Rear projection TVs are the cheapest way to upgrade your television viewing, or home theater experience. They are much lower in price than your average flat screen, and still offer fantastic picture quality. This makes them a must have for anybody that’s upgrading their home on a budget. You can find huge rear projection TVs at low prices, as long as you know where to look. But before you go shopping, there are a few things you should know to better prepare yourself, before making a final purchase.
There are two main types of rear projection TVs, LCD and DLP. LCD means liquid crystal display, and it refers to the way that your picture is generated. This type of technology uses several pixilated screens, in which light passes through in order to create your picture. In between each screen is a liquid crystal solution, to clean up the signal, and create as high quality an image as possible. Then the picture is run through a projector lamp, and projected onto the television screen. This won’t provide quite the same quality as an LCD flat screen however, as the picture quality degrades slightly because of the projection process.
DLP stands for digital light processing, and employs a unique technology in order to convert a signal into high definition images. Texas instruments first came up with the technology to use thousands of micro mirrors, in order to filter light through a color wheel. Then the result is filtered through a projector lamp and displayed on your TV screen. This creates high definition images, but again, because of the projection process the clarity isn’t quite the same as a flat screen. Most people feel that LCD rear projection TVs are of a higher quality than DLP as well. Although overall, DLP tends to be cheaper than LCD technology.
One thing to consider about rear projection TVs is the fact that over time, a projector lamp will burn out. They are like any other light bulb in that sense, although they do last for a very long time. But as you use your television over the years the picture will get dimmer, and eventually the bulb will go out completely. You can order replacement lamps, but that requires a tricky procedure in order to install the lamps. Plus professional installation can be expensive, should you choose to go that route.
To actually purchase rear projection TVs, you can go to an electronics store, but your options might be limited. Giants like Best Buy are switching over to flat screens, as they become more affordable, and removing their projection stock. The best place to find rear projection TVs are online retailers like Amazon.com. They offer a wide selection, and low shipping prices on most models. This way you can find a huge TV for cheaper than a flat screen, without having to sacrifice too much in terms of picture quality. Plus you’re likely to have a much larger variety to choose from online, opposed to at a store.