Term of the Moment
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Definition: front-projection TV
A device that projects TV onto a white or silver fabric screen that is wall, ceiling or tripod mounted. It uses the same types of technologies as data projectors, which accept computer output, but projection TVs are designed to process standard and high-definition TV signals. Most units can do both.
Screen Size Can Be Changed
Front-projection TVs can change their screen size by replacing the screen and moving the projector closer or farther away. In contrast, screens in rear-projection units were fixed in size.
Front vs. Rear Projection
High-End Home Theater
Front Projection with CRTs
Screen Size Can Be Changed
Front-projection TVs can change their screen size by replacing the screen and moving the projector closer or farther away. In contrast, screens in rear-projection units were fixed in size.
Front-projection requires a separate screen and the size is flexible, whereas earlier rear-projection TVs were self-contained and fixed in size.
Ceiling-mounted, front-projection units are used in the most elaborate home theaters and display the largest images possible.
The first projectors, both front and rear, used CRTs, and, although mostly replaced, continue to provide excellent quality. This 2006 home theater installation used a Zenith 1200 projector and 9-foot screen. Although sold as a Zenith product, it was a repackaged Barco projector with an MSRP of $30,000 in 2001. (Images courtesy of Kal of CurtPalme.com)