If it were possible to watch the many tiny mirrors inside a DLP projector as they tilted back and forth, reflecting the light, it would be a harmonious dance more entertaining than the video it would be projecting. Having a Digital Light Processing (DLP) projector is like being in the front row at a colorful display extravaganza, presented by a magical wizard commanding the orchestra of mirrors and colors that are under his spell.

We previously explored the core differences between DLP and LCD projectors, to help you decide which type is better suited for your needs. We’re now going to delve deeper into the magical mechanics of the DLP projector to give you a better understanding of how projectors like the Formovie THEATER  use DLP technology to paint the details of every picture in vivid color before your eyes.  

What Is a DLP Projector?

DLP is an advanced display technology, developed by Texas Instruments, that uses a series of pivoting mirrors to achieve the most accurate projector displays in the industry. It’s a technology that is equally brilliant as it is beautiful, delivering high-quality cinematic displays in the home, classroom, or office.

It is considered a revolutionary display technology for its ability to display contrasting colors in images and videos with exceptional detail. DLP relies largely on a digital micromirror device (DMD), the orchestra of tiny mirrors, to reflect light and create an image. Pixels are created when the DMD tilts the tiny specs of light towards or away from the screen to create dark and light spots that form an image.

How DLP Works

If the symphony of dancing mirrors isn’t mind-blowing enough, the DLP projector displays all of its stunning details in color, so this also has to be factored in. Here’s a breakdown of how this is achieved:

• The lighting system activates the blue, green, and red LED arrays, producing intense and pure-colored light.
• The light beams pass through a color wheel that rotates in sync with the Image Display chip. The color wheel has segments in the colors of blue, green, and red. As each segment passes, the corresponding LED array emits light.
• The light from the LED arrays passes through a lens system, which converges the beams onto the Image Display chip.
• The Image Display chip receives the light and tilts its mirrors to either reflect the light towards the projection lens or away from it. When a mirror tilts towards the lens, it reflects the light and contributes to the projected image. When a mirror tilts away, it does not reflect the light, resulting in a dark pixel.
• The projection objective focuses and magnifies the reflected light from the Image Display chip, projecting it onto the projection screen.

The projection screen reflects the light toward the viewers, creating a bright and sharp image that corresponds to the pattern of the activated mirrors on the Image Display chip.

The Advantages of a DLP Projector

These are a few of the reasons why DLP technology is one of the leading technologies utilized in projectors.

Resolution

DLP projectors offer a wide range of resolution options including standard definition (SD), High Definition (HD), and even the very finest 4K UHD resolution. The higher the resolution, the more detailed and sharp the images will be. This flexibility allows manufacturers to manipulate it in different ways to create a variety of different projectors to suit different needs. Some of the newest DLP projectors with 4K UHD resolution tend to also support the display of High Dynamic Range (HDR) content, which delivers a stunning and immersive viewing experience.

Contrast Ratio

The ability to display contrasting colors close to each other is the secret to an ultra-vivid and colorful display. DLP projectors are known for their unmatched contrast levels that allow them to display deep tones and bright colors simultaneously for enhanced image depth. A high contrast ratio makes the displayed image more dynamic and engaging.

Brightness

Waiting for the sun to set to enjoy the full experience of your projector is certainly a thing of the past if your projector is DLP. They are sufficiently bright to deliver epic displays even in well-lit environments, making a DLP projector the ideal choice for use in the office or the classroom. 

Low Maintenance 

DLP projectors are designed to be a once-off purchase that requires little to no repairs and part replacements. Due to the sealed optics and lack of air vents, there is no risk of dust getting into the machine and needing to be cleaned, thus reducing the risk of damaging the parts. 

Choosing the Right DLP Projector 

The Formovie THEATER is an impressive DLP projector that utilizes ALPD 4.0 as its light source to deliver an award-winning 4K UHD display. It has an industry-leading 3000:1 FOFO contrast ratio that allows it to excel in the display of dark tones and vivid colors with exceptional detail. The overall viewing experience is enhanced by the inclusion of Motion Estimation, Motion Compensation (MEMC) which ensures the detailed, crystal-clear presentation of fast-moving objects in action-packed movies or sports games.