Signal processing for a Rear-Projection TV using a Digital Micro-Mirror Array

A Rear-Projection TV using a Digital Micro-Mirror Array * has been developed. This paper describes an overview of its digital signal processing design, and introduces signal processing techniques applied to the Rear-Projection TV system. The Digital Micro-Mirror Array is designed for HDTV and has the resolution of 1280x720 pixels. It is required to convert various input signals such as NTSC, HDTV, and PC signals to the resolution of 1280x720 pixels. This paper specifically describes the techniques of converting NTSC(480i) signal and presents outline of Auto-Picture-Level (APL) control and Black-Level -Expansion (BLE) control using image histogram data. APL control and BLE control have been adopted for effective use of limited dynamic range of brightness. These new techniques have realized high quality conversion of 1280x720 pixels from various input formats, and effective picture enhancement that is most suitable for a digital device.