Digital Light Processing (DLP)
Digital light processing was named for its ability to process light digitally. An Optical semiconductor called a Digital Micromirror Device chip aids this process. The DMD chip has over one million mirrors. Each mirror is less than 1/5” the width of a human hair. The DLP is more commonly known as a projection tv. Available in rear and front projection. Some models might have a slight ‘rainbow effect’, but these screens are not susceptible to burn-in.
Liquid Crystal Display (LCD)
Despite its name, there is nothing liquid about this screen. There are a variety of choices on the market, the flat panel displays being, by far, the most popular. People like the thin, lightweight construction making them ideal for either a tv or a computer monitor. LCD screens are not susceptible to burn-in, either, but their slow response time, especially in the earlier models, shows a ghosting effect. It is important to see the LCD monitor or tv in use before buying to make sure it meets your needs.
Plasma Display Panels (PDP)
Thanks mainly to slick, extensive marketing, plasma has become known as the ‘be all and end all’ of high end home electronics. All plasma tvs are flat panels. They are competitively priced to the LCD flat panel models and feature a stunning picture, so far, unmatched by LCD screens. Plasmas are susceptible to burn-in, but only slightly. The gases that power the picture can not be refilled, although no actual measurements have been made, educated guesses say a plasma should last between ten to twenty years.
High Definition Television (HDTV)
Commonly known as high def, it won’t be long before the ‘HD’ is dropped altogether. As cathode ray tube (CRT) TVs grow rarer and rarer, and technology goes more digital, all TVs will be high definition only. The type or brand doesn’t matter, new TVs are now all HDTVs.