Home Theater PROJECTION TV.

On the wall or in the box. Front and Rear Screen projection.

Compare, as LCD, DLP, and CRT technologies are explained and the plusses and minuses detailed

Once the headache generator for the early adopter in the early 80s, with misaligned color guns, the rear screen projector has morphed into an extremely sophisticated display with a picture that shows extreme detail and awesome color. Now available in a variety of technologies, the term rear screen simply means that the screen is a surface upon which a picture, generated within the box, is projected.

Also known as RPTV.

The Front screen projector is, in essence, a mini-movie theater. Anybody remember the slide projector? Well, if you do, it's the same idea, though a lot less noisy.

Rear Screen Projection is a popular choice today as so many TVs have shrunk from the once monolith-like living room monsters to table top size: sleeker, wider, brighter, 'almost all screen and little else.' The variety within this genre is wonderful and the choices of models darn near staggering. I remember seeing an early model that gave you headaches over a few hours of viewing. Now, these babies have grown up to deliver a stunning picture.

"Rear screen projector" is, I think, an unfortunate term without the high tech vibe of Plasma. A rear screen projector shines a light onto the screen from the back of it. Somewhere inside are optics and a mirror.

Below, we'll cover the various different technologies which are all rear screen displays.

Ugly Secret reminder:

Just remember: in a store, you usually aren't looking at the best picture, so when you see the cavalcade of screens, you can't make a good decision based on what you see! This may tip the scale from the local store to the online retailer. In either case, be sure you are clear on the return policy --- just in case.

Important Return Policy Terms:

Who pays for return shipping or delivery? Is there a restocking fee? In the event you cannot be satisfied, do you get credit on your card, or store credit? What is the time window in which you may return equipment if unsatisfactory.

The Warranty Dance:

You can get caught in a trap by buying from a non-authorized dealer. Later, you have a service issue 'under warranty' only to discover that, since you bought from an unauthorized dealer, you aren't covered. Typically, a grey goods dealer will try to cover that by saying you are covered under the 'store's warranty.' Run!

The EXTENDED Warranty Dance:

This is an insurance policy the SELLER takes, betting that he'll make more money from Unused warranty sales than used ones. Since he has all the figures and the math, who do you think this favors? On the other hand, since you may be insecure, you might wish to extend the warranty - just be CRYSTAL CLEAR on what is covered, for how long, under what terms or conditions

Things to determine before you sign for the Extended Warranty:

'normal wear' might not be covered. You might have to bring that 200 pound set back to the store yourself.) Are both parts AND labor covered? For the same term? Is there a replacement clause? Is there a deductable or fee? Is there a standard minimum repair charge? Does your credit card company extend the warranty automatically if you use their card?

We just called Visa on a claim under their automatic warranty extension. You should call them, if appropriate, to be sure you get the same details and to determine if your item is covered. They send a claim form. To that you must attach copies of the original receipt (showing the credit card purchase and date), the manufacturer's warranty, plus a written estimate of cost of repair (plus the receipt for that, if there is a charge.)

Idea:

Buy a 3 ring binder and keep all instructions and purchase information for all of your home theater purchases organized. You never know what you need - when, for example, the dog chews the remote.

The DLP RPTV

Digital Light Projection - a million tiny mirrors to make you "high definition happy"

The LCD: Liquid Crystal Diode RPTV

Is this the near future of HDTV?

The CRT: RPTV

The old venerable screen, still impressive, and CHEAP!

FRONT SCREEN Projection HDTV

The amazing little box that turns a darkened room into a real theater.

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