LCD vs DLP

Paul Bruening · February 10, 2009

Well, Gang,

The guy who asked me the "Transmit SXGA video over CAT5E" question has now asked me the "What's better, LCD projectors or DLP projectors?" question. I should have answered correctly, "F*** if I know." Instead, I answered, "I'll check on that." I assume he's looking for something on the cheapish side, maybe $4,000.00 or less. I emphasize the "or less" part. Obviously, he'll want the highest resolution, highest lumens and ease of connection for the least money (You know, kids. Bang for buck). I think he has some kind of night time, outdoor theater in mind.

So, who's got experience or even opinion on this topic? I'd take flames, even.

Adrian Sierkowski · February 10, 2009

LCD says me. The DLP screens i've seen always seem dim/washed out, and the fact that you have the replace bulbs (on some of them) makes them seem a little slapdash.

If you do got LCD, I tend to enjoy the Samsungs.

Walter Graff · February 10, 2009

LCDhas a slight advantage. Better color rendition for LCDs, but LCDs can't make black blacks, so decide whats more important.

A. Whitehouse · February 11, 2009

In that price range he's almost in reach of LCOS projectors branded under different names by different manufacturers (DLA,SXRD,etc...) and they produce a great picture. I like the look of my lcd Panasonic pj and its very bright but Ive really liked the skin tones on some DLPs Ive seen recently. There's a lot of great options from JVC and Infocus, is this a home theater or something more?

In that price range LCDs are a bit more flexible because they have Lens shift and they tend to be brighter but there's nothing wrong with a well calibrated DLP and the deeper blacks really improve the look.

I would try and make the money stretch to an LCOS, hard to beat for home theater but in that price range there are a some great choices. Look at the JVC RS1 and 2 one of which is in that price range i think and some new models on the way, Ive seen it myself and it looked great. For cheap LCDs you cant beat the Epsons and Panasonics. For a DLP have a look at the Infocus 83 (I think) which floored me at a store some time ago.

Its incredible how quickly in price these things drop.

James Steven Beverly · February 11, 2009

Ya outta ask these guys:

http://www.film-tech.com/

They're all working professional projectionists and talk about projection the way we talk about cinematography and I have learned a TON over there. B)

Edited February 11, 2009 by James Steven Beverly