Available sizes: 42" - 82"

A rear-projection TV can be simply defined as any television that displays a projected image which is first reflected by a mirror. These types of TVs are generically referred to as "big-screen TVs".

Rear-projection TVs have been around since the early 1980s, but didn't hit mainstream until 1985, which was when Mitsubishi unveiled the worlds first fully contained rear projection television. Since then, rear-projection displays have been popular for those seeking a bigger picture than what direct-view TVs have been capable of.

Today, rear-projection TVs come in more flavors than ice cream at 31 Baskin Robins. CRT, LCD, DLP, and LCoS are just some of the different options when shopping for an RPTV.

Most

people are drawn to RPTVs because of the size to cost ratio. Other display technologies get very expensive as they increase in size, but RPTVs can sometimes offer twice the image size for the same price as other alternatives.

Since there are so many different technologies in this market, deciding which one is right for you gets a little complicated. On the following pages we'll address the most common types of rear-projection TVs, and the pros and cons of each one.

Click the links below to learn about the common types of rear-projection displays.

• CRT rear-projection
• Microdisplay rear-projection (LCD, DLP, LCoS, etc.)

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