What is the difference between LCD and DLP technology? Which is better purchase when deciding on a 50inch TV?

Answer 1

LCD (liquid crystal display) is available either as flat panel, rear projection or front projection TV; DLP is available as projection TV only. To learn the techincal difference, see

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lcd_display
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/DLP

At present, DLP provides higher brightness and more contrast than most LCD. An exception is the Sony SXRD, which can match DLP contrast and black levels. You have to be wary of the "rainbow effect" in DLP displays: before buying a DLP TV, look at a picture with bright areas and scan your eyes across the screen. If you see a trail of colors, you can see the "rainbow" and you may want to avoid this set. Many people (including me) cannot see these, but some can. For all sets, check off-center viewing of the screen. LCD flat panel in particular can lose brightness and contrast in off-center viewing. Both LCD projectors and DLP projectors are available in "1080p" resolution (they display 1920x1080 pixels on the screen). However, only the Sony SXRD is true 1080p; the DLP sets simulate this resolution with a tecnique called "wobulation". See

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wobulation

These DLP sets do provide a high resolution picture that is a little "softer" than the LCD units, but some people find that preferable (more "film like").

You should go look at the set and decide what you like better.