On the current projector market there are many products from different manufacturers, but almost all of them use three main technologies: DLP, LCD and LED. Each type of technology above has its own characteristics. So how do you choose to buy the right type of projector that you are looking for to meet your presentation needs?
This article will help you learn about the above 3 technologies, the advantages and disadvantages of each technology.
Table of Contents
DLP technology
DLP stands for Digital Light Processing and is a display device based on optical microelectromechanical technology using a digital micromirror device. Developed in 1987 by Larry Hornbeck of Texas Instruments, DLP technology is the oldest used to produce modern projectors.
To project images, DLP projectors use a DLP chip made up of millions of microscopic mirrors, each capable of adjusting independently, moving toward or away from the light source to create a dark or light pixel.
To produce sharp images, a beam of light is fed into a single DLP chip; colors are produced by placing a color wheel between a white light and the DLP chip or by using individual light sources multiply to create primary colors, LEDs or lasers. The color wheel is divided into several parts: the primary additive colors: RED, GREEN, BLUE and in many cases white (obviously). Newer systems will substitute the dominant subtractive colors gray, magenta, and yellow for white. The use of subtractive colors is part of a newer color performance system called Brilliant Color that processes additive colors along with subtractive colors to create a broader color mix on the screen.
| Advantage | Disadvantage |
| Durable | Sealed optics so images are not affected by dust |
| The light from the image is not expected to be inherently polarized | Reduced viewing angle compared to direct view technology such as CRT, plasma, and LCD |
| Light-weight | Some viewers are bothered by the “rainbow effect” in the color wheel models |
| DLP projectors can handle up to 7 separate colors, giving them a wider color gamut | Not as color accurate as 3LCD competitors |
| Excellent ANSI contrast | |
| Smooth images (at 1080p resolution), images without distortion or misalignment | |
| Sealed optics so images are not affected by dust |
LCD technology
LCD stands for “Liquid Crystal Display” liquid crystal display technology. Liquid crystal display projectors are a commonly used technology in projectors. It is an advanced, sophisticated technology that uses 3 chips to deliver vivid, realistic and consistent images to the most demanding audiences. Each LCD chip takes the electrical signal it receives and creates an image, three color images are combined by a prism to form a full color image, this full color image will pass through a lens and projected onto the screen.
LED technology
LED (short for Light Emitting Diode, meaning light emitting diode), are diodes capable of emitting light or infrared or ultraviolet rays. LED technology is a two-electrode lighting technology with the support of semiconductor materials and nanotechnology.
LED projectors are devices that use light-emitting diodes to project video content on a flat screen. It ensures top image quality for users. LED has been used in most mini projectors, LED is basically a very small light bulb. Additionally, it eliminates the use of old halogen lamps to project content. Because of the efficiency it brings, LED projectors have quickly become a trend in the market. Not only is it more efficient, but it has truly revolutionized the world of technology. The working principle combined with the portability of mini projectors makes LED projectors flexible, portable and has many modern functions that can make people’s lives better and easier.
| Advantage | Disadvantage |
| Long lamp life | Low brightness |
| Turn off/on faster | Poor resolution |
| Save electricity | Difficult to find replacement parts |
| High price |