If you're looking for a large-screen television at a lower cost than that of a plasma or LCD TV, a rear-projection TV (RPTV) may be for you. Just be aware that, as the size of the screen goes up, the resolution goes down. That's why it makes sense to go with high-definition technology if you're going to get a rear-projection TV.

High-definition rear-projection TVs have screens that run from 50 to 65 inches (measured diagonally).

They are from 16 to 24 inches deep depending on their technology. They are surprisingly lightweight, and many have very good picture quality and fine resolution.

Rear-projection HDTVs use either CRT or microdisplay technology.

CRT RPTVs employ a tube-based technology like that used for traditional televisions (see more about this at CRT TVs. One major downside of a CRT is that its vacuum tubes require more space than microdisplay technologies and often extend up to 2 feet from the front element.

The HD varieties of RPTVs are relatively inexpensive for their size but have marginal viewing angles and usually have less-than-perfect picture quality when compared to microdisplay RPTVs.

Microdisplay RPTVs either bounce light off or shine light through microchips en route to the front screen. They come in three types: DLP, LCD, and LCoS:

DLP (digital light processing) technology, created by Texas Instruments, utilizes a light-bouncing microdisplay. These HDTVs usually have very good picture quality and are available in numerous brands at many prices.

There are some 1080p DLP models available. Like other types of RPTVs, some undesirable "rainbowing" can appear around bright on-screen objects.

LCD RPTVs are typically less accepted than DLPs, partly because of their less-saturated black color balance and their tendency toward a "screen door effect," which means viewers sitting closer to the screen can observe the grid-like structure of the pixels.

LCD RPTV technology projects light through the microchip onto the front screen, which nearly eliminates any "rainbow effect" that may otherwise disrupt the smooth edges of bright on-screen shapes.

The future introduction of 1080p sets will help LCD RPTVs match the picture quality of DLPs.

LCoS (liquid crystal on silicon) is another type of RPTV technology that bounces its projector's light off a microchip and onto the front screen. These RPTVs are known for their dark, rich blacks and 1080p brilliance. Though 1080p models are expensive, LCoS RPTVs have a solid performance record and, like the LCD RPTVs, have virtually no "rainbow effect."

All rear-projection HDTVs use bulbs to project the HD image on the front display element. The projection bulbs need to be replaced after about 5,000 hours of use and cost around $200 each.

You can have them installed for around $200, or install them yourself. RPTVs generally require more repairs than other types of HDTVs.

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