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General discussion

Will the rainbow effect be a problem?

by europa105 Jan 10, 2007 11:42PM PST

It seems to me that trying to discern if the rainbow effect will be a problem is hard to do by looking at a DLP set in a store. If I visit the store, will I be able to see "rainbows" in one short visit? Is the effect immediately apparent? I assume my wife will also have to watch the set to learn if she sees "rainbows." Also, we have a 3 yeard old and ten month old twins. How do I know *they* won't see those rainbows in years to come?
Maddening!

Discussion is locked

4 Posts
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Yes, No and maybe!
by jcrobso Jan 10, 2007 11:59PM PST

The newer DLPs seem to have less of a problem than last years models.
If you get a JVC or SONY LCoS set you won't have to worry about rainbows since they don't use a color wheel. John

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MORE ON RAINBOW EFFECT
by stewart norrie Jan 11, 2007 2:35AM PST

My old clunker 72" d.l.p. Yes with the model T color wheel , lamp . I can tell you that after a year of excellent service and awsome picture quality and many , many friends and family watching it no one has ever seen the rainbow effect. and yes if you see it the first time then dont buy it steweee

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Ref. URL for DLP and rainbow explanations.
by MultiMuse Jan 11, 2007 11:20PM PST

The most excellent explanation of these topics, including the rainbos effect issue can be found at
this URL

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The rainbow effect
by TI_DLP Aug 4, 2009 7:13AM PDT

I work on Texas Instruments? DLP team, and I just wanted to provide some information regarding the rainbow effect you mentioned.

The issue of color breakup (sometimes called the ?rainbow effect?) is very close to being a thing of the past. It?s been virtually eliminated in currently available DLP projectors, particularly those with BrilliantColor, such as the Mitsubishi HC1600 you?re considering. This is the result of an improved color processing algorithm and faster-spinning color wheels. The new lamp-free (LED) projectors on the market now don?t even use color wheels, and therefore have eliminated the issue altogether.

In addition, the independent studies we?ve commissioned regarding color breakup have shown solid conclusions that it?s not even noticed by 99% of the population.

If you have any questions about this, don?t hesitate to post here. Thanks for considering DLP!

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