You may have heard the term “DLP” when it comes to your projector. You may have wondered at it, but didn't know whom to ask. Well, in this article we shall demystify the term for you and tell you all about DLP technology...
The term “DLP” is an acronym for “Digital Light Processing”. This is a display device that uses a digtal micromirror device. And now, for some history...This technology was originally developed in 1987 by Dr. Larry Hornbeck of Texas Instruments. However, the first DLP projector was introduced by Digital Projection Ltd. in 1997.
DLP technology is used in a variety of display applications, ranging from traditional static displays to interactive displays. It is also used in non-traditional embedded applications for medical, security, and industrial uses.
DLP technology is used in DLP front projectors, mainly standalone projection units for classrooms and business. You can also use DLP technology in your mobile phone by using smaller "pico" chipsets with projection display functions embedded directly into phones.
How DLP technology works:
At the heart of every DLP projection system is an optical semiconductor known as the DLP chip. This is the world's most sophisticated light switch. It contains a rectangular array of up to 8.8 million hinge-mounted microscopic mirrors. Each of these micromirrors is less than one-fifth the width of human hair.
These DLP chip micromirrors tilt either toward the light source, which is ON, of then, away from the light source, which is OFF. This creates a light or dark pixel on the projection surface. The mirrors of a DLP chip can reflect a digital image with precise colour on any surface from 60 inches up to over 100 feet wide. It can do this when coordinated with a digital device or graphic signal, a light source, and a projection lens.
DLP technology can support a broad range of light sources, including LED, Laser, UHP, and Xenon, depending on the application need. This technology can also support a wide spectrum of wavelengths from ultraviolet to near infrared. In certain cases the DLP chip is designed for a specific wavelength.
Advantages of DLP technology:
- DLP technology is the leading technology for large and small displays
- All digital displays take place from a DLP chip
- It is light source agnostic
- It comes with long-lasting colour accuracy
- There are no limitations on resolution
- Its unparalleled switching speed allows built-in intelligence
- It has low power consumption
- The flexible DLP chip is used in both traditional and non-traditional displays
So, there you go! You now know about DLP technology and can make an informed choice when in the market for a projector using this technology. Here's to bright, stunning images all the time, every time!
