Projection HDTV vs. Flat Panel HDTV

The way we watch TV has really changed in recent years. Flat panel HDTV seems to get all the attention, but projection HDTV has a new look too. 

Flat screen performance has definitely improved, thanks to recent plasma and LCD technology. Both plasma and LCD HDTV’s have a life span that averages 60,000 hours, which is six hours a day for approximately twenty seven years.  That is twenty seven years without replacing any lamps.  A rear projection HDTV lamp needs replacement every two to three years.

Flat screen TV’s have a wide viewing range and can be viewed more easily from off to one side than a rear projection HDTV, but they do not have as good color and contrast as the projection models.  As far as picture quality between the plasma and LCD, the LCD has the edge over the plasma model.  Plasma flat screens reflect more light from whatever room they are in.

If you are looking for size and more bang for your buck a projection HDTV is the way to go.  A rear projection HDTV still offers the most screen size for the money.  Rear projection HDTV screens are 50 inches and larger, and a quality unit will perform better than most flat panel HDTV’s.
Although they deliver a better picture, the growing popularity of larger flat screen HDTV’s are forcing the rear projection HDTV manufacturers to lower their prices. So, if you have the space this may be the perfect opportunity to take advantage of a market trend.

Shopping for any type TV can be a daunting task with all the various brands and acronyms associated with each type.  Some of the acronyms that you will come across and their meanings are as follows;

CRT (Cathode Ray Tubes)

LCD (Liquid Crystal Display)

LED (Light Emitting Diode)

DLP (Digital Light Processing)

Older rear projection HDTV’s used the CRT technology.  Newer DLP models, referred to as microdisplays are the only rear projection models currently being produced.  A “microdisplay” is basically a rear projection HDTV that implements the use of microchips.  They are thinner and weigh much less than the older CRT models, but not as thin as the flat panels.

The advantage of DLP microdisplays is that as the screen size gets bigger the price gets smaller, and the better models produce great quality images and deliver a good value. These units have the ability to be very bright, even in well lit rooms, and not lose any detail.

There are also disadvantages associated with a rear projection HDTV.  Although quite easily done, the lamps need to be replaced periodically.  This can cost $200.00 or more, and the average lamp has a life span from 4000 to 8000 hours.  This is from about 2 years to 3.5 years if your TV is on for six hours a day, every day.

Deciding to buy an HDTV is simple.  The hard part is deciding which one to buy.  All of the TV’s out there have unique features, and you will always find friends that like one model more than another. Don’t forget to take all the extras you may need into consideration.  You may need a stand, a wall mount, or possibly a new receiver.  All things considered, stick with the reputable manufacturers and you will be happier in the long run.