Four styles of HDTV

By David Katzmaier
(March 18, 2003, updated August 20, 2007)

Once upon a time, when only analog, tube TVs were around, buying a new set used to be a whole lot less of a nerve-racking experience. Now, there are all sorts of questions. Do you go wide or not? Is LCD better than plasma? And what's the difference between rear-projection LCD, LCoS, and DLP HDTVs? If all the tech jargon has you confused, don't worry. Read our guide to the pros and cons of high-tech TVs, and you'll feel a whole lot more confident when you hit your local electronics store.

Types of HDTV: Direct-view (tube) TVs | Flat-panel TVs | Rear-projection TVs |
Front-projection TVs

Direct-view (tube) TVs

	Upside:		Downside:		Forecast:
	Relatively inexpensive; can produce deep black levels; wide viewing angle.		Bulky and heavy; limited screen size; lower resolution; usually not PC-compatible.		These sets are still going strong, and their low prices will keep them around in smaller screen sizes for years to come.

Sony's 34-inch KD-34XBR960 direct-view tube TV weighs 196 pounds.

Direct view is how industry insiders refer to any television that doesn't use projection technology. Many of them are the familiar tube TVs you see everywhere--they're called tubes because the glass forms the business end of a cathode-ray tube (CRT). Direct-view tube TVs can be found in sizes up to 36 inches (diagonal), and as their screen sizes increase, so do their heft and depth. Sony's 34-inch KD-34XBR960, for example, tips the scales at nearly 200 pounds, measures 24 inches deep, and requires a minimum of two--and probably three--burly guys to lift it onto a stand. Because of size and weight issues, it doesn't pay for companies to make larger tube TVs; they simply aren't practical.

High-end tube TVs can give a great-looking picture. CRTs are still the kings of black level, a term used to describe the quality and the depth of black, the darker the better. Direct-view tube sets look good from any angle, so unlike flat-panel LCDs and rear-projection sets, the picture quality doesn't change depending on where you sit. Compared with newer TV technologies, however, direct-view sets often look softer with high-definition material because they can't deliver as much detail. Most tubes won't accept high-resolution PC sources. Also, tubes suffer from more geometry errors than do flat-panel sets, which can make straight vertical and horizontal lines appear to bend onscreen.

New developments

Flat vs. curved screens: The traditional curved shape of the glass tube is giving way to completely flat glass. Sony introduced flat tubes first with its Wega televisions, but now, just about every manufacturer sells some kind of flat-tube TV. Flat glass not only looks more high tech, it collects less ambient light from the room and, therefore, helps to reduce glare. But it's a myth that flat tubes result in straighter lines; they can have the same geometry problems as their curved counterparts, especially near the corners and the edges of the screen.

Digital vs. analog: Many tubes are still entirely analog, meaning that they won't work with high-definition tuners or progressive-scan DVD players. An increasing number of direct-view tube TVs, however, can display high-definition sources. These sets still use the tube, an inherently analog display technology (unlike plasma, LCD, DLP, and the rest; see the following sections), but if they can accept and display high-definition and progressive-scan images, they qualify as honest-to-goodness HDTVs.

Wide-screen 16:9 vs. standard-screen 4:3: For the strongest theatrical impact, the majority of movies and HDTV shows are filmed in the wide-screen format, where the screen is much wider than it is tall. Regular televisions and most standard-definition TV programs use a narrow-screen, 4:3 aspect ratio, which refers to the width of the screen compared to its height. Newer TVs--especially HDTVs--almost always have screens with a much wider ratio: 16 units of width for every 9 units of height, which translates to a 16:9 aspect ratio. Wide-screen, direct-view TVs cost more than 4:3 models for the same amount of screen real estate, but they're great if you watch a lot of DVDs or HDTV.

Thin tubes: Some TV makers are coming out with so-called thinner tubes that are much shallower than standard tubes of the same size. Samsung's TX-R3093WH is a good example: its depth measures just 16 inches, which is about 6 inches shallower than a typical 30-inch wide-screen tube TV. While that depth is definitely thinner than usual, it's certainly not flat.

Next: See flat-panel TVs

See other types of HDTV:
Direct-view (tube) TVs | Flat-panel TVs | Rear-projection TVs | Front-projection TVs

Flat-panel TVs: plasma, LCD, and how they compare

The biggest television technology revolution since color, flat-panel TVs will eventually replace tubes as the direct-view televisions of choice. You can hang flat sets on the wall, on the ceiling, or above the mantle in place of a trophy buck. The two major types of flat-panel TVs are plasma and LCD, so we'll go over each type separately and then compare them in a chart at the end.

Plasma

	Upside:		Downside:		Forecast:
	As little as 3 inches thick; very good home-theater image quality in best examples; wide viewing angle.		Relatively expensive; slight potential for burn-in; generally lower native resolution than similarly sized LCDs.		Prices have fallen, and pictures have improved dramatically, perpetuating plasma's place as king of the flat-panel home-theater hill.

With prices starting around $1,000 for the least expensive models, a coveted plasma TV is within reach of most shoppers. But now that you can get a 42-inch LCD for a similar chunk of change, plasma TVs have to depend on factors other than price to remain competitive against their flat-panel nemeses. One area where plasma still reigns, however, is in very large screen sizes, say 58 inches and up. These sets are actually becoming an affordable and viable alternative to big-screen rear-projection sets.

Panasonic's TH-50PHD9UK plasma is a perfect example of the all-picture look.

Picture quality varies greatly between different makes and models of plasma TVs, so be sure to read reviews before you plunk down your cash. Despite significant advances, plasma panels still can't quite replicate the deep blacks that tubes can. The best plasmas produce top-notch image quality, with excellent color, wide viewing angles, and demonstrably sharper details than direct-view CRTs when showing high-definition sources. LCDs generally have a higher native resolution than plasma TVs, but in the real world the difference isn't that noticeable (more info on HDTV resolution).

Burn-in: You may have heard that plasma has a couple of drawbacks. One such downside is burn-in, which occurs when an image--such as a stock ticker, a network logo, or letterbox bars--gets etched permanently onto the screen because it sits in one place too long. In our experience, the danger of burn-in has been greatly exaggerated, and people with normal viewing habits have nothing to worry about. The potential for burn-in is greatest during the first 100 or so hours of use, during which time you should keep contrast low (less than 50 percent) and avoid showing static images or letterbox bars on the screen for hours at a time. After this initial phase, plasma should be as durable as any television technology. Many models also have burn-in-reduction features, such as screensavers and pixel orbiting, or settings to treat burn-in once it occurs, such as causing the screen to go all white.

Plasma life span: The life span of plasma TVs is another area that's improved dramatically over the last few generations of the technology. Partly in response to claims made by LCD TV makers, plasma manufacturers now claim their panels last an extremely long time. Most plasma makers today claim a life span of 60,000 hours before the panel fades to half brightness. According to a 2006 Nielsen study (cited in USA Today), the average household watches 8 hours, 14 minutes of TV every day. Even if the real figure is closer to 30,000 hours and the plasma is the only TV in the house, that works out to more than 10 years before the set reaches half brightness--about what you'd expect from a direct-view CRT.

LCD

	Upside:		Downside:		Forecast:
	Available in a range of sizes; higher resolution than comparably sized plasmas; no danger of burn-in.		Relatively expensive; home-theater image quality generally not as good as on plasma models; relatively narrow viewing angle.		Flat-panel LCD will continue to be the most popular HDTV technology, thanks to falling prices and plenty of choices.

The Sharp LC-52D92U is a high-end 52-inch LCD with plasma-like black levels and some uniformity problems.

Flat LCDs are extremely popular in all screen sizes these days, thanks to competitive pricing and the fact they can fit just about anywhere. Larger LCDs--as high as 65 inches--remain more expensive than plasma and rear-projection models, but in the popular 40- to 42-inch size range, LCD prices have dropped precipitously. As of spring 2007, flat-panel LCDs in this size range can be had for as little as $1,000, pretty much the same as plasmas.

The picture quality of LCD TVs has historically suffered from poor black levels, but the latest versions are often much improved . The best LCDs actually surpass the best plasmas in terms of delivering a deep black, but most LCDs still lag behind. That's because LCDs use a backlight to provide illumination, and there's almost always some light leaking through the pixels. Color saturation is also generally inferior to plasma's, again as a result of the inability to completely blacken (turn off) the pixels.

Viewing angle is another weakness of LCD compared to plasma. On every LCD we've reviewed, we witnessed some brightness and color shift visible when we watched from an angle that's more or less removed from the sweet spot right in front of the TV (to either side, and especially above or below). Plasmas look equally good from very wide angles. In addition, LCDs are much more likely to exhibit uniformity problems than plasmas, which can appear as lighter areas on dark screens, clouding, or even color banding on some models. These can be more or less severe from model to model, so check the individual reviews for comments.

On the other hand, LCDs will generally have a higher native resolution than plasmas of the same size. This isn't as big a deal as you might think because, in practice, it's difficult for the average viewer to discern the difference between, say, a 40-inch LCD with 1080p resolution and a 42-inch plasma with 1,024x768 resolution, especially from normal seating distances (more info).

LCD spec sheets often talk about response time, but in our experience, almost all newer LCDs have adequate response time to deal with fast motion to the satisfaction of most viewers. LCDs also have a reputation for being brighter than plasmas, and while that's technically true, most plasmas are plenty bright for even the most demanding high-ambient-light viewing. One definite advantage of LCD TVs, however, is that their plastic screens reflect less ambient light than plasmas' glass, so they're usually better for very bright rooms with little light control.

Plasma vs. LCD

Want a quick and dirty comparison between plasma and LCD? Here it is, but for full explanations feel free to start at the top.

	Plasma	LCD
General
Screen sizes	42 inches to 65+ inches	5 inches to 65+ inches
Cabinet depth	3+ inches	3+ inches
Power consumption (more info)	Slightly less efficient per square inch	Slightly more efficient per square inch
Price	Usually less expensive for screen sizes over 42 inches	Usually more expensive for screen sizes over 42-inches
Features
PC connectivity	Less common but still included on many models	More common than on plasma TVs
Other features	Varies per model	Varies per model
Picture quality
Motion blur caused by display	Negligible	Difficult to discern on most models, although subject to more blurring than plasma. 120Hz models subject to less motion blur
Black-level performance (depth of "black" displayed)	Varies, although excellent on many models.	Varies, although generally worse than plasma on many models
Color saturation	Varies, although generally a bit better than on LCDs due to black-level and off-angle advantages	Varies, although the best models can equal the best plasma TVs
Resolution (more info)	Typically 720p, up to 1080p on high-end models. The benefits of 1080p are not obvious at screen sizes less than 50 inches to the majority of viewers.	Typically 720p, but 1080p is more common than on plasma TVs, at more price and size points. The benefits of 1080p are not obvious at screen sizes less than 50 inches to the majority of viewers.
Off-angle viewing	Excellent from all angles	Image fades slightly when seen at extreme angles from sides or from above or below
Reflectivity of screen	Glass screens can reflect lots of light, so may be an issue in very bright rooms. Some models have glare-reducing screens that are more or less effective.	Matte-plastic screens usually reflect less light. Some models have screens that are actually more reflective than plasma TVs.
Durability
Burn-in (faint after-images left on the screen; more info)	Possible with still images left onscreen with very bright settings for hours, although new models are much less susceptible, and most burn-in is temporary and goes away after watching moving images.	Occurs only in extreme circumstances
Life span (hours until brightness fades by half)	Typically 60,000 hours, or about 20 years if used 8 hours per day	Typically 60,000 hours, or about 20 years if used 8 hours per day
Performance by program type
HDTV	Excellent, although the rare EDTV models can look a bit softer because of lower resolution	Excellent for HDTV-compatible models
Standard-definition TV	Dependent mostly on screen size. The smaller the screen, the better standard-definition sources usually look.	Dependent mostly on screen size. The smaller the screen, the better standard-definition sources usually look.
DVD movies	Excellent given a model with good black-level performance	Very good, although models with worse black-level performance are less desirable
Games	Excellent for most users, although burn-in might deter gamers who leave screens paused for hours or overnight	Excellent, although motion blur might deter the most sensitive gamers

Next: See rear-projection TVs

See other types of HDTV:
Direct-view (tube) TVs | Flat-panel TVs | Rear-projection TVs | Front-projection TVs

Rear-projection TVs: CRT, DLP, LCD, and LCoS

Thinking of going big? Rear-projection HDTVs still offer the biggest screen for your buck, although falling prices among big-screen plasmas--58 inches and up--are forcing RPTV makers cut prices on their own. It's pretty obvious, in fact, that eventually RPTVs will go the way of the dodo as flat-panel HDTVs take over completely, but we're still years away from that. Rear-projection sets start at a mere 37 inches (diagonal), but the most popular models are 55 inches and larger. Their big screens hide two basic varieties of display technology: old-fashioned CRT tubes and microdisplays that use DLP, LCD, or LCoS technology. Here's an introduction to the choices.

CRT

	Upside:		Downside:		Forecast:
	Relatively inexpensive.		Deep cabinets; need periodic maintenance; not ideal for bright rooms; narrow viewing angle; softer image than microdisplays; most cannot display computer signals.		These dinosaurs are quickly being phased out in favor of lighter, lamp-driven microdisplays, and their demise is clearly in sight.

The popularity of bulky CRT-based rear-projection sets is fading fast.

Tube-based RPTVs used to rule the big-screen roost, but unless you're really strapped for cash or willing to get professional calibration to achieve the best home-theater image quality, we recommend skipping the tube in favor of a microdisplay. Tubes are not as bright as microdisplays, and they require careful setup and regular convergence adjustments to achieve sharp focus and maintain alignment of the red, green, and blue CRTs.

Low prices will keep CRT-based big-screen TVs in the game for another year or two, and videophiles may indeed point out that the best examples of this technology still provide superior image quality in many ways. They still have better black levels than any microdisplay; they generally have deep, well-saturated color; and they can achieve a sharp picture if adjusted properly. Truly good-quality CRT-based big-screens are basically nonexistent now, however, and the product category as a whole is destined to die off sooner rather than later.

Microdisplays

Smaller box: Microdisplays are lighter, shorter, and thinner than CRT-based rear-projection HDTVs.

A new generation of rear-projection televisions has effectively succeeded CRT-based RPTVs. These sets are called microdisplays because they're based on one or more microchips that contain thousands or millions of pixels. DLP, LCD, and LCoS are all competing types of chips. Every current microdisplay rear-projection TV contains a lamp that bounces light off of (DLP and LCoS) or through (LCD) its chip and onto the big screen. Below is a brief look at how microdisplays differ from standard televisions, as well as a cheat sheet to give you a quick grasp of the many abbreviations and terms in this category. More in-depth explanations of each technology follow.

The lamps inside these sets, which cost $200 and more, must be replaced every 3,000 to 10,000 hours, depending on technology and conditions of use. You can replace most lamp assemblies yourself.
The lamps take from 20 seconds to a minute to warm up and cool down. During the warm-up phase, the image is either dim or completely dark.
The TVs are lighter and slimmer than CRTs, and you almost always need a stand to get them at eye level.
Most can display computer sources, as well as high-definition and standard TV, and usually look better when fed a digital (DVI, HDMI, or FireWire) rather than an analog connection.
Unlike rear-projection CRT sets, all microdisplays can get quite bright without losing detail, so they're perfectly viewable in brightly lit rooms.

Microdisplay cheat sheet

	DLP	LCD	LCoS
Full name	Digital Light Processing	Liquid crystal display	Liquid Crystal on Silicon

Chipsets, variations, and brandings	HD2, HD2+, HD3, xHD3	3-LCD, H-LCD	HD-ILA, SXRD

Principal brands	Texas Instruments (chip producer), Samsung, Toshiba, Mitsubishi, Panasonic, LG, RCA	Sony, Hitachi, Panasonic, LG	JVC (HD-ILA), Sony (SXRD), Brillian

Main picture-quality advantage(s)	Good pixel fill and uniformity; deep blacks in better models	Lack of rainbow effect	Excellent pixel fill; lack of rainbow effect; deep blacks in better models; 1080p chips have all 1,920x1,080 pixels

Main picture-quality disadvantage(s)	Rainbow effect; low-level noise; wobulated resolution on many chips	Black level; screen door effect; uniformity	Uniformity

Pervasive myth	Causes headaches	Degrades over time faster than other microdisplays	Subject to burn-in

DLP

	Upside:		Downside:		Principal brands:		Forecast:
	Very good black-level performance on the best models; excellent uniformity; wide selection of brands and price points.		Rainbow effects; some low-level video noise; currently no nonwobulated 1080p models.		Samsung, Toshiba, Mitsubishi, Panasonic, LG, RCA		DLP is only getting cheaper and more popular, and the best examples deliver excellent image quality.

Samsung's HL-S5679W DLP TV uses LEDs instead of a conventional bulb.

DLP was developed by Texas Instruments, and the company sells many types of DLP chips to numerous traditional and not-so-traditional TV makers, making DLP the most widespread and popular microdisplay technology.

A tremendous range of DLP-based sets are available today, and their image quality varies greatly according to price and manufacturer. Entry-level models, among the least expensive microdisplays you can buy, generally have 720p native resolution (1,280x720). Step-up models have 1080p resolution (1,920x1,080), which can deliver sharper images with 1080i HD and computer sources (more info on 1080p).

Both 1080p and some 720p DLP televisions use a technique called "wobulation" to achieve their stated native resolutions. With wobulation, which Samsung calls SmoothPicture, the DLP chips have half as many physical pixels (a 1080p chip has 960x1,080 pixels). A tiny mirror or lens moves rapidly back and forth to alternately create the first and second halves of the image and achieve 1,920x1,080 resolution. Wobulation can produce good results, and on some 1080p TVs, it can technically deliver all 1,920 lines of horizontal resolution; on other sets, it makes the image look softer. As usual, performance varies from model to model.

One potential problem with DLP sets is known as the rainbow effect. Some people can see brief streaks of color on these TVs, especially in images with black fields and some bright features (such as a spaceship). This is caused by the fact that the single DLP chip uses a color wheel to create red, green, and blue, and hence all colors. The occurrence of these rainbows has been significantly reduced with the advent of newer, faster color wheels, and most people who watch a DLP never see rainbows at all (and the few who do usually only see them occasionally). DLP HDTVs do introduce a bit more low-level video noise--which can look like tiny dancing pixels or motes in shadowy areas--than other microdisplay TVs.

New DLP technologies address a few of these issues. Samsung sells HDTVs, such as the HL-S5679W, that use LEDs instead of the traditional bulb. In addition to lasting 20,000 hours, the LEDs eliminate the rainbow effect, although as noted in our review, the TV had some uniformity issues. The company announced new LED-powered DLPs for 2007 as well, which may address these issues. Mitsubishi, for its part, demonstrated a laser-powered DLP HDTV last year that hits the market later in 2007.

LCD

	Upside:		Downside:		Principal brands:		Forecast:
	No rainbow effect.		Blacks not as deep as the best LCoS or DLP sets; some uniformity issues; visible screen-door effect.		Sony, Hitachi, Panasonic, LG		LCD will continue to challenge DLP among entry-level sets, and the appearance of 1080p versions could extend its appeal to higher-end buyers.

Sony's 37-inch KDF-37H1000 competes directly against flat-panel LCD HDTVs.

Though less popular than DLP models, LCD-based rear-projection sets should continue to do well as long as Sony stays in the game. The company has developed a step-up chip, however, which it calls SXRD (see below) and puts in its higher-end rear-projection HDTVs. We did not review any LCD-based rear-projection HDTVs in 2006, but this year we're excited to check out Sony's new models, which include some of the first 1080p LCD-based rear-projectors and slimmer cabinet designs

Judging from previous models we've tested, the best DLP and LCoS sets still hold the lead in producing the deepest blacks, but LCD chips have made serious improvements. Translation: Unless you have them side by side, you probably won't be able to tell which of the two delivers the deepest blacks. Prices for similarly sized DLP and LCD TVs will likely remain close as big-brand behemoths face off and try to outdo one another.

Another area where DLP and LCoS have an image-quality advantage is something called the screen-door effect. If you sit close to an LCD--at least the 720p versions we reviewed in the past--you may notice a faint grid of pixels, much like a screen door, overlaid atop the image. You're seeing the space between the pixels, which is more visible on LCD than on the other two microdisplay technologies. It's generally not noticeable even on LCDs unless you sit closer than twice the diagonal measurement of the screen. We expect the new 1080p LCDs to have a much less noticeable screen door effect, if they have it at all.

LCD and LCoS also generally have more white-field uniformity issues than DLP. With expansive flat fields, such as the ice in a hockey rink, some LCD and LCoS sets introduce slight discoloration into some areas of the screen. This effect varies widely from model to model, but DLP sets are generally immune.

LCD's big advantage over DLP--one that it shares with LCoS--is its lack of the rainbow effect, a big deal if you see rainbows on DLP sets and a moot point if you don't. Don't put too much stock in the slightly higher native resolution afforded by some LCD chips; in the big scheme of things, 1,386x788 doesn't provide much of a sharpness boost over 1,280x720. DLP makers have also claimed that the organic compounds in LCD chips degrade over time, while DLP chips do not. Though this is essentially true, it has little impact on a product's real-world life span because LCD chips still last very long time under normal working conditions. While LCoS and DLP makers tout the "inorganic" nature of their chips, we don't consider that a major reason to choose one technology over another.

LCoS

	Upside:		Downside:		Principal brands:		Forecast:
	Excellent black levels on the best models; great interpixel fill; no rainbow effect; true 1,920x1,080-pixel chips on 1080p models.		Some uniformity issues.		JVC, Sony, Brillian		As long as Sony sticks with SXRD, LCoS will continue to be regarded as a worthy competitor to the best DLP HDTVs.

JVC has introduced LCoS sets like the 58-inch HD-58S998 that are thin enough to hang on the wall.

LCoS has been through some trying times, and Philips, Toshiba, and Mitsubishi are among the heavy hitters that produced early-generation models then decided to abandon the technology. Intel even floated a rumor that it would enter the LCoS market, which has since proven untrue. Today, JVC and Sony are the only major LCoS makers, and each company's HDTVs have performed very well in our tests. It remains to be seen whether other manufacturers will jump on the LCoS bandwagon, although chipmaker Brillian has an expensive LCoS line of its own.

JVC (HD-ILA): JVC has been producing LCoS-based front projectors for years under the D-ILA (Direct-drive Image Light Amplifier) brand, and in 2004, the company proffered a line of rear-projection sets, exemplified by the HD-52Z575 and employing yet another acronym: HD-ILA. JVC's HD-ILA expanded in each succeeding year, including well-performing models like 2006's HD-56FN97. We're excited to check out the new sets, especially the extra-slim HD-S998 series.

Sony (SXRD): Much like JVC, Sony rebranded its LCoS chip, choosing to call it SXRD (Silicon X-tal Reflective Display or Silicon Crystal Reflective Display). In 2006 we reviewed two models, the KDS-60A2000 and the step-up KDS-60XBR2, that delivered excellent picture quality. Despite their high prices, Sony's SXRD sets remain extremely popular. The company has announced that its entry-level 2007 SXRD sets, the KDS-A2020 series, is basically unchanged from last year's A2000, so we eagerly await details on the 2007 XBR models.

Next: See front-projection TVs

See other types of HDTV:
Direct-view (tube) TVs | Flat-panel TVs | Rear-projection TVs | Front-projection TVs

Front-projection TVs

The Marantz VP11S1 is one of the best performing--and most expensive--projectors we've tested.

At the top of the screen-size ladder, you'll find displays that don't really qualify as TVs: front projectors. These light cannons can easily fill 100-inch screens, but they're not for everybody since they require a light-controlled environment and plenty of room. Plus, for optimal picture quality, you'll want to buy a dedicated screen, although you can use a white wall in a pinch. Screen makers such as Da-Lite and Stewart have special, low-gain screens designed to improve black-level performance for LCD and DLP projectors.

CRTs are also used in front-projectors; think of those three-tube monstrosities that hang from the ceiling in the coach compartments of older airplanes. We won't discuss them here, however, namely because CRT projectors are quite expensive and are generally reserved for high-end, custom installations, where they put the local cineplex to shame. We'll forgo a discussion on LCoS front projectors, which are also generally quite expensive, until we review one.

DLP, LCD, and LCoS projectors, on the other hand, often cost much less than their rear-projection cousins and sometimes much more. All three technologies project the kind of huge picture--from units as small as a shoebox--that you enjoy at the theater.

DLP

	Upside:		Downside:		Forecast:
	Can get extremely bright; decent uniformity; generally better black-level performance than LCD.		More expensive than similar-resolution LCD models; rainbow effect.		Already the most popular technology for home-theater projection, new less-expensive 720p versions will make DLP even more desirable.

DLP-based projectors come in all prices, resolutions, and picture qualities, so it's tougher than usual to generalize about them. That won't stop us from saying, in general, that DLP projectors can produce a brighter image than their LCD counterparts, and their black-level performance is also usually slightly better. DLPs suffer from the same rainbow effect as their rear-projection brethren, although very expensive three-chip models do not.

Historically, 720p resolution DLP units have cost significantly more than the LCD competition, but in the last year, a slew of more affordable 720p DLP projectors have begun to hit the market. They still cost a bit more than the LCDs and usually don't offer features such as lens shift, but nonetheless, they're destined to seriously increase the popularity of HDTV-resolution DLP models. At the other end of the spectrum, true 1080p resolution DLP projectors are available, such as the Marantz pictured above, that cost a bundle and perform extremely well. The extra resolution of 1080p is especially evident when an image is blown up to projector size.

LCD

	Upside:		Downside:		Forecast:
	Usually less expensive with more features than DLP models of the same resolution.		Some screen-door effects; often not as bright as DLP models.		The advent of cheap DLP models is forcing LCD to improve in every regard, as well as drop in price.

LCD and DLP are very close in terms of performance, and even LCD's ability to produce good blacks has improved quite a bit. DLP still enjoys a slight edge in contrast ratio, however, mainly because its projectors can get a bit brighter than those of LCDs. The screen-door effect, which appears as a fine grid of pixels overlaying the screen, is also more noticeable on most LCD projectors. As we mentioned above, however, 720p LCD projectors still enjoy more features than their budget 720p DLP competition, including highly desirable items such as horizontal and vertical lens shift. No consumer-priced 1080p LCD projectors are currently available.

LCoS

	Upside:		Downside:		Forecast:
	Excellent black levels on SXRD models; good value for 1080p projection.		Inaccurate color on SXRD models; some convergence errors.		As long as Sony continues selling SXRDs, LCoS will challenge DLP among high-performance projectors.

Until Sony's VPL-VW100 came along, there were no 1080p resolution projectors that could be optimistically called "affordable." Now its step-down brother, the VPL-VW50, sells for around $5,000 and holds the title as the most affordable 1080p projector on the market. We expect even less-expensive SXRD models to come out this year. JVC announced an LCoS-based unit of its own, the DLA-HD1, that we haven't tested yet. Its specs look promising though.

More HDTV coverage

See other types of HDTV:
Direct-view (tube) TVs | Flat-panel TVs | Rear-projection TVs | Front-projection TVs