A DLP (Digital Light Projection) TV is a popular option in the high-definition TV market. Using technology created at Texas Instruments, the DLP uses reflective mirrors to project its video image. In the short time since its introduction into the market, it has become a serious competitor for LCD and plasma TVs.
Function
A DLP TV uses a digital micro-mirror device, also called a DLP chip, to produce its video picture. The DLP chip reflects light for the picture through the use of aluminum mirrors.
Significance
A DLP chip is small enough to be held in a human hand--but this single chip can contain a mosaic of more than 2 million microscopic mirrors that are arranged much like a photo mosaic.
Effects
As the TV's DLP board, with its processor, memory and DLP chip, receives the TV signal, the set's light source shines through lenses and a color filter before reflecting off the chip's mirrors and projecting the picture to the screen.
Size
The more mirrors contained in the DLP chip, the greater the resolution. The most common choices of a DLP TV's resolution are 1280 by 720 pixels or 1920 by 1080.
Benefits
DLP TVs can often offer an even greater resolution and clarity than LCD or plasma screens and at a lower price (for TVs larger than 40 inches). They also have no risk of burn-in on the screen.
Tags: greater resolution
