What are the advantages of LCD rear projection?

Answer

LCD projection has been around for a number of years and it is now accepted as the "standard" video projector rather than the older CRT technology. They are now capable of high brightness, high resolution and good contrast. Projectors are also capable of generating an image of almost any size, for front or rear projectors.

LCD rear projecction comes in two main forms. One is the self contained video projector, in a cabinet and looks like a large, conventional TV. They tend to be lighter weight than a flat LCD or plasma display of a similar size although they are deeper than a typical plasma screen.

The other form is a built in rear projection screen using a projecctor behind it. The great advantage is that the screen can be chosen to be any size required for the room but it does need to be built into a wall or other surround with space behind it. Often, the projector is mounted on a support rig with mirrors to reduce the depth needed behind the screen. (see www.greenlightav.com/rprigs.htm for an example). This kind of solution is only right for those who are prepared to make a big investment into their viewing because of the construction work involved in creating the rear projecction space.

In either case, the rear projection solution hides the projection equipment and generally allows brighter lighting in the room, compared to a front projection alternative. This applies, of course whether the projector is LCD, DLP or CRT.

One of the disadvantages of rear projection is viewing angles. Before spending a lot of money on a rear projecction TV unit, make sure that the image quality is acceptable, from right in front and also from an angle. It is worth measuring viewing angles in the home and sitting in the same position in the store. If the picture is bright and even, the viewing angle is ok. If the picture is fading from one side to the other, or just plain dark, look at other models. With a built in solution, there are many screen surfaces that can be used. Do the same test with sample surfaces before spending 1000s on a screen that may not quite do the job.

First answer by GreenlightAV. Last edit by GreenlightAV. Contributor trust: 51 [recommend contributor]. Question popularity: 11 [recommend question]