Digital Video Projectors

Video projector technologies available:

• CRT
• LCD
• DLP

CRT Projector (Cathode Ray Tube)

Three small CRTs (one for each primary color), coupled with a light magnifying lens, can project a color image onto a large screen in a darkened room. Best for flexibility of displaying variable resolutions, produce the blackest blacks of all projector types as well as the full range of color, ong projection life (as long as 20,000 hours). Limitations include large bulky size, not very bright, has to be converged properly for best image reproduction, and expensive. Also, limited production now.

LCD Projector (Liquid Crystal Display)

Commonly used for business presentations but with some modification, an LCD projector can provide an excellent option for home theater use. Uses a small LCD screen inside to project light through from a single source.

When using a business-type LCD projector in a home theater setup, the image may appear too harsh with regards to brightness and contrast. As mentioned earlier, the LCD light source (bulb)in an LCD projector must be replaced periodically, depending on the projector, about every 1,000 to 2,000 hours, at a cost of several hundred dollars.

Some LCD variants are LCOS (Liquid Crystal on Silicon), D-ILA (Digital Imaging Light Amplification), and SXRD (Silicon Crystal Reflective Display).