With television tubes as large as 40 inches now becoming available, TV systems that project the image might be expected to fall by the wayside. But this isn't happening, according to the current issue of Video Magazine.
Due to the increased interest in home video theaters, front projection televisions particularly are coming back into the limelight. These project the television image on separately mounted movie-type screens.Also contributing to the renewed popularity of front projection units is their increasing sophistication. Early front projection TVs were very expensive, difficult to set up and the image was fairly dim. However, front projectors are now available which are comparable in cost to the larger direct view televisions. They also offer dazzling pictures which are distinctly reminiscent of film, making them perfect for home theaters. Video images typically exhibit exaggerated brightness and contrast, while rear projection televisions also tend to have a sharper look.
One front projection, the Zenith PV890X with a list price of $3,999, produces a sharp picture with superior color rendition. Unlike earlier units, it has a TV tuner and a stereo sound system built in. However, typical of front projector TVs, the picture produced by the Zenith set was not very bright and for full effect had to be viewed in a darkened room. Daytime viewing with a front projection TV requires that the room be equipped with a set of heavy drapes to block out the light.
Another consideration is that these specialized televisions should be professionally installed. However, when mounted in a coffee table or on the ceiling, the front projector TVs take up very little space, unlike the bulkier rear projection and direct view televisions.
While viewing television on a movie screen is not for everyone, anyone considering a home theater installation, should sample front projection television before making a choice.