Rear projection televisions are still the most affordable, and offer the largest screens for the lowest prices. No other type of television can offer the same quality, on the same budget. These are ideal for anybody who wants to create a home theater on a budget, or if you want to maximize your screen size, without breaking the bank on an LCD or Plasma flat screen. But there are two things to consider with this type of television, before purchasing, that could influence your decision. Projection TV lamps are a necessary component in order to receive your picture, but over time their quality degrades. Also, you can’t achieve true HD on a rear projection TV.
Projection TV lamps are required for all models, in order to display moving pictures onto the television’s screen. This process works by using either LCD or DLP technology that is run through a mini projector, and is then displayed in full size on your screen. LCD technology works by using sheets of pixels, that have liquid crystal in between, in order to process a picture signal. Then the images are run through a projection TV lamp and the image is displayed on your screen. This is by far the highest quality type of rear projection, and will produce the most crisp and clear images possible.
DLP technology differs in that it uses micro mirror technology to filter light from a picture signal through a color wheel. Then the images are also transferred to a projection TV lamp and the picture is displayed on your television screen just the same. Micro mirror technology is capable of producing high definition pictures, however, they aren’t quite as bright and clear as the type LCD can display. But DLP projection television are also cheaper, so you can get a larger television for a lower price than an LCD of the same size.
Both types will need projection TV lamps, in order to keep them working smoothly. The problem with rear projection is that over time the bulbs will burn out, and your picture quality will slowly suffer, until there is no picture at all. In many cases, people choose to just throw out the television assuming that it’s broken. But in actuality, your set can be easily fixed by installing a new projection TV lamp. Then your picture will return to the same bright colors you received when you set was brand new. However, new bulbs don’t usually tend to be very cheap.
On average, projection TV lamps can cost in the range from $100-200 depending upon the brand that you buy. Reputable brands tend to last longer and be more reliable, whereas other brands are much cheaper but might not last as long. Always refer to your owner’s manual before buying a lamp though, to ensure it will work with your television. Also consider having professional installation, as changing the lamp inside of your television can be a complicated process. This is well worth the price, and is still much cheaper than buying a new television outright.