In the previous article, we have spoken about What is a Projector. Today we will be discussing Different Types of Projectors, and How Do Projectors Work.
There are vast types of Projectors available in the market. But, we have classified into groups so that our readers can easily understand.
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Different Types of Projectors based on Technology:
Currently, there are only two different types of Projectors in the market, which are DLP and LCD. Then what are LED and Laser? We will be talking about that as well.
CRT Projectors:
When projectors were introduced during the 1950s’, they were CRT Projectors. The CRT (Cathode Ray Tube) Projectors used three cathode rays that are Blue, Green, and Red colors. When all three lights hit the screen, they combine and create a colorful image.
However, the quality of the projectors wasn’t improved over time. Therefore, manufacturers stopped producing CRT Projectors thesedays and started building Projectors with other types of technologies like DLP and LCD.
DLP Projectors:
DLP stands for Digital Light Processing. These Projectors use millions of Microscopic mirrors to produce an image. DLP Projectors took over CRT Projectors, and are still preferred by many users, especially Gamers.
We have explained How DLP Projectors work later in this article.
LCD Projectors:
The LCD Projectors use Liquid Crystal Displays. Previously only 1 chip was used, but most of the latest Projectors use 3 chips thesedays. Hence they are also called 3LCD Projectors. The 3 chip LCD Projectors offer better color saturation and lower noise levels.
We have explained How LCD Projectors work later in this article.
How Do Projectors Work:
How DLP Projectors Work:
There is a light source at the end of the setup, which is called a Lamp. It emits light into a spinning color wheel and passes through a mirror setup (Also called DMD – Digital Micromirror Device).
There are millions of mirrors, and Each mirror is associated with a light point. When the light falls on the mirrors, they correspond to the light source with a tilting movement based on the color of the light. The mirrors are microscopic and their movement is very subtle. So, we cannot notice it with plain eyes.
Finally, the DMD converts the RGB lights into an image and reflects towards the lens. The Lens, which is located at the front end of the Projector displays the image in a bigger size.
The concept of DLP Projectors was inspired by the Chinese Magic Mirrors.
Advantages of DLP Projectors:
- It can also project 3D images
- The response time of DLP Projectors is fast
- DLP Projectors emit Smart Images
- The Projector doesn’t require filters
- Moreover, it uses Less Space
Drawbacks:
- The color wheel could create a rainbow effect on the projected images, which is called Color Ghosting.
- The moving parts (color wheel) create noise.
This is the most common type of projector used in business today, and it’s also more expensive than LCD projectors.
How LCD Projectors Work:
The LCD Projectors use LCD Panels instead of the color spinning wheel. All Types of Projectors have a Light Source at one end, and Lens on another. The LCD Projectors (Also described as 3LCD) have three LCD panels aligned straight to the light source (Lamp).
The light from the first LCD panel reflects red light and passes Blue light to the other two panels. Similarly, the second LCD panel reflects Green light and transmits blue light to the third panel. The third panel reflects the Blue light. All three lights are combined into a prism-like structure and emit the actual image. The lens at another end of the Projector magnifies the image and displays it on the surface.
Advantages of LCD Projectors:
- LCD Projectors provide a better experience while watching movies.
- The 3 chip Projectors offer better color saturation.
- Because of no moving parts, the Projector does not make much sound.
Drawbacks:
- You need to change the filter frequently for LCD Projectors.
Different Types of Projectors based on Light Source:
Basically, there are three types of Projectors, if we are classifying them according to the light source.
Lamp (Bulb) Projectors:
Both DLP Projectors and LCD Projectors use a Lamp as the Light Source. The Lamp worked great as a Light Source. However, the life of a Projector Lamp/Bulb was approximately 2000-5000 hours. So, if you are using Projectors for longer use, you might want to change the Projector Lamp every 6 months or so. Moreover, the Lamps are quite expensive. Therefore, other technologies were introduced.
LED Projectors:
As I mentioned before, LED projectors are not much different than DLP and LCD Projectors. The Projector Lamps were having a short life, and sometimes they would even heat up and burn (in rare cases). So, the manufacturers decide to replace the Lamp with LED. The LED Projectors have LED panels placed as Light Source, instead of Lamps.
In DLP Projectors, the LED would emit white light. Whereas, in LCD Projectors, the RGB panels are replaced by Red, Blue, and Green LEDs.
LED Light Source emits impressive colors, better contrast, and has a longer life span. Moreover, it would consume less power and would not heat up the Projector as the Lamps did.
However, they have limited brightness. Therefore, many users still prefer Lamp Light sources over LED.
Laser Projectors:
Looking at the Drawbacks of Lamp Projectors and LED Projectors, engineers have decided to create a better type of Projector. Hence, they started using Laser as the light source instead of Lamp or LED. The Laser Projector not only emits better picture quality but also has over 20000 hours of life time.
Besides that, the startup time was improved, and the images were much brighter.
On the other hand, Laser Projectors are very expensive. Also, the black levels are better on Lamp Projectors.
Besides Technology and Light Sources, Projectors can also be classified by Output resolution like 4K Projectors, HD Projectors, etc. and there are also different types of Projectors like Mini Projectors, Portable Projectors, LCoS Projectors, and more.
Conclusion:
Understanding the Types of Projectors, and How Do Projectors Work will be beneficial while choosing the Best Projector for your needs. However, you can also check out our Projector Buying Guide. There are different types of Projectors if we classify them into different categories. Based on Technology, there are only two types of Projectors that are DLP and LCD. LED, Laser, and Lamp are different types of Light sources in a Projector. We will be updating this article from time to time to provide an update about the Latest Technology changes in Projectors.