Projection TV

Until recently, those looking for a rear-projection TV had a choice between an HD-ready TV (which needs an external tuner to view over-the-air digital signals) or an integrated HDTV that includes both a standard and a digital tuner. All microdisplay RPTVs are now integrated HDTVs, which include an ATSC (Advanced Television Systems Committee) compatible digital tuner. That means that these TVs will be future-proof when the FCC turns off the analog bandwidth in 2009. An integrated digital tuner means you'll still be able to get over-the-air TV with an antenna when broadcasting officially switches from analog to digital. If you get your TV through cable or satellite, the tuner issue really doesn't affect you, since cable and satellite signals are delivered in a totally different manner.

TVs equipped with a digital tuner need just an antenna to receive digital signals over the air. For cable subscribers, if the digital tuner is QAM capable, you will also be able to watch non-premium, unscrambled HDTV and other digital channels. (QAM, which stands for quadrature amplitude modulation, is the transmission scheme most cable companies use to distribute digital TV signals.) For premium programming, most people will still need a cable box, although some sets are equipped with a CableCARD slot. Those slots accept small cards available from cable providers that take the place of a separate cable box, cutting down on clutter. However, CableCARDs really haven't caught on, and a cable box is still the way most people get their TV signals.

Types of projection TV

There are four types of RPTVs: CRT, LCD, DLP and LCoS, but reviews say DLP and LCoS really deserve the most consideration.

CRT: This type of rear-projection big-screen TV has been around the longest. Using the same cathode-ray-tube technology as conventional TVs, these models need a lot of cabinet depth to beam light from three tubes (one for each primary light color) to the television's screen. While these are the least expensive RPTVs, they have rapidly fallen in popularity and have become very hard to find.

LCD: Though more plentiful than CRTs -- and not that much more expensive -- LCD projection TVs have also been eclipsed by other technologies and are on the decline. On the plus side, they have bright pictures and a slimmer cabinet than CRT big-screen televisions. However, black levels are not generally as rich as other types of projection TVs, and there are viewing angle issues. Another problem is the "screen-door effect" -- when viewed at close distances, the picture looks like you are seeing it through a screen door. In addition, most LCD rear-projection TVs need periodic lamp replacement and have a reputation for smearing moving images. In general, experts prefer the next technologies (DLP and LCoS) to LCD TVs.

DLP: Like LCD RPTVs, DLP sets are much thinner than CRT rear-projection televisions, measuring around 15 inches deep (compared to CRT technology's 24 inches), although TVs with the largest screens are typically deeper. Some new slim-depth sets are noticeably shallower. Experts say that big-screen DLP rear-projection sets come close to CRT projection TVs in terms of producing deep and detailed black levels, and DLP TVs don't require any calibration maintenance. DLP projection TVs are all widescreen HDTVs. Some have a resolution of 1280 X 720 (called 720p), though most of the latest models have higher resolutions of 1920 X 1080 (called 1080p).

DLP projection TVs shoot light through a spinning color wheel onto nearly a million tiny mirrors, which in turn flash the color on the screen to produce an image. There are two inherent issues with this big-screen technology. A 'rainbow effect' occurs when the eye registers too much of one color, which causes some viewers to see a brief flash of solid color. Interestingly, however, not everyone will notice the rainbow effect -- many people's eyes don't even register this phenomenon. DLP projection TVs have a user-replaceable bulb (*est. $200 to $400) that needs to be changed every 6,000 to 8,000 hours.

There's also a new breed of DLP rear-projection sets that use LEDs instead of a bulb. The advantage of this change is that it eliminates both the rainbow effect and bulb-life issues. Though first-generation sets using this technology did not do particularly well in reviews, newer models have done better.

LCoS: LCoS (Liquid Crystal on Silicon) projection TV combines a big screen with a thinner cabinet and high resolution. All LCoS RPTVs are capable of displaying full-resolution HDTV without any loss in detail (1920 X 1080 pixels). LCoS TVs aren't subject to rainbows or the screen-door effect, but they do need periodic lamp replacement.

1080p LCoS rear-projection TVs

Of all the technologies currently available, LCoS rear-projection TVs generally get the best reviews from critics. The best reviews overall go to the 60-inch Sony Grand WEGA KDS-R60XBR2 (*est. $3,400), which uses Sony's implementation of LCoS, called SXRD. Critics say that this rear-projection TV has a stunning combination of performance and features with excellent picture quality. However, the TV is very expensive and it's being phased out; right now, you can only buy it directly through Sony.

This Sony SXRD LCoS rear-projection TV has impressed reviewers at CNet.com, Home Theater magazine, The Perfect Vision, UltimateAV magazine and elsewhere with its great image quality highlighted by impressive black levels. Those black levels are aided by an automatic iris adjustment; this feature can optimize the TVs light output to compensate for ambient room lighting. The automatic iris adjustment can also vary light output according to content -- that means the TV could output more light in daylight scenes, but scale back output for dark scenes in movies, making blacks look deeper and inkier.

Color is also very good, though some say it's not always completely accurate. Still, CNet.com's David Katzmaier says that the color comes across as lush and vibrant. There is a multitude of available picture adjustments, and settings can be saved to one of three available presets, which are independent for each input. Connectivity is first rate, with three 1080p compatible HDMI inputs (for high-definition DVD players or video-game consoles).

The Sony KDS-R60XBR2 is feature packed. You'll find a FireWire input (for digital camcorders), CableCARD support, TV Guide channel guide, picture-in-picture, split-screen viewing and more. Sony even throws in a free spare bulb. Styling is a shortcoming in some reviewers' eyes, with many panning the large, side-mounted speakers which have derisively been nicknamed "Dumbo ears."

Sony also offers two step-down series. The older Sony A2020 series skips many of the high-end features found in the Sony Grand WEGA KDS-R60XBR2, including CableCARD support, picture-in-picture and more. The A2020 series rear-projection TVs use a slightly less-bright bulb and have slightly different signal processing circuitry for standard-definition programming. It is also considerably cheaper and eliminates the unsightly side-mounted speakers for less conspicuous bottom mounted speakers. The line includes the 60-inch Sony Grand WEGA KDS-60A2020 (*est. $2,150), the 55-inch Sony KDS-55A2020 (*est. $2,200) and the 50-inch Sony KDS-50A2020 (*est. $1,545), all of which are 1080p widescreen HDTVs.

While a lot of bells and whistles are missing, these SXRD LCoS sets have impressed reviewers with image quality that most say is almost identical to that of the Sony Grand WEGA KDS-R60XBR2. The sets retain great black level performance and the automatic iris feature of the more upscale SXRD RPTV. Color performance is also virtually identical, with the same weaknesses and strengths.

One issue noted by critics is that the video processor does not do the greatest job with interlaced, standard-definition video input from external sources such as DVD players or cable TV/satellite TV boxes. However, the latter is generally not a deal breaker since most DVD players can output video in the progressive format (480p) and some can even upconvert it (to 1080i). HD cable TV/satellite TV boxes can typically output video in a variety of formats, including 480p, 720p or 1080i, and those all look fine according to reviews. The Sony KDS-R60XBR2 does slightly better in this regard because of its more advanced signal processing.

While still available from some retailers, Sony is in the process of discontinuing the A2020 series in favor of its latest SXRD rear-projection TVs, the A3000 series, which includes the 60-inch Sony KDS-60A3000 (*est. $2,100), 55-inch Sony KDS-55A3000 (*est. $1,900) and 50-inch Sony KDS-50A3000 (*est. $1,500). These TVs offer a number of enhancements. One is a cabinet depth that's 20 percent slimmer than its predecessors, though it is still not as shallow as those offered by some other manufacturers. Another is frame-rate-sensing technology that adjusts the signal processing to best match the input signal for smoothest display. Finally, the TV has Internet connectivity via an optional BRAVIA Internet Video Link module (*est. $300); unfortunately, that feature only allows users to sample content from a select roster of providers, limiting its usefulness. The HDMI inputs are capable of accepting a 24 fps (frames-per-second) signal, which matches that of film. Otherwise, the feature set matches up well with the A2020 series, which means that these are not the most feature-rich rear-projection TVs available. They do include light-sensing automatic iris adjustment. Because these TVs are brand new there's been little in the way of feedback yet, but most initial reports have been glowing, and these TVs are a much better value than the XBR series Sony TVs.

In late December 2207, Sony announced that it was leaving the rear-projection TV market to concentrate solely on LCD and OLED (organic light-emitting diode) flat-panel TVs. Subsequently, all Sony projection televisions are in short supply.

Despite the fact that critics love the picture quality of LCoS, few manufacturers other than Sony are currently producing sets using that technology. JVC still makes LCoS rear-projection TVs, but the company has recently severely trimmed back its offerings to just three models, including the JVC HD-58S998 (*est. $2,200) profiled above. While critics love the slim cabinet depth and overall picture quality, issues with image geometry hold it back when compared against the competition. The set is also available in a 65-inch version as the JVC HD-65S998 (*est. $3,300). The company also offers the 70-inch JVC HD-70GC78 (*est. $3,150). However, that RPTV has a standard-depth cabinet and availability is very limited.

1080p DLP rear-projection TVs

Although LCoS-based rear-projection TVs tend to get the most praise, we also found some terrific reviews for DLP RPTVs. Top rated DLP sets also have 1080p resolution, but they use a little technological trickery to get there. The LCoS sets discussed above actually have all two million physical pixels normally required to achieve a resolution of 1920 x 1080. However, 1080p DLP sets use a technique called "wobulation" to create that resolution. The heart of the process is a Texas Instruments DMD (Digital Micromirror Device) chip that has fewer actual pixels. Each pixel (which is actually a microscopic mirror) interacts with a larger, rapidly oscillating mirror to increase the apparent resolution. While initially skeptical, reviews say the technology works very well, especially at typical viewing distances.

Samsung DLP rear-projection TVs generally do well in reviews. Most noteworthy are two RPTVs in the company's 87S series, which replace the single standard lamp in other DLP RPTVs with three LED lights instead. The advantage is longer lamp life -- around 20,000 hours according to Samsung -- and supposed immunity to rainbow effect. While Samsung's first LED DLP rear-projection TV met with mixed reviews, these sets -- while still not perfect -- are getting a better reception.

CNet.com is among those that have examined these rear-projection TVs, and David Katzmaier comes away fairly impressed. He and other critics say that these second-generation LED DLP sets are a marked improvement over Samsung's earlier effort, though screen uniformity problems remain. In particular, the screen has a "hot spot" in the center of the screen that's brighter than the remaining image. Such hot spots are common in RPTVs, but Katzmaier says it's more noticeable in the Samsung HL-T5687S (*est. $2,000) he tested. However, he adds that other attributes, such as great blacks, accurate color and the ability to deliver great detail make the Samsung HL-T5687S rear-projection TV, "a great bargain alternative to large-screen plasma sets costing hundreds more."

Not everyone is a fan, however. While Thomas J. Norton at UltimateAV.com notes many great attributes, he sees the same screen uniformity issues, adding that he is unimpressed with the black levels. That's startling in light of the fact that CNet's Katzmaier says that black levels of the Samsung HL-T5687S were as good or better than plasma TVs he had on hand for comparison.

The Samsung HL-T5687S is one of a host of new RPTVs touting a new, shallower cabinet, though it is only slightly slimmer than last year's models. Like the new Sony A3000 models profiled above, the Samsung HL-T5687S is capable of a 120-Hz scan rate. That scan rate is capable of cleaning up motion blur in LCD flat panel displays, but reviews say it does not really help much in most RPTVs because motion blur is not really a problem.

Where 120Hz does help is with a neat extra. The latest DLP sets from Samsung, including the HL-T5687S, have the ability to display images in 3D. To do so, you need a kit that includes special glasses and software such as the Razor 3D DLP Starter Pack (*est. $150), as well as a reasonably powerful PC with a video card that has a DVI output. No special content is needed, and you are able to watch 2D DVDs or other video, play 2D games and more in 3D. The 120Hz refresh rate lets the glasses sequentially display discrete 60-Hz images (the normal TV refresh rate) to each eye via the special glasses, creating a true 3D effect.

Otherwise, the feature lineup is not especially impressive. You won't find CableCARD support or picture-in-picture. We've also seen complaints that the picture controls are not as flexible or inclusive as with some other sets. CNet.com laments that there are only five color temperature presets. Connectivity is decent, and in an interesting twist, all connections are located on the right side, not the back, of the set.

The Samsung rear-projection TV is also available in a 61-inch size as the Samsung HL-T6187S (*est. $2,300) . Reports on it are also largely complimentary. However one review states that some rainbows could be seen -- a surprising finding given the LED technology used. However, we found no other reports of rainbows with these sets, and Katzmaier pointedly notes that he could not see rainbows at all on the Samsung HL-T5687S even though he is usually sensitive to this phenomenon.

In the past, Mitsubishi RPTVs have received a mixed reaction from reviewers. However, the company's 831 series of 1080p rear projectors -- including the 65-inch Mitsubishi WD-65831 (*est. $2,700) and 57-inch Mitsubishi WD-57831 (*est. $1,600) -- have scored better with reviewers. For example, CNet.com's David Katzmaier notes that the WD-65831 is brimming with features and has loads of picture adjustment options. The latter point is a good thing, because his primary issue with the set is sub-par color accuracy out of the box. However, while Katzmaier concedes that it takes a lot of work to set the color controls right, the WD-65831 is capable of producing outstanding picture quality with great black levels. The review of the smaller Mitsubishi WD-57831 at The Perfect Vision also complains about color accuracy issues out of the box, but reviewer Scott Wilkinson agrees that once properly adjusted, color, along with shadow detail on the Mitsubishi WD-57831 rear-projection TV are first rate.

Though Mitsubishi still lists these TVs as current, availability is limited and newer models are now available. Unfortunately, the company's newest RPTVs might have taken a step back. Initial reviews say that although the 65-inch Mitsubishi WD-65734 (*est. $1,980) offers many of the same features as the WD-65831, picture quality is a notch below. Blacks are great and colors are highly adjustable, but remain imperfect even after adjustment according to editors at CNet.com. In addition, the site reports that signal processing intended to reduce geometry errors also introduces a number of artifacts.

As an interesting technical note, Mitsubishi DLP HDTVs use a six-segment color wheel as opposed to the three-segment wheel used by most DLP rear projectors. The company claims that the color wheel, which is unique to Mitsubishi, is effective in helping color reproduction -- a claim that many critics agree with. In addition, CNet.com speculates that may be why their testers viewed fewer rainbows on the Mitsubishi TV compared to other DLP televisions.

720p televisions are a good budget option

While the bulk of the excitement these days surrounds 1080p sets (with the highest resolution), there's plenty of life left for 720p rear-projection sets, and they make a good, if not great, choice for buyers on a budget. That's especially true if you are opting for a smaller RPTV with a screen size of 50-inches or less. Many experts say that most people can't see the extra detail 1080p provides with that sized screen at normal viewing distances (10 feet or more).

Although few 720p RPTVs get much in the way of professional coverage these days, we've seen lots of nice user feedback for the Samsung HL-T5075S (*est. $1,150) . Report after report says that the HL-T5075S delivers solid performance with great black levels and color at a very budget-friendly price. The line-up of features is not particularly impressive, but the 120Hz scan rate and 3D capability of the Samsung RPTVs profiled above are present. Connectivity is not overly generous with just two HDMI inputs, but the jack panel is located on the side rather than the rear of the cabinet, which can make hooking up the TV a little easier.

LCD rear-projection TVs

While DLP and LCoS technologies have largely left LCD behind, several manufacturers, including Sony, Hitachi and Panasonic are still producing this type of set. Although they don't perform as well as newer technologies, experts agree that LCD RPTVs can be an acceptable entry-level HDTV.

Though critics in general are not kind to LCD rear-projection sets, users are often more positive. Among manufacturers, Sony and Panasonic in particular seem dedicated to the technology and offer sets with lots of features and interesting innovations.

Sony's E3000 line of LCD RPTVs, including the 50-inch Sony KDF-50E3000 (*est. $1,500) and 46-inch Sony KDF-46E3000 (*est. $1,400) , offer full 1080p resolution and a feature line-up that includes many of the same goodies as the company's A3000 line of LCoS rear-projection TVs. Those include slim profile cabinets; the KDF-46E3000 is less than a foot deep. You will also find the advanced iris system that works dynamically to improve contrast. The inputs are capable of accepting both 24 fps and 60 fps signals. These rear-projection TVs are relatively new in the marketplace, but virtually all of the feedback we've seen for them has been positive.

Sony also offers one of the smallest rear-projection TVs available, the 37-inch Sony KDF-37H1000 (*est. $900) . The company aims this rear-projection TV at those looking to upgrade from a direct-view CRT set. The compact Sony KDF-37H1000 has a cabinet depth of just under 13.5 inches and is a 720p set. Features include Sony's advanced iris system. Feedback on this TV is generally very good.

Regardless of the technology used, one of the caveats about rear-projection TVs has been the limited lifetime of the lamp along with its high replacement cost. That is one of the issues addressed by Samsung in its line of LED-illuminated DLP sets. Panasonic is also tackling the issue using a Lumix LIFI lamp. That lamp eliminates the filament -- which is the part that wears out in normal lamps -- to create a light source with an estimated life of 20,000 hours. Another benefit is that the LIFI lamps come to full brightness faster than conventional lamps. LIFI lamps are used in all of Panasonic's rear-projection TVs, which include both 1080p and 720p LCD HDTVs.

These rear-projection TVs are new to the market, but we've seen some nice feedback for the 56-inch Panasonic PT-56LCZ70 (*est. $1,890) . The PT-56LCZ70 is not particularly loaded with features, but connectivity is good with three HDMI inputs and an SD memory card slot for viewing still digital photos. At 17.8 inches, the Panasonic PT-56LCZ70 is deeper than many of the new crop of slim profile rear-projection TVs. The line also includes the 61-inch Panasonic PT-61LCZ70 (*est. $2,200) and the 50-inch Panasonic PT-50LCZ70 (*est. $1,740) .

Except for their reduced resolution, Panasonic's 720p rear projection TVs offer the same lineup of features, including the LIFI lamp. This series includes the 56-inch Panasonic PT-56LCX70 (*est. $1,700) and 61-inch Panasonic PT-61LCX70 (*est. $1,755) .

Important Features: Projection TV

You should consider the following factors when shopping for a rear-projection TV.

• Pick your technology. The three dominant technologies -- LCoS, DLP and LCD all have advantages and disadvantages. LCoS sets generally get the best reviews for picture quality, but they're more expensive than equivalent sets using other technologies and are only available from a few manufacturers. DLP sets are less expensive and produce images nearly as good as LCoS, but some viewers find the occasional rainbow artifacts distracting. LCD sets are the least expensive type of microdisplay, but the images they produce are not as good as either LCoS or DLP, and are prone to issues as the screen door effect and smearing. CRT RPTVs continue to hang on in the marketplace, but they are very bulky and no longer offer a huge price advantage over other types of TVs.

• Match TV size to the size of your room. Because HDTVs have higher resolutions than conventional TVs, you can sit closer than you normally would. This means you can get away with a bigger screen. Even so, a 60-inch screen that looks great in a showroom may overwhelm a smaller room.

• Look for plenty of HDMI inputs. Found on most current cable and satellite receivers, as well as DVD players and DVD recorders, this connection keeps the incoming signal all-digital, avoiding degradation that can occur as the signal passes through other components. HDMI can carry video and audio digital signals. It is also compatible with HDCP (High-Bandwidth Digital Content Protection), a copy-protection scheme that in the future could prevent you from making high-definition copies of some HD programming. Furthermore, high-definition HD-DVD and Blu-ray DVD players require the HDMI port.

• CableCARDs offer you a way to skip the cable box. The card, which slips into a slot on the TV, will unlock whichever channels you've subscribed to through your cable company. Because many cable providers have been slow to embrace CableCARD technology, some reviewers say that CableCARDs offer only a minor benefit. In addition, even if your cable provider does offer CableCARDs, they only work one way. That means you'll lose all the interactive functions of digital cable, such as ordering pay-per-view movies and the interactive programming guide. Two-way CableCARDs are supposed to be on the way, but they won't work with the current crop of CableCARD televisions. This technology really hasn't caught on that well.

• Picture-in-picture allows you to view two video sources at once, with one picture appearing as an inset in a small window on the screen. Single-tuner PIP lets you watch TV in one window and another source (such as a DVD) in the second window. A set with two tuners enables you to watch two television sources at once.

• Shop around for prices. In our research, we often found large price differences from retailer to retailer, so it pays to look around. Note that the lowest prices sometimes come from unauthorized dealers, which, depending on the manufacturer, can cause problems if something goes wrong (see below).

• Check the manufacturer's policy before buying online. Some manufacturers have strict policies regarding authorized dealers. With those, if you buy your TV from an unauthorized dealer, you've probably voided your manufacturer’s warranty, though the retailer may offer a substitute warranty. While there can be a substantial difference in prices between authorized and unauthorized dealers, if you plan on buying from the latter, be sure to calculate your threshold for risk on such a large purchase, and ask the dealer about warranty coverage.

• Consider an extended warranty. Consumer advocates, including Consumer Reports, have long advised against purchasing extended warranties for most items. However, because the latest RPTV technologies are relatively new, and data suggest that they are more prone to failure -- particularly premature bulb failure -- than some other products, this might be a case where such a warranty could be beneficial. However, make sure that the plan includes coverage for at least one bulb replacement; most (but not all) do. Also weigh the price: Consumer Reports suggests paying no more than the cost of one bulb (typically $200 to $400) or 15 percent of the purchase price, whichever is less.

Our Consensus Report shows how many times products are top-ranked by reviewers included in our
All The Reviews Reviewed chart.

# of Picks	Model (with retailer links)	Details from Amazon.com
5	Sony KDS-R60XBR2 (LCoS) (*est. $3,400)	-
3	Samsung HL-T5687S (DLP) (*est. $2,200)	details
2	Samsung HL-T5687S (DLP) (*est. $2,000)	details
2	Samsung HL-T6187S (DLP) (*est. $2,300)	details
2	Sony KDS-55A2020 (LCoS) (*est. $2,200)	-
1 each	DLP: Mitsubishi WD-65734 , NuVision 52LEDLP, Mitsubishi WD-57831, Samsung HL-T5075S LCoS: Syntax-Brillian 6580iFB031, Sony KDS-55A3000, Sony KDS-60A3000, Sony KDS-50A3000 LCD: Sony KDF-37H1000 , Sony KDF-50E3000 , Sony KDF-46E3000 , Panasonic PT-56LCZ70

We found the best reviews for sets that use LCoS technology, particularly Sony's KDS-R60XBR2 rear-projection TV. However, that model is very expensive and is now being phased out. Sony's latest LCoS rear-projection TVs, including the Sony KDS-60A3000, KDS-55A3000 and KDS-50A3000 deliver the same great picture quality, and have a slimmer cabinet depth but fewer features. JVC's latest LCoS RPTVs have great picture quality as well, but several reviewers are critical of their inability to properly display straight lines. Among DLP sets, Samsung's LED-illuminated HL-T5687S is not perfect, but is still a great performer that goes a long way in addressing two important DLP projector shortcomings -- rainbow effect and lamp life. The Samsung HL-T5075S is only 720p, but it's a great budget choice. Panasonic's new LCD rear-projection TVs, including the PT-56LCZ70, use a new type of bulb that might never need replacing, but are expensive.

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