When modeling a home theatre system there are three main types of projectors to choose from. The different types of projectors are CRT, LCD, and DLP.

CRT Projectors
A CRT or cathode ray tube projector uses three individual tubes for each primary color. The three colors converge through a magnifying lens to produce a high resolution picture on a screen. These are the largest and most expensive of the three prjjector types. They are typically permanently installed and are rarely considered portable projectors

• Pros: One of the main advantages of CRT projectors is that they do not have a fixed pixel field, making them highly versatile. In addition CRT projectors produce the deepest, richest black, while still displaying vibrant color images. These types of projectors also have a long lifespan, often lasting as long as 20,000 hours.


• Cons: CRT projectors are ideal for large screens, but do not work as well with small ones. In addition, there large size makes them a less portable option than other projectors. Also, if the three tubes are not aligned properly the colors will be distorted. Another disadvantage is that if one of the tubes fails all three of them must be replaced. These projectors have a costly initial cost, and are expensive to maintain as well.

LCD Projectors
A LCD or Liquid Crystal Display projector does not use tubes to function. Instead these types of projectors use a strong light source through a chip. The image is then passed through the lens and projected onto a screen.

• Pros: Because these projectors utilize chip technology they are usually compact and light weight. This makes LCD projectors easy to travel with. A LCD projector also consumes less power, has high contrast, and significant brightness.


• Cons: Because the chip has individual pixels there are often small gaps in the images that can be seen from close up. In addition, if one of those pixels fails the whole chip will need to be replaced or there will be a black spot on the screen. Also, the bulb in this projector will only last about 1,500 hours.

DLP Projectors
A DLP or digital light processing projector uses a digital micromirror device or DMD chip to project the image. Each pixel on the chip is a tiny mirror. These mirrors are spaced very close together and tilt as the image changes. The light bounces off of the mirrors, through the lens and then on to the screen.

• Pros: Because the pixels on this chip are spaced so close together there are no gaps in the picture like there is in the LCD projectors. In addition DLP projectors have extraordinary clarity and brightness.


• Cons: These types of projectors sometimes display a brief rainbow flash of colors on the screen. This usually occurs when the viewer looks quickly from one side of the screen to another. Another disadvantage is the bulbs in these projectors usually have a lifespan of only 1,000 hours.