By Bob Gatton
When size matters -- at least with display screens -- 50-inch plasma televisions may not be large enough for some media enthusiasts. In fact, manufacturers are introducing plasma displays in sizes up to 80 inches (Samsung HPR8072). However, the price quickly escalates on plasma sets larger than 50 inches.
Meanwhile, Mitsubishi makes a rear projection television that has an 82-inch screen (Mitsubishi WL-82913) for a fraction of the price of the Samsung 80-inch plasma. And the 82-inch rear projection television has almost three times the screen area of a 50 inch screen.
Still not big enough? Using a front projector and a separate screen, you can have a display of more than 100 inches.
Front and rear projection system televisions use three small CRTs or another of the technologies described in Part 4 of this series to create the picture. All of the technologies have pros and cons, and there are great sets using each:
CRT-based systems. A great value, although they need to be periodically re-converged when images on the set have red or blue halos around them. These sets can usually be re-converged from the remote. It is not difficult on most rear projection televisions, but it can be challenging on some front projection systems. If a static image is left on the screen for an extended period of time, the image can be 'burned' into display.
D-ILA, LCD and DLP based systems. More compact and much lighter than CRT projection televisions, and more uniform in brightness than CRT televisions. The edges are as bright as the center of the screen. All of the non CRT projectors use a light bulb. The life of these bulbs range from 1,000 to 8,000 hours, and the cost is $200 and up --sometimes way up. Check the price of the bulb and whether or not it can be replaced by the owner before purchasing a projector or a projection television.
A rear projection system has a projector, a mirror, a screen, and the electronics all in one box. It uses a lens system in the screen to focus the light directly out the front of the set into the room. You can check this out for yourself. The next time you are at your local Best Buy store, go to the television department and look at a few rear projection televisions. Go to the side of the set and then look at the screen from above and below.
You will notice that the brightness of the set decreases as you move to the side or above or below the set. When planning the media room, make sure that the center of the display is approximately at eye level from a seated position and that seating is not at the extreme sides of the set.
Want an even larger display? A front projection system might be the answer. A front projection system, a projector and a screen, has rapidly increased in quality and decreased in cost. Starting at a few thousand dollars you can purchase a high-definition projector and a screen. And you can have a screen that is 100 inches or larger.
Even though projectors have been getting brighter and screen technology has progressed rapidly, the picture on a front projection system will look best in a dark room. Don't install this type of a system in a room where you cannot control the light, unless you are only going to use it at night. Ambient light will wash out the picture.
Either way, front projectors or rear, a very large screen has never looked better or been more affordable.
Bob Gatton is an audio/video consultant and media-room designer based in Atlanta.
See all articles in the Home Theater/Media Room Series
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