Lumen throughput in front and rear projection systems: color fidelity impact

Single panel front projection systems are shown to have >4X lumen throughput when compared to rear-projection systems. liquid crystal-on-silicon (LCOS) and MEMs projection system are detailed in single and triple panel configurations. The five factors affecting throughput are 1) spectral throughput, 2) color management system 3) panel duty cycle 4) polarization loss and 5) white point calibration. The substantially better lumen throughput of front projection is achieved primarily through sacrifice of color fidelity which is acceptable for data projection, but unlikely acceptable for use in home theater systems.