LCD, LCoS, and DLP TV technology
Week of December 5, 2004
Q: I am thinking about buying a new television with HDTV capability and I can’t afford plasma or LCD flat-panel models. I’m looking for your opinion on the various pros and cons of projection models with LCD, DLP or LCoS technology. I really don’t know anything about the differences among them. My main concerns are viewing angles and brightness. The one thing that has always annoyed me the most about the traditional CRT projection TVs is how the brightness changes depending on the viewing angle. It’s for this reason that I’ve always preferred direct-view sets.
-William E. Raw, Red Wing, MN
A: The digital projection TV technology you are asking about are referred to as “fixed pixel”. All of them produce a brighter image than CRT as well as a wider viewing angle, so any of them should work well for you.
LCD and LCoS are similar in design, using liquid crystals and a lamp to create the image. LCD stands for “Liquid Crystal Display.” LCoS stands for “Liquid Crystal on Silicon.” LCoS is found mostly on JVC televisions, where it is referred to as D-ILA, JVC’s trade name for the technology.
LCoS is a more recent technology and can be quite expensive, but usually provides a smoother and more natural looking image than LCD. Some LCD sets can look overly sharp and “cartoony” compared to a plasma or CRT set, which tend to look a bit more natural and realistic. Some people prefer the increased sharpness and bright colors of LCD- you will have to compare and decide for yourself.
Both LCD and LCoS technologies have problems rendering deep blacks like a CRT, which is one reason why most high-end video enthusiasts stick with CRT rear projection sets and sit directly in front of them to get around the viewing angle problem.
DLP uses tiny mirrors and a spinning color wheel. It can produce deeper blacks than LCD or LCoS, but on some models shadow detail suffers.
There is no “best” technology and all three are capable of excellent results. Your best bet is to check out as many sets from as many manufacturers as you can, and make sure the picture settings on all the TVs are set correctly. You can find directions on how to properly set a television’s picture at the TV and Video section of my website. If you look at enough sets, you will find the one that is right for you, and you will know it when you see it!
