What Are DLP Lamps?

There's never been more choices than now when it comes to buying a new television set. The new technology involved with television production has opened the floodgates of choices for potential buyers. You've probably heard a lot of lingo and acronyms tossed around if you've recently been searching for a new television set. There are plasma screens, LCDs, HDTV and a host of other terms that can send your brain into technological overdrive. One common term that you hear a lot about, especially regarding projection screen televisions is DLP Lamps. This can seem like another confusing gadget that you won't have to worry about, but if you're seriously considering buying a rear projection television, you need to become familiar with DLP Lamps.

DLP Lamps – The Basic Technology

DLP is short for Digital Light Processing. This technology has been around for over twenty years and is used in the image production capability of rear projection televisions. The DLP lamp produces the lights needed to display images on rear projection sets. Without the technology of DLP, you wouldn't be able to get a clean, crisp, colorful image on a rear projection television. One of the most attractive benefits of getting a rear screen television set with DLP lamps is the lack of image “burn in”. You won't have to worry about phantom images that get burned into your television screen when you choose a model that uses DLP lamps. CRT rear projection sets are infamous for having screen burn in. So be aware of this huge benefit when considering what type of television to purchase.

As the name implies, DLP processes the lights via digital technology. If you are thinking about the old projection sets that worked on analog technology, DLP lamps are nothing like these dinosaurs of the television landscape. DLP lamps help a rear screen projection television produce images that are fully compatible with high definition viewing. You can get the best quality viewing experience imaginable with DLP televisions.

What About Cost?

Rear projection television sets featuring DLP lamps are typically less expensive than plasma or CRT screens. You can also usually get a lot more television for your money. The standard rear projection television ranges from 44 inches to 64 inches and up. Because of the way these sets are set up, they can be a bit heavier than other types of television sets, but the picture is pretty much perfect most of the time.

Replacement Bulbs

One thing that you have to be aware of when you buy a rear projection DLP television set is the fact that DLP bulbs will have to be replaced over time. Most bulbs will last from 2,000 to 5,000 viewing hours before needing replacement. DLP bulbs can cost $200 or more, so be sure that you factor that into your long-term maintenance budget when you buy one of these types of television sets.