewing distances.[4]
Not-so-impressive black levels and contrast, which are vitally
important elements in a good video image. LCD technology has
traditionally had a hard time being taken seriously among many home
theater enthusiasts (quite understandably) because of these flaws in
the image.[4]
Not Much Difference?
--------------------
LCD and DLP Contrast ratios
When the first DLP projectors were launched, LCD projectors were poor
at producing solid blacks and resolving subtle shadow details in
images. However, newer LCD projectors have far better performance and
few people would notice the difference between the claimed 900 to 1
contrast ratio from a DLP projector and 800 to 1 from the best LCD
projectors. [2]
Early single chip DLP projectors were smaller and brighter than LCD
models, but they were also much more expensive. More recently DLP
prices have been coming down, but at the same time LCD technology has
been getting smaller. The original advantage of DLP projectors was
that the single DMD chip and associated optics were smaller and
lighter than LCD panels and filters, making DLP projectors perfect for
the small, portable end of the market. DLP projectors are still
smaller and lighter, but the gap is narrowing.[5]
When it comes to home theatre, in the past year DLP has made
competitive advances in colour, contrast, and image stability that
have served to establish it, for the most part, as the preferred
technology for video. The fact is that both DLP and LCD continue to
improve, and both are capable of delivering high quality video for
home theatre.[7]
SOURCES
=======
1)
Presenting Solutions: Glossary of Terms
http://www.presentingsolutions.com/glossary/glossaryD-E.asp
2)
LCD vs DLP
http://www.ddi-lizard.co.uk/products_154.asp
3)
Presenting Solutions: Summer Trends
http://www.presentingsolutions.com/portablereport/summer2002_trends.asp
4)
Projector Central - The Great Technology War: LCD vs. DLP
http://www.projectorcentral.com/lcd_dlp.htm
5)
Cinema Box
http://www.cinemabox.co.uk/infosystemtype.htm
6)
DLP - The Better Projection Technology
http://www.plus-america.com/papers.html
7)
Admiral InTouch: LCD vs DLP projector technologies
http://www.imakenews.com/admiral/e_article000080342.cfm
SEARCH STRATEGY
===============
"rear-projection" DLP LCD advantage
://www.google.com/search?q=%22rear%2Dprojection%22+DLP+LCD+advantage
"DLP vs. LCD"
://www.google.com/search?q=%22+DLP+vs.+LCD%22
CONCLUSION
==========
Ultimately, for normal home theatre use, the most important factor is
resolution. It's the same with CRT and LCD computer monitors. Although
CRT monitors look better, the high resolution of a new 19-inch LCD
screen will outshine a new VGA monitor (if they still made them).
Many of the differences between LCD and DLP mentioned above would not
be noticeable to the average viewer, although LCD appears to have the
advantage if reading text is important.
I hope I've helped with your decision making process. If any part of
my answer is unclear, just ask for a clarification.
Best wishes,
robertskelton-ga |
Clarification of Answer by
robertskelton-ga
on
25 Nov 2002 17:42 PST
Hi again,
Apologies! The best comparisons I found were focussed on front
projectors and I lost the TV focus you were after. The information
above is still valid, as they use the same technology, whichever
direction they are projected. That is, except for:
"if you are setting up a room that cannot be mostly darkened, the LCD
models have a huge advantage"
...which is only applicable to front-projection.
Details of the technical difference between front and rear are
discussed in this article:
http://www.installationeurope.com/current_issue/62_64.html
My initial information is definitely relevant with regards to picture
quality of the competing technologies.
Focussing on Sony vs Samsung
============================
Both models are very new, which makes finding good online reviews of
them difficult. I found 4 reviews of the Samsung at BizRate, but I
wouldn't call them quality reviews.
BizRate - 4 user reviews of the Samsung HLM507W 50"
http://www.bizrate.com/marketplace/product_info/reviews__cat_id--11520000,prod_id--6597470,format--,de_id--213.html
AVS Forum is an excellent place to read thoughts on rear-projection
TVs:
Samsung HLM507W
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/search.php?s=88796be8a3b9d75951a3f0c46e626b7f&action=showresults&searchid=1707460&sortby=&sortorder=
Sony KF-50XBR800
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/search.php?s=88796be8a3b9d75951a3f0c46e626b7f&action=showresults&searchid=1707486&sortby=&sortorder=
The best discussion at AVS starts with these proposed advantages and
disadvantages, which appear accurate:
Samsung 43"/50" HLM437W/HLM507W (DLP)
=====================================
43" Price = $3600.00 (List), $2800.00 (Powerbuy)
50" Price = $4200.00 (List), $3200.00 (Powerbuy)
Available: Hopefully by end of October for powerbuy, apparently local
stores have received shipments
Weight: 85 pounds (50")
Dimensions (WxHxD): 49"x35"x18" (50")
Pros,
No Burn-in
Great HD PQ
DVI/HTCP input, tested and is computer friendly
Very light, and small foot print
Cons/UnKnowns,
Poor SD PQ (Seems ok to me when viewing 480i DVD's)
Posterization (color banding)
Reflection (if bright light on black background in top left of screen)
Menu changes don't stay sometimes (i.e. changing inputs need to reset
zoom option)
Rainbowing - when bright fast moving object is on dark background (I
couldn't notice it on the 2 different sets I viewed)
How difficult is it to change the bulbs. Can it be done by the average
user?
Takes 30 seconds to turn on
Bulb life = 8000hrs, approx. $500 replacement cost
Sony 50"/60" Grand Wega KF-50XBR800 and KF-60XBR800 (LCD)
=========================================================
50" Price = $3200.00 (List)
60" Price = $4200.00 (List)
Available: Mid-to-End October (need confirmation)
Weight: 138 pounds (60"), 111 pounds (50")
Dimensions (WxHxD): 63+3/4"x43+1/2"x21+3/8" (60"), 54+1/4"x38"x16+3/8"
(50")
Pros,
No Burn-in
DVI/HTCP, DVI isn't designed to work with a PC, but doesn't mean it
won't. Need someone to actually try it!
Good to great HD PQ (need more feedback)
Good brand name recognition (IMHO)
Cons/UnKnowns,
Still not great black but 25% better than previous model
Potential for bad pixels. Must make sure new unit has minimal bad
pixels.
How difficult is it to change the bulbs. Can it be done by the average
user?
Bulb life = 3000hrs, approx. $200 replacement cost
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?s=88796be8a3b9d75951a3f0c46e626b7f&threadid=176250&highlight=HLM507W+KF50XBR800
Apart from the differences in picture quality detailed in my initial
answer, they have very similar specifications.
The Sony has a slightly higher resolution (1366 x 768-pixels) than the
Samsung (1280 x 720), although when viewing DVD or HDTV they would
both resolve to the same resolution. The Samsung is lighter (84 pounds
vs 111 pounds), although its depth of 17.6 inches makes it slightly
bigger than the Sony (16 3/8" inches).
The prices are similar are both are "HDTV ready", meaning you would
still need to fork out for a set-top box.
The Sony has a memory-stick slot, which may be an advantage if you own
a Sony digital camera.
I noticed a few comments that if you are watching cable, there is a
problem with the compression used by cable delivery, and the output on
the Samsung
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?s=88796be8a3b9d75951a3f0c46e626b7f&threadid=184958&highlight=HLM507W+KF50XBR800
Details about the technology behind the Samsung DLP TVs:
http://samsungusa.com/bulletin/product_intro/dlp_faq.htm
Sony KF-50XBR800 specs:
http://www.sonystyle.com/is-bin/INTERSHOP.enfinity/eCS/Store/en/-/USD/SY_DisplayProductInformation-Start;sid=E-b-w3Qze6L-6UnR19v0yDs-BU3Apvhve-g=?CatalogCategoryID=ZrsKC0%2eNOWMAAADxCXYXu6tK&Dept=tv&TemplateName=item%2fsy_item_b&ProductID=oIEKC0%2eNSL8AAADxARMXu6tO&ContentItemPage=&Boutique=
Sony KF-50XBR800 at Crutchfield
http://www.crutchfield.com/S-9VqR1xG4Jz8/cgi-bin/prodview.asp?i=15850XB800
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