CRT vs Digital: Strengths and Weaknesses

To summarize the strengths and weaknesses of each type of projector:

CRT Positives:  + Excellent image quality  + No pixelation  + Excellent black levels (outperforming digitals by a minimum of 10:1)  + Excellent fleshtones  + Long tube life: as much as 15:1 over digital sets depending on operating conditions  + Best $/hour performance ratio  + Relatively inexpensive to purchase used  + Most models are at about the same fan noise level as LCD or DLP sets CRT Negatives:  - Large  - Heavy  - Tubes are expensive to replace when they wear out  - Not as bright as some current LCD or DLP models  - Older models require ‘tweaking’ from  time to time  - Not ‘plug and play’  - Require a complete set up for a change in screen size LCD/DLP Positives:  + Small and light  + Simple 2 adjustment set up (focus and zoom - making them more or less plug-and-play)  + No drifting or alignment of projector  + Decent fleshtones on DLP   + Less pixelation on DLP than LCD  + Easy to change bulbs  + Recent models are significantly brighter than CRT LCD/DLP Negatives:  - Some non-HT units are objectionably noisy for home theater use  - Short bulb life (1000-2000 hours typically)  - Expensive bulbs ($300-$500 USD)  - Noticeable pixelation  - Poor fleshtones on LCD (in my opinion)  - Poor black levels  - Edge artifacting on most images  - Built as disposable units. You’re not likely to get these repaired out of warranty  - Many bulbs are not available 5-6 years after the model has been discontinued  - Rainbow effects from DLP’s can give some people headaches. About 30% of viewers can see rainbows on single chip DLP units. You either get used to this or you get rid of the projector

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