LCD versus DLP

Read our review of the Samsung HL-S5679W DLP TV to get an idea of the DLP technology.

We’ll try to explain what each one gives you. Then you can make a decision about which will be better for you. Keep in mind that both LCD and DLP need periodic lamp replacement.

These technologies have been evolving rapidly over the years. The differences between them have narrowed. When it comes to contrast, LCD still lags behind DLP by a considerable margin.

Recently LCD has closed the gap with DLP on this feature. A projector with a contrast rating of 2000:1 or greater is capable of producing excellent images and shadow detail.

The performance differences in LCD versus DLP are not as significant as they used to be.

LCD can usually deliver a slightly sharper image than DLP and LCD color is rich and natural. Additionally one huge question remains with DLP sets - the “rainbow effect”. This presents itself as brief streaks of color on these TVs caused by the color wheel that DLPs use to create red, green, and blue colors.

Not everyone experiences this phenomenon but its effect is increased as a viewer flit their eyes across the screen. That being said technology marches on. Newer, faster color wheels reduce or eliminate the rainbow effect and most people who watch a DLP never see it at all.

But DLPs should not be easily dismissed. LCD versus DLP is evenly matched. LCD doesn’t produce the blacks that DLPs deliver. Without the deep blacks you lose contrast. Contrast gives you the visual impact of your big screen TV (especially in the dim environs of a home theater).

If you sit close to an LCD, you will notice a grid of pixels, much like a screen door. What you’re seeing is the space between the pixels. This is more visible on LCD than on DLPs and is called the “screen door effect”. Many people will find the seemingly inescapable screen-door effect distracting, especially as the image pans over bright areas where the grid seemed to sweep across the image.

LCD Versus DLP Pros and Cons

DLP - Good black level; good pixel fill;

LCD - No rainbow effect, better color and slightly sharper image

Cons

DLP - Some rainbow effects; video noise in dark areas

LCD – Screen door effect; blacks not quite as deep as DLP

For me LCD versus DLP is very close to call but LCD’s sharper and more colorful images cannot overcome DLPs deeper blacks. I watch TV in a dark environment where DLP rules. The rainbow effect is minor to almost non-existent.

Most people would say there's a great deal of similarity between the sets. It seems there will always be competition in LCD versus DLP. Choose your poison.