Projection TV is a Popular Big-Screen Option

Some 42 percent of DTVs sold to dealers in 2004 were projection TV systems, with total factory sales of 3.3 million DTV projection models. Pushed by the popularity of flat-panel televisions and a greater supply of less-expensive direct-view CRT models, the percentage of overall DTV sales dropped from more than 50 percent the year prior. Projection TV displays are available in two basic configurations. The most popular are one-piece, self-contained rear projection systems with screen sizes ranging from 40-inches to 80-inches.

Alternative, two-piece projection systems employ either front-or rear-firing projectors that can sit on small tables or floors or are permanently mounted on ceilings to cast projected video images on separate video screens. These systems produce pictures of varying screen sizes, sometimes measuring more than 100-inches. They are usually more expensive than rear projection TVs or CRT direct-view TVs, but entry-level prices have dropped significantly in the last two years.

Many rear-projection models come complete with built-in, surround sound, multi-channel audio systems that create a home theater experience in one unit. Because rear-projection sets can be too large for some homes, manufacturers are producing slimmer cabinets. Sizes of some 40-inch models have been reduced so much that they are sold as table models.

In the past, TV projectors – front and rear – relied on a combination of three cathode ray tubes (CRTs) projecting images in the red, green and blue color spectrums to produce large full-color pictures when converged on the screen. Various alternatives further reduce size, eliminate problems related to the misalignment of the CRTs and produce brighter and sharper images.

Today most front projectors, and many rear projection models, are based on tiny micro-display devices instead of bulky CRTs.

Micro-display Systems Pace Projection TV Growth

During the last three years, the biggest growth segment within the projection TV category comes from models driven by micro-display chips rather than bulkier CRT guns. These technologies allow for thinner cabinets and brighter pictures than CRT-based models. The primary technologies include digital light processors (DLP), liquid crystal displays (LCD), and liquid crystal on silicon (LCoS) integrated circuits. In 2004, about 19 percent of all DTV sales came from micro-display-based projection systems, according to CEA. That number is forecast to decline to about 10 percent in 2005, as sales of digital, direct-view CRTs and flat-panel DTVs take off.

A growing segment of the high-end DTV home theater video display market is coming from front projectors. Once viewed strictly as options for the ultra elite, the category is shifting more to mainstream audio/video distribution channels as unit sizes and prices shrink.

One of the attractions of front projectors is the lack of space they take up in a family room or dedicated home theater area. Compact models can be mounted from ceilings and projection screens are designed to roll up after use, without compromising any floor space. In addition, front projectors offer a wide range of resolution levels from enhanced-definition DTV up to 1080p high-definition images that virtually duplicate movie theater quality.

According to research from the market research firm Quixel, unit sales of U.S. consumer front projectors rose 204 percent in 2004 to 199,574 units. For 2005, the firm predicts unit sales will rise 57.5 percent to 314,449 units. In 2005, sales of front projectors will be helped by demand for lower-priced units – some of which integrate other video devices like DVD players – targeted at families.