What is DLP?

Digital Light Processing (DLP®) technology works by reflecting light off microscopic mirrored panels called Digital Micro-Mirror Devices (DMD). It was originally developed in 1987 by Larry Hornbeck of Texas Instruments.  Each DMD consists of millions of tiny mirrors, each acting as a single reflective pixel in the resolution of the projected image.

A native HD resolution image is made up of 1080 horizontal lines each containing 1920 pixels. By the same measure, a DLP projector with HD resolution would use either 1 or 3 DMD chips (higher-quality projectors use three chips, one each for the Red, Green and Blue color signals) made up of 1080 rows of mirrors, with each row containing 1920 microscopic mirrors.

The DLP advantage #

The advantage of this all-digital system is that it consistently offers better light efficiency and color control in comparison to any other projection technology. This is because each individual pixel is controlled for a smoother, cleaner image since the space between the mirrors on a DMD is so small. Because all the light is reflected out of the projector, DLP projectors also offer higher brightness from smaller units and consequently use less power.

TimeLine offers DLP projectors for:

• Auditoriums & large venues
• Cinema
• Classrooms
• Domes
• Live events
• Meeting & training rooms
• 3D & virtual reality
• Wondering if a DLP projector is right for you?

Check out our projection technology chart for at-a-glance information comparing our broad range of 3LCD, 1DLP and 3DLP projection solutions. Based on your priorities, you’ll be able to identify which category of projection technology will be the right fit for your application.