HDTV Buying Guide: RPTV

Photo Couresy of: Engadget.com

Rear-Projection Televisions

These televisions are what people used to have to buy if they wanted a screen larger than 36 inches. However, these new rear-projection televisions are much lighter and clearer than their predecessors.

Pros
Typically, Rear Projections give you the biggest screen size for the cheapest price. A 56” RPTV can be had for the price of a 42” LCD. The smallest being 46” and the largest being 73”. These use micromirror devices such as Texas Instruments' DLP (Digital Light Processing), liquid crystal on silicon (LCoS), or a transmissive technology such as LCD polysilicon panels.

Cons
Rear Projections also vary widely in overall quality, and many don't get especially bright. Depending on the microdisplay technology used, other image quality issues can creep up as well. Unlike flat panels, the viewing angle is not very wide. If a viewer of a rear projection sits more than 30 degrees off the center of the television the image will be significantly darker. The picture will continue to get darker the more you move to the left or right. These are also bulky; most have a depth of 16 to 22 inches, so don’t plan on mounting it on a wall. Since Rear Projections require a bulb to work, if the bulb goes out you must purchase another one. The life on these bulbs is about 3 to 5 years and cost about $200. If you replace two of these bulbs then the lifetime cost of this technology ends up being the same, if not more, than a flat panel.

Who buys a Rear Projection?
Someone who wants the biggest screen possible will purchase a Rear Projection television. Someone might also purchase Rear Projection because they want a high definition television but do not want to spend a lot of money or care about hanging it on a wall. The next section deals with features that may help you future proof your television. Continue to Part 5.