What is Included in a Rear Projection TV

Now you know something about the way they are made, it would be a good idea to know what to look for and what is included so you get the one that is right for you. You need to know the terminology and everything that is about the product so you can make the wisest decision possible. Here are some stats:

 

·        The picture: Many rear projection TVs come in high-definition displays. These displays are compatible with the digital HDTV broadcasting system. And many of these units come with built-in HD tuners. These units also come with tuners for cable TV. The picture itself is shown on a CRT, LCD, DLP, or LCoS screens. Here is what to look for with each one:

o       CRT – CRT-type rear projection TVs have to converge their red, green, and blue tubes precisely to get the right color combination. There are controls that help to take care of this. The only negative regarding a CRT is bulk. Manufacturers have to make large boxes to accommodate the space. The screens are usually around the range of 42 inches to 70 inches. Another drawn back to CRTs is they suffer from burn-in where an image can be burned into the tube leaving a shadow like image. Also, CRTs are known to burn out.   

o       LCD – The newer units are made with LCDs. Instead of making them with large CRTs, they make them with LCDs and high-intensity lamps to produce the unit. The only problem with LCDs is that they can look a little washed out. Rear projection TVs that uses LCDs have resolutions of 1280 by 720 and 1366 by 768.

o       DLP – Digital light processing projectors are made like the Texas Instruments’ Digital Micromirror Device. The projectors are made with thousands of microscopic mirrors that flip back and forth, responding to signals from a microprocessor. This device gets its light from a high-intensity lamp. If you look closely at LCDs and DLPs, you will see they are practically similar in construction. The image on these types of screens can go from 1280 by 720 to 1920 by 1080.

o       LCoS – Liquid crystal on silicon, or LCoS, uses liquid-crystal display technology. Unlike other ways of transmitting light, LCoS chips use a reflective silicon substrate, this way light bounces off them instead of going through. This type of display technology allows the picture to be smooth for viewing. There are two display types: 1280 by 720 and 1920 by 1080.

·        Specs: Here are the most important terms you will need to know when shopping for a rear projection TV:

o       Aspect ratio – This is the relationship between screen width and screen height. The usual ratio is 4:3. Wide-screen models are larger with a ratio of 16:9.

o       Resolution – For best viewing try to stick with a resolution of 1920 by 1080, 1280 by 720, and 1366 by 768.

o       Composite video – This type of video connection is of low quality but is more compatible than any other input device. You connect it with a single 75-ohm coaxial cable between RCA jacks.

o       S-Video – S-Video offers much better quality than composite video does. S-Video is also included as standard connection types. You need a special cable with multipin sockets to connect to it.

o       VGA – This is a standard for computer connections.

o       DVI – This is the highest quality input device you can get. Digital visual interface is like VGA however, it is a little wider and has different pins on it.

o       Viewing Angle – As you move away from large screen TVs the brightness tends to fade. How much of a viewing area you have with your unit is important. If you have at least a 180-degree acceptable viewing angle, you will be better off.