When you take a television like the new Samsung HL61A750 and it’s LED light source, and the upcoming Mitsubishi LaserVue and it’s laser light source, you see that DLP has gone very far from where Texas Instruments started with it. Both LED and Laser TV are a far cry from the UHP (Ultra High Pressure) lamps that power older models.
Laser Focus World has the low down on the difference between the two:
The benefits of LED or laser illumination are substantial and real. By replacing the UHP lamp, the lifetime of the light source can be extended from perhaps 6000 to at least 20,000 hours. Laser or LED illumination can typically achieve more than 120% of the NTSC (National Television System Committee) color gamut, creating much more saturated colors, especially in the red. Plus, LEDs and lasers offer instant-on operation, have no mercury (like UHP lamps), consume less power, and run considerably cooler than UHP lamps. In addition, black levels (and contrast) should improve as the LEDs or lasers can be turned off or way down for darker gray levels-something that an iris must do with UHP-based systems.
Lasers also offer new ways to create projection systems. For example, 0-D systems can be created that rely on 2‑D scanning to create an image with a point of light. 1-D systems use a line-scanning systems and 1-D modulator, whereas 2-D systems use a conventional microdisplay and area illumination. All have tradeoffs that need to be evaluated.
The downside of using LEDs is that high-density, high-brightness devices are needed that can cost more than a UHP lamp. They are extended sources of light that need to be coupled into a projection system in an efficient manner. Plus, the sets will need to be sold with a premium in pricing and a “total cost of ownership” message over the cost of buying a replacement lamp, which could slow adoption.
It wil be interesting to see how this all plays out in the marketplace. From the looks of it, we’ll have another 3-6 months before we can tell conclusively which is the “best.”
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