Video Asylum

Posted by chris e. on June 26, 2000 at 06:40:28:

In Reply to: Need a good projector for HDtv and DVd 16:9 ratio, suggestions. What about DLP ones? posted by Karl W. on June 25, 2000 at 15:53:11:

Here's my bit said. I've had a 2 chip dlp (projectavision -- a company now DOA) and now have a Sony g70 series crt (8" tubes) with a Faroudja 2200. The dlp was good -- better than the 1 chip dlp's floating around and any of the lcd's but it still isn't comparable in quality to the sony/faroudja combo. The dlp (or check out Hughes/JVC DILA as another interesting contender -- nice picture on it as well) just can't produce the blacks like the crt even though the crt is much more hassle (installation, calibration and upkeep).

Unless you can afford a 3 chip dlp, I just don't think that you can touch the ultimate quality of an 8"crt with a good scaler. Now keep in mind that the cost of the sony/faroudja is about 28K list (but can be found for a lot less through the web) so it is way out of the league of any 1 chip dlp but way less than a 3 chip dlp.

The big plus of dlp is convenience and ease of set up along with a generally good picture and reasonably bright. The crt is not terribly bright and you need a dark room or else you'll overdrive the tubes. Oh, and most 8" crt's (I think all that I've read about) are hdtv ready but you should check for yourself. Most lcd, dlp and dila's will work as well but likely downsample to the lines compatible with the unit. My sony, as an example, is limited to 1080i and won't do 1080p (I think only 9" or higher will do the full "monty"). Ultimately, it is not an issue of lines but of dot pitch size (my sony will scan the lines but doesn't have the resolution for full 1080p).