Rear projection TVs were first introduced as simple big-screen TVs. However, they have evolved dramatically in the last few years. These kinds of TVs have devices inside the box that consist of either traditional CRTs or one of several digital micro-display technologies such as LCD panels or DLP chips. Put simply, the rear projection TV is simply a projector in a box.

Like front projectors, these TVs that use new micro-display technology have lamps that burn with use and can be quite costly to replace. Before buying one, you may want to ask first how much replacement lamps cost and how long they are expected to run. This way, you can estimate how much projection TV repair will cost you in the future in case your lamp does conks out.