DLP stands for digital light processing is a type of display technology most commonly used in televisions. It was created in the late 1980s by Texas Instruments. DLP televisions are considered one of the modern rear projection displays alongside LCD televisions in the current market. They compete with plasma televisions for dominance in the high-definition field.

When it comes to the basics, a DLP television creates an image through a serious of mirrors refracting light in a matrix structure. Each mirror corresponds to a single pixel in an image and depending on the resolution size, there can be thousands of mirrors in a single DLP-based television. They reposition themselves when the resolution changes to give optimal picture quality at any given time.

DLP color projection works in one of two chip sets: A single chip or a triple chip. Each refracts light in a different way depending on how the particular television is designed and presented.

Single chip DLP projection places a color wheel between a lamp and the chip. The color wheel is made up of the three primary colors - red, blue and yellow - as well as a clear swash to help brighten a picture. While the brightness swash can be disabled, some find it useful for adding to a picture's quality and leave the feature enabled. When in use, the wheel spins while the chip goes back and forth between the colors to display a picture. The lamp inside the DLP TV projects the image and desired colors during a broadcast, spinning as much as six times per frame depending on the signal.

In newer DLP models, the color wheel has been replaced by LEDs lights in the primary colors that switch on and off at the drop of a hat to produce a picture. However, the downfall of this advance is what some call the "rainbow effect." When large quantities of bright or white pictures are on the screen, shadows of the LED lights are splashed across the screen creating a rainbow of color. It depends on the viewer, as research suggests that some people are oblivious to the effect while others notice it every single time it occurs. It depends on your light and color sensitivity when watching television, and it is not much of a problem if it does not bother you.

This effect only occurs in single chip DLP televisions as opposed to their three chip version. While a rainbow is not physically displayed, the perception that it is can cause discomfort to viewers. By using single chip systems, the color wheels and LEDs react at a higher rate to display picture frame after frame, and this can eliminate the problem all together in most cases. The color wheel itself can be replaced with a spiral that will keep light from refracting in such a way that you perceive a single band of color at any given time. As LED technology evolves, new DLP projects will be able to get rid of the rainbow effect for most viewers.

Three chip DLP televisions use a prism to split colors and display them. The lamp shines through the prism and creates what you see on your screen. They can resolve better than the one chip counterparts, and they can increase both picture clarity and resolution. Shades of color, gradients and textures will appear finer as reduce the rainbow effect as well as other video artifacts.

The pros and cons of DLP technology vary from viewer to viewer. While DLP is one of the many television technologies on the market, it may be right up your alley when making a new TV purchase in the future. They have effectively overcome the CRT television model and as chip set technology evolves, picture quality will no doubt get even better.

Some of the pros of the DLP television include: Jitter-free images that resolve to 1080p. Gray scale can be achieved to balance the color of most off-color pictures. Burn in does not occur in DLP TVs, unlike its plasma and LCD competitors. DLP TVs are generally smaller than CRT televisions, as well as being lighter, thinner and more easily moved. They are also cheaper than LCD and plasma displays, but they can still display 1080i and 1080p signals. Since the bulb that projects light can be replaced, DLPs have a longer life than most LCD or plasma models.

Some of the cons of the DLP television include: The rainbow effect can cause displeasure for viewers sensitive to splashes of color. DLP televisions are not as thin as LCD or plasma models and can be more difficult to mount in a home or office. Since a fan helps keep the bulb and internal workings cool, the fan can produce noise when over clocked. Different video artifacts can be created based on how light refracts through the chip set; this can cause picture quality to lower and an overall dissatisfaction with clarity. Since chip sets are using the primary colors as a basis for shading, finding the exact shade can often cause color rendition to be a bit off. DLPs have been shown to have a longer lag time when connected to such HD devices as a cable box, console system or HD DVD player. While the bulb is replaceable, and will add to your shelf life, it can be costly to both purchase and have someone install it for you. DLPs generally require a technician to fix instead of being do-it-yourself.

A DLP television can be a wonderful asset to your home if it is the type of technology you are looking for to add. Reading up on the technology, comparing it between LCDs and plasmas, as well as seeing them live in action is the easiest way to decide if its right for you. Electronic stores, department stores and other vendors have multiple brands and models on display, and you can compare real time broadcasts to find the right one. See what DLP TV can do for you, and check one out today!