OTHER TECH

Which is the better big-screen TV choice: DLP or LCD? Our final tally finds DLP with a half-point lead, but the differences between the TVs weren't as dramatic here as they were in our plasma-vs.-LCD face-off, which was a clean sweep for plasma over flat-panel LCD. DLP ran circles around LCD when it came to contrast. It also beat LCD by a comfortable margin with picture detail. But LCD slightly outperformed DLP in terms of color performance, and both did equally well with picture uniformity. So while DLP wins this battle, LCD came in a close second - so close that both technologies deserve a careful look when you're out shopping for your next TV.

Now that you know the photo-finish results of our DLP/LCD matchup, here are some more things you should know about each technology before buying a TV. First, most DLP and LCD rear-projection TVs (RPTVs) have a native resolution of 1,280 x 720 pixels, which matches the 720p HDTV format. A few newer - and more expensive - DLP sets bump that number up to 1,920 x 1,080 pixels, which is enough to fully accommodate the 1080i HDTV format used by most broadcasters. No 1,920 x 1,080-res LCD RPTVs have been announced.

The single-chip configuration used for DLP RPTVs - the source of "rainbow" effects - isn't likely to change anytime soon. Some DLP front projectors use three chips, but all these cost $30,000 or more. On the other hand, all LCD projectors, both front and rear models, use a three-panel configuration to display images.

DLP and LCD RPTVs cost about the same, starting at around $2,800 to $3,000 for a 42- to 52-inch set and moving up to $6,000 to $7,000 for a 67- to 70-inch HDTV. The price for a specific model will vary according to its features - things like a built-in high-def tuner, a CableCARD slot, and a wide range of video inputs. With both TV types, you'll need to replace the projection lamp after about 3,000 hours. Lamps usually cost $200 to $400. -A.G.