LCD Rear Projectors

LCD rear-projection TV typically uses three high-resolution LCD panels, each with independent color filters to resolve the red, green and blue portions of the light spectrum. Light is projected through the panels and then routed through an optical subsystem to the screen. Sony is the largest proponent of LCD rear-projection television, but other manufacturers include Hitachi, Epson, Zenith (LG Electronics) and Panasonic.

LCD projection TVs tend to be somewhat heavier than DLP rear projectors, but still considerably lighter than CRT TVs. Like DLP rear projectors, they are pretty shallow, usually 22 inches or less for larger displays.

In the past, LCD projectors have been faulted for a noticeable "screen door" effect, in which the area between the individual pixels is visible and often highly distracting, particularly in bright scenes. Recent units have reduced this effect considerably. Current generation LCD projection TVs look seamless from a distance, though the lines are still visible if you look very closely.

The price of LCD rear-projection units can vary widely, from just over $2,000 to over $5,000 for a larger unit. As with DLP rear projectors, the larger unit pricing doesn't really reflect the actual cost of the unit, but the perceived "value." Since the light engines in these projectors are similar, you're really paying for the larger screen real estate, plus a few additional features (more connections, for example).