#dmdchip

As known, in June 21, 2016, Epson introduced 3LCD 5040UB/5040UBe (EH-TW9300) and Pro Cinema 4040 projectors with 4K UHD and HDR support for under $3,000. Unlike UB models, UBe projectors have module for support wireless HDMI technology based on the well-regarded WirelessHD standard. Of course, they are more expensive about $ 300. These models used wobulation (e-shift, pixel-shifting or 4K- Enhancement) technology for increasing the resolution to 3840 x 2160. But, this resolution differs from Native 4K (4096 x 2160) and True 4K. As known, True 4K with Two-Phase or Four-Phase Pixel Shifting use 0.66" DMD chip (2716 x 1528) or 0.47" DMD chip (1920 x 1080), but with the division of 4K images into 4 arrays and their shift. Of course, the simultaneous use of several different names for one technology may confuse some consumers. Today, wobulation technology for video processing in projectors use the following names: - JVC - e-Shift or eShift; - Epson - 4K Enhancement or 4KE; - Texas Instruments - TI UHD (informally). However, many prefer the more common name pixel-shifting or Pixel Shifting. Of course, some experts sometimes argue about the validity of using the 4K name for all these technologies. Indeed, pixel-shifting does not increase the physical number of pixels. But these disputes are linguistic in nature, because wobulation really enhances the clarity of the image in its visual perception. At the same time, this technology has radically reduced the cost of producing projectors with support for 4K resolution. As a result, today the market offers a wide range of models at a relatively affordable price.

HC 5050UB / 5050UBe

In 2019, the company introduced the new HC 5050UB / 5050UBe, which replace the 5040UB / 5040UBe (TW9400 for Europe) of 2016. Traditionally, the UBe model has a 4K wireless HDMI transmitter and costs $ 300 more. Of course, the novelty supports all functions of the previous model. In addition, it offers an improved pixel-shifting algorithm with higher efficiency, HLG support for HDR UHD content, new Digital Cinema color mode with full DCI-P3 color gamut and 18 Gbps HDMI 2.0 port., which supports 4K / 60p HDR games.

Lumen Output

New models provide 100 ANSI lm more compared to 5040UB (2,600 vs 2,500 lumens). But, the brightness value for Epson has some specific features due to the peculiarity of LCD projection technology. As known, the light from the source in 3LCD projectors is reflected from the mirrors of the optical unit. In fact, these dichroic mirrors perform the function of color filters, passing only a certain color (red, green and blue or R, G, B). After separation, the three light streams are directed to the corresponding LCD monochrome matrices, which, after modulation, form a black-red, black-green and black-blue image at the output. A prism unites them and forms a color image, transferring it further to the optical system, the lens and to the screen. Thus, all three color components are projected onto the screen at the same time, providing the same white light output and color light output (CLO). This aspect is an important difference between 1 chip DLP projectors and 3LCD models. The perfect balance between white / color light output really affects image quality. Of course, Epson actively uses this advantage, periodically presenting the results of various tests. Therefore, Epson, unlike other companies, always specifies two values in the specs of its models. In particular, the company indicates CLO (Colour Light Output) and white light output, once again reminding of this advantage. Of course, both of these values are always identical. The video at the end demonstrates the difference in color saturation of 3LCD vs 1-chip DLP models. Epson measures white light output in accordance with traditional ISO/IEC 21118 standard and CLO in accordance with IDMS 15.4 standard, which was first published in May 2012.

Improved pixel-shifting algorithm (4K PRO-UHD), HDR mode and lens

Epson 5050UB uses second generation of 4K-Enhancement, which is called 4K PRO-UHD. In particular, 4K PRO-UHD uses a pixel plate with tighter tolerances. As a result, the engineers have increased angle of the leading and trailing edges of the electronic shift pulse, reducing the delay between the bottom and the top of the pixel shift change. According to the company, this improvement reduces downtime, increasing the light output, color accuracy, and performance, in general. In addition, Epson indicates DCI 4K (4096 x 2160) for 5050UB vs 3840 x 2160 for 5040UB. Moreover, the company has improved HDR support. In particular, the new projector automatically detects HDR content, including HDR10 and HLG, and supports its setting from the menu. As known, this line of projectors uses a 3-axis motorized lens. Unfortunately, the previous models had a rather large lag. Now, engineers have reduced electrical noise of the control system, increasing the smoothness of its work. In addition, the improved system has an auto-centering control, which is activated by the “LENS” button.

Conclusion

The development of digital technologies for several decades provokes the rapid development of almost all segments of consumer electronics. Today, even a relatively simple household appliances is a complex multi-functional device. Smart coffee machines, robotic vacuum cleaners, washing machines, etc with Wifi support and complex algorithms for auto modes perfectly illustrate this trend. Of course, high-tech projectors are no exception. Modern projectors have evolved from simple devices to project an image into sophisticated digital equipment with huge media capabilities. The projector in the smartphone, miniature Pico and Cube projectors, 4K HDR models, etc perfectly illustrate this trend. Modern technologies have successfully solved the problems of their image quality, compactness, brightness, durability, noise and cost. Today, the market already offers 4K HDR models with a price range of $ 1,000 - 1,500. As a result, many consumers increasingly perceive the projector as an alternative to TV, increasing demand in this segment. Of course, companies are adequately responding to the market conditions by expanding their model lines. But the abundance of proposals sometimes complicates the choice of the optimal model. Therefore, even a simplified classification can help solve this problem.

The number of matrices

As known, the projector matrix provides filtering the luminous flux, passing or blocking it. Therefore, the matrix can form only a single-color image. This is fundamentally different from the matrix of the TV or monitor, which forms a color image. Three-color matrixes are not used in projectors for several reasons. First, almost all the first projectors used high-power bulbs with high heat dissipation for illumination. Therefore, the LCD matrix requires very powerful cooling, which affects the noise, size and cost. Secondly, the three-color matrix does not provide an ideal square pixel. A single-color matrix forms a color image, combining three separate images. 3-chip projectors combine the images and display the finished color picture. Single-matrix models alternately project mono-color images onto the screen, creating the illusion of a color image due to the high frame rate. PROS and CONS 1. 1-chip projector is more compact, but uses more complicated and more expensive matrix. 2. 1-chip projector provides lower brightness due to less efficient use of the bulb luminous flux. 3. Playback in 1-chip models is often accompanied by the rainbow effect due to the non-synchronous speed of changing the image color components. 4. A 1-chip projector provides a perfectly accurate pixel shape, which depends only on the projector optics. The accuracy of the borders of the individual pixels in the 3-chip projector depends on the accuracy of manufacturing and placement of the matrixes. This problem sometimes occurs in budget 3-chip models from lesser-known manufacturers.

Light source and sizes

Modern models use UHP (mercury) or powerful xenon lamps or semiconductor light sources (LEDs, LED lasers). Often, vendors use the name of a laser projector for models with LED lasers as a light source. Of course, this is not entirely correct. Developed in 1991, LDT (Laser Display Technology) technology really uses lasers to form images. The working prototype of the LDT projector was introduced in 1997, and the serial prototype in 1999. Today, these models belong to the professional segment of very expensive installation projectors. Laser in the name of DLP and LCoS models only indicates the use of LED lasers as a light source. Of course, the use of only one chip provides the advantage of DLP technology in terms of compactness. Combined with the LED light source, it provides the production of portable projectors. Their enormous popularity even provoked the formation of a separate segment of compact projectors (mini, pocket, cube, pico).

Projection image formation technologies