To say that DLP (digital light processing) technology is complex might be a bit of an understatement. It is not that it is hugely complex, it is that trying to wrap your brain around how it is possible wherein the problem arises. A brief simplistic explanation is that DLP technology involves a very small computer chip that has roughly two million microscopic mirrors that are hinge mounted to it. The microscopic mirrors are used to reflect a digital image onto a screen or other surface. This technology is ideally suited for projectors. Projector DLP as opposed to other forms of projection like LCD has a much better quality.
What Is Projector DLP Used For
These types of projectors are largely used at home in home theaters. These types of projectors use the latest technology to provide clear sharp pictures.
Benefits of the Projector DLP
Projector DLP types versus the commonly used LCD type’s answers many of the benefit questions of using DLP technology for projection. In some of the DLP models there are no filters that are commonly found in the LCD models. These filters have to be cleaned and replaced regularly, this is an added cost of using the LCD projector that the projector DLP does not experience. In addition to labor involved and the cost of the filters, if these filters are not replaced after approximately every three hundred hours of use, there could be irrevocable damage caused to the LCD panel which would result in further cost in the form of replacement parts for the projector. Another cost savings is found with bulb replacement. The LCD projector will require many bulb replacements over the life of the projector where as the DLP bulb will usually last the lifetime of the projector.
Color fade resistance is another great benefit of the Projector DLP. This type of projector is largely fade resistant because of the technology while the LCD projector is prone to color fade over time. In addition the DLP technology also supplies a truer color scheme than the traditional LCD type of projector.
Picture reliability is greater with the projector DLP because of the intricate transfer of the digital image.
Some Considerations
There is a drawback, but if you look at the overall picture than even the drawback is a positive. The initial purchase price for these types of projectors is higher than for the LCD models. The initial investment is going to be about thirty percent higher, but that cost is quickly recouped in the form of maintenance free use and the savings in bulb replacement.
After considering the savings in both time and actual cost of replacing the filters and the bulbs it is easy to see that the original higher investment is quickly justified. If you add into the equation the time you may have to spend without your projector if it is an LCD model and the replacement parts are not easily acquired. That in and of itself is reason enough to pay the few extra dollars to get a quality system that is virtually maintenance free and will not require any replacement parts.