While LCD projectors have a sharper image and superior picture quality, DLP projectors are lighter, portable, and considered to 

be more reliable.

DLP (Digital Light Processing) technology uses micro-mirrors to project images from a monitor onto a large screen. DLP is seen

in standalone projection units, in rear projection TVs, and in a majority of digital cinema projection. LCD (Liquid Crystal Display)

video projectors send light from a metal-halide lamp through a prism to display video, images, or computer data on a screen or 

flat surface.

Advantages of DLP over LCD projectors

DLP projectors offer road warriors and home theater enthusiasts many advantages:

Portability: DLP projectors tend to be smaller and easier to transport given one chip versus LCD’s 3 panels. DLPs using LED or 

pico technology are even more portable and can connect to smart phones, tablets and other mobile devices.

Higher Contrast: DLP projectors’deep blacks achievable make them popular for home cinema applications.

Reduced Pixelation: DLP projectors have a muted pixel structure when viewed from a normal viewing distance, which may not 

affect a PowerPoint presentation, but will affect smooth video presentations.

Reliability: DLPs have fewer parts and are less expensive to repair - sealed optics are good for dusty environments.

How DLP Projectors Work

DLP projectors rely primarily on a DLP chip, or digital micromirror device (DMD), which comprises up to two million tiny mirrors, 

each mirror one-fifth the width of a human hair. Each of these mirrors can independently move toward or away from a light source 

to create a dark or light pixel. The color is fed to the DMD by a beam of light from a light lamp source, which then passes through 

a spinning color wheel before it reaches the chip, and the image is fed through the lens and onto the projection screen.

The conception diagram of a color wheel used in DLP.

A DLP projector with three-chip architecture can deliver up to 35 trillion colors. A three-chip DLP projector uses a prism to split light 

from the lamp, and each primary color of light is routed to its own DLP chip, then recombined and routed out through the lens. 

Three-chip systems are in higher-end home theater and large venue projectors, and DLP Cinema projection systems in digital movie 

theaters.

Single image with up to 16.7 million colors. Finally, the image is passed through the lens for projection onto a screen.

Technology and Light Source

DLP technology is 'reflective'. Instead of passing a light source through a LC material, light is reflected off the DMDs. In a single-chip 

DLP projector, light from the lamp enters a reverse-fisheye, passes through a spinning color wheel, crosses underneath the main lens, 

and reflects off a front-surfaced mirror, where it is spread onto the DMD. From there, light either enters the lens or is reflected off the 

top cover down into a light-sink to absorb unneeded light.

LCD projectors use transmissive LCD, which allows light to pass through the liquid crystal. In LCD projectors there are always three 

LCD panels, and they are always light transmissive devices rather than reflective or direct view displays

Being light-source agnostic, DLP technology can effectively use a variety of light sources. Typically, the main DLP light source is a 

replaceable high-pressure xenon arc lamp unit. Alternatively, ultra-small or pico DLP projectors use high-power LEDs or lasers. For 

LCD projectors, Metal-halide lamps are used given their outputting an ideal color temperature and a broad spectrum of color. 

Smaller metal-halide lamps make LCD projectors smaller, hence more portable than most other projection systems.

Price

Depending on the quality and functionality, both DLP as well as LCD projectors can cost anywhere from $300 to well above $1000.

Choosing Between a DLP or LCD Projector

When weighing your options of DLP projector vs. LCD projector, it can be helpful to look at available features, strengths and your intended 

use for the device.

Consider these key points to help guide your projector buying decision:

1. What is the budget range for this purchase?

2. Is this a business or personal purchase? What is the intended use?

3. What level of quality is acceptable for the projector? The price point will likely go up as the quality does.

4. Will the projector need to travel for use at other locations?

5. What special features are available and how important are they in making this decision?

Consider these factors to help you decide between a DLP or LCD projector:

DLP projectors provide sharp, high-quality projections with the potential for 3D capability as well.

DLP projectors tend to have more mirrors and therefore more pixels to project your desired images and videos in higher definition.

LCD projectors tend to be less expensive. However, they also require more maintenance and upkeep, particularly with changing out filters 

and preventing dust buildup.

3LCD projectors deliver exceptional brightness while using less power in many cases. They're also typically quieter as projectors go.

Robust feature sets and options across every price point make projectors an accessible technology upgrade for personal and business 

environments. Remember that both projector types will offer a range of good, bad and mediocre performance.  Understand your intended 

usage and most important requirements to help with your selection process. Browse through the different styles of DLP and LCD projectors 

to find the one that best suits your needs.