DLP projectors are used for producing clearer and brighter images, especially in HD format, and they are fast outgrowing the regular LCD projectors, in popularity as well as sales. Here are some well-known models that you can consider buying.
DLP stands for Digital Light Processing, a technology commonly used in some TV sets and projectors today. The concept is a trademark, owned by Texas Instruments (TI), and the devices that use DLP technology can show high quality video content on a screen between 150 and 300 inches.
The reflective chips inside regular LCD projectors, make the light pass through them, but in the case of DLP devices the light reflects off these chips. This results in a situation where the mirrors of the chips can be placed closer together on a semiconductor chip, and this improves the quality of the picture. The semiconductor chips are known as Digital Micromirror Devices (DMD).
You can then choose between a single-chip or a three-chip projector. Single-chip ones use light sources like lasers for producing primary colors, or alternately use a white lamp that is placed between the chip and the DLP lamp. Three-chip ones, on the other hand, use a prism to split the light, and then route each primary color back to a DLP chip, so they are better suited for large areas or for the high-end versions.
Best Devices Available
It is important to remember that DLP projectors will always work best in a dark room, because of their low contrast levels. Hence, ambient light plays a crucial role; and this is something that should be taken into consideration when you are picking out one for yourself. Moreover, other features like HDMI connections and PC ports, display resolution, contrast levels, lamp life, and the services of help offered, also come into the picture and you should pay attention to them before making your purchase.
Acer H7530D
The size of this one makes it convenient to carry around, and it is perfect for home theater systems. You only get one HDMI port though, yet its high contrast ratio and 1080p HD quality output make it a winner. The lamp life is around 4,000 hours, the contrast ratio is an impressive 4,000:1, it will need to be at a distance of up to 15 feet from the wall, it can display images on a screen up to 300 inches, it has multiple connectivity ports (though one HDMI port seems inadequate) and it also has excellent help and support facilities over a wide variety of mediums.
Optoma HD20
Optoma is a renowned brand, and the high contrast ratio and high lamp life here will suit almost anyone. The brightness levels are not good enough though, but this is hardly a deterrent. The lamp life will take you through around 4,000 hours of HD viewing, the contrast ratio is 4,000:1, and it plays 1080p HD content. It has 2 HDMI ports, along with the option to connect several other peripherals, and you will also get the added guarantee of performance, since Optoma is a brand that focuses solely on projectors. The low brightness level makes it inappropriate for bright and well-lit rooms though.
BenQ W1000+
This is a mediocre product that is best suited for use in an office or in a small room. We would not recommend this DLP projector for home theater use since the display settings are fairly average. The fact that you can play 1080p HD pictures and experience good audio quality merely glosses over some of its deficiencies. The life of the lamp is pretty impressive at 5,000 hours, but the contrast ratio is only 3,500:1. Distances of up to 300 feet will not be an obstacle, but the low brightness will turn out to be a concern for some. You also get 2 HDMI ports and various other composite video slots for connectivity purposes, and the online support is also excellent for the product.
Vivitek H1080FD
This projector really stands out because it is excellent for outdoor use, thanks to its high quality lens and high contrast ratio. The lamp life is short due to this very reason, but the compromise is worth it for most people. The device is noticeably bulkier than those made by rivals though, but this is not a seriously debilitating issue. The lamp life is around 3,000 hours and the sound output could also do with some improvements. The contrast ratio is an amazing at 5,000:1, which makes images vividly clear, and colors look amazing, thanks to a technology known as BrilliantColor technology. 2 HDMI ports and several other composite connectors are also present, and all in all, this is an excellent one to opt for.
Mitsubishi HC4000
Even though the support and the service for Mitsubishi projectors could do with a lot of improvements, this one is still an excellent choice for getting high-quality HD images. The device is pretty heavy, but once it has been set up it will not disappoint at all. The lamp life is an acceptable 3,500 hours, but another great thing about it is the almost negligible amount of humming noise it makes. The contrast ratio is 4,000:1, the maximum screen size is 300 inches (but nothing less than 50 inches will be viewable) and there are plenty of ports, including one HDMI port as well. As mentioned before, their service and support is not the best.
Hopefully these reviews have painted a clearer picture in your mind about these devices, and have given you a better idea about what to be on the lookout for. With a little bit of research, you can learn a lot more about these projectors and find the most suitable one for yourself.