LCoS

LCOS technology combines LCD and DLP technologies. LCOS is reflective technology with liquid crystals applied to a reflective mirror substrate. When the liquid crystals open and close, light reflects from the mirror or gets blocked. This light modulation creates the image.

The question of what is LCOS television can be answered by saying that it uses the same technology. When you look at LCOS vs. LCD, LCOS TV shows higher image resolution than LCD. Unlike LCD where the crystals and electrodes are between the glass plates, LCOS crystals are on the silicon chip surface. The LCOS liquid crystal thickness is just 4- 5 µm. It is said that Sony LCOS TV has liquid crystal thickness as little as 2 µm. Sony LCOS systems are 1080p. Syntax LCOS TV is also popular and one of the major players in LCOS technology. Toshiba’s new LCOS Television panels come with the LCOS 1:1 pixel mapping which is considered near perfect.

LCOS projectors are easier to manufacture compared to LCD displays. Since LCOS chip can take more resolution per chip, any device that uses LCOS technology tends to be smaller in size than LCD. LCOS technology is costlier than LCD and DLP products. Black levels are not handled as well as in LCD or DLP. If you look at plasma versus LCOS, plasma definitely costs lesser. Its main attraction is the choice of screen sizes.

DLP, LCD and LCOS Technology use lamps. The LCOS lamp longevity is about 3000 to 6000 hours depending on number of hours of TV viewing. Replacement lamps cost a few hundred dollars and when you replace the lamp, your LCOS TV is as good as new. Lamp replacement with regular TV viewing will be once in 18 – 24 months.

Many websites carry Canon LCOS projector reviews with the launch of the Canon Realis SX60 model. This TV uses the unique reflective LCOS technology. Because it shows an invisible pixel matrix and shows seamless picture quality, this is a much sought after technology especially for home theater systems.

What is DILA LCOS? DILA or Direct drive Image Light Amplifier is a JVC brand, and has been produced by them for years. Since 2004, they started the HD-ILA rear projection sets. These are more reasonably priced and comparable to that of DLP and LCD sets. Sony LCOS systems are sold under its brand SXRD and are more expensive than JVC’s offering. Hitachi is another major player in the LCOS TV market.