Axiom Home Page Forums General Discussion Home Theater DLP Rainbows

A question about DLP and rainbows. I have been unable to see them on the screen, however, we have a DLP front projector at work. If I look towards the projector itself where the image is coming out and move my eyes quickly, I can see rainbows, but I still have not seen them when looking at the screen itself. Is it more common to see them this way? Have other people even noticed it this way, since the projector is not what you are normally looking at. I'm just wondering if it is more likely that I will see them on screen at some point if I am able to see them this way.

I've never seen DLP rainbows on a screen before. Whether FP or RP. I have however seen them while looking at a projector before, just as you mentioned.

Having never seen them on the screen, DLP has been a big contender in my search for a new TV. The "screen door" of LCD on the other hand has been quite noticeable on many sets I've seen...depending on make/model.

Given the size of my room, and the space I have to put a tv, a flat plasma or LCD is starting to gain ground on my DLP plans. There's so many different dang TV's now...very hard to make a decision.

One thing for sure though...it'll be 1920x1080 or I won't buy it.

A 1920x1080 native projector will roughly cost you your house, plus or minus a few children. But most native 1080x720 can still display 1920x1080 max.

Edit: I should contribute something useful I think, and so I will say that seeing the rainbow when you stare *into* the projector may be simply because the "density" (for lack of a better word) of the light is much greater than that reflected off the screen. I would have to think about it more to express myself better here, but maybe that makes sense.

I'll likely be getting a 1920x1080 DLP or if the prices are too terribly astronomical flat screen. Not a projector. I'm also likely a year away from getting one, so prices keep coming down. I just heard an ad on the radio for Panasonic 42" plasma for $2499. Likewise for the 52" Mits DLP.

First of all, you should consider halting your search for rainbows. If you are not one of those that is prone to seeing them, then you should just accept it and watch happily. If you force the issue and discover them, you will probably see them from that point on.

Now, with the warning aside, there are particular scenarios where rainbows can be more prevalent:

1. Black and white video, especially the credits
2. Turning the lights completely off
3. Being overtired seems to draw them out
4. Fast action on the screen
5. Finally, the standard quick jerk of your head to either side can draw them out.

Rainbows are nothing more than your perception of what is already there for all to see. You have to remember that DLP involve rotating color wheels and mirrors. The positive news is that the increases in color wheel speed have helped to reduce the prevalance of the rainbow effect....just as the fill rate on LCDs has steadily increased.

Finally, all must understand that people's perception and frustration w/ rainbows tends to subside w/ time. First of all, you tend to eventually forget about them as you focus on the material. Also, you seem to get used to them where you tend not to see them.....Yes, it sounds hokey, but you do get over it. At the time I bought my DLP PJ, I saw rainbows, but I easily traded that for the amazing picture quality, contrast, etc. Now, I rarely notice them and pay little attention to them when I do see them.

In reply to:

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At the time I bought my DLP PJ, I saw rainbows, but I easily traded that for the amazing picture quality, contrast, etc. Now, I rarely notice them and pay little attention to them when I do see them.

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My situation exactly!

I would try to demo a DLP projector on a darkened HT environment, rather than an office environment. If your one of the unlucky people that suffer from rainbows, it will bug you. Also, if rainbows don't bother you, make sure they don't bother any significant others

Personally, I have always taken the LCD route, not becuase of rainbows, but that usually you can get into higher resolutions for a much lower price than DLP. Also, SDE (screen door effect) is not just an LCD characteristic as some believe, DLP's also have SDE. LCD technology has improved so much over the last few years that SDE is not an issue.

good luck

m60's vp150 ep350 4-Qs8's
denon 2805
Sanyo Z2 WXGA projector
toshiba dvd
samsung hd receiver

Well the SDE on a DLP is more of a "pixel structure" effect. The DLP screen is nearly entirely filled, but you can see the little squares, as opposed to the LCD, which has a visible black grid overlaying the image. I find the image on the LCD to be almost over-sharp - the point where it appears too digital.

To each his own, though, right?

As far as the Rainbows go, I've tried to find them, but I guess my eyes are too lazy to pick them up.

Lastly, Spiff - as I'm sure you know, there are some new Sammy's on the horizon with 1080p resolution and redonculous contrast ratios coming out. Give it a year and those prices will begin looking like the current stock (XX63 and xx74 models), which are dropping in price pretty dramatically.

I stopped into a nice tv shop on my way home last night. My god, tv's just keep getting nicer and nicer.

They had a 60" Mits plasma for $9,000. Granted, $9,000 isn't a drop in the bucket, but a 60" plasma was well over $20,000 not very long ago.

I got to see the 1920x1080 45" Sharp LCD. Nice. I know it'll be rather pricey, but I guess I'll just keep waiting, but 1920x1080 55-60" wall mountable LCD or Plasma has really got me drooling. Of course 1920x1080 52" DLP would likely be able to squeeze into the space I have for it on top of my audio rack...and it'd likely cost a lot less. They're practically giving away old school CRT sets. They had a huge Mits...had to be at least 60", likely larger for under $2000. If you've got a huge room, there are certainly deals to be had with those CRT RPTV's.

Saw some lovely Sony Grand Wegs at a homeshow.
I don't know what the video source was, but it was definitely HD. Just beautiful sharpness, almost hurt my eyes, kinda like walking into an anechoic chamber and going deaf from the silence.