How CRT Rear-Projection TVs Work

Generating Images

One of the more mature rear-projection technologies, CRT is driven by the cathode ray tube. This element, as well as others, makes CRTs large and heavy, but they remain popular because they can deliver a large, wide-screen experience with HDTV capability at a relatively low price.

Creating Pictures

Like its smaller, direct-view cousin, the rear-projection CRT uses cathode ray technology to move an electron beam across a phosphor-coated tube, illuminating the pixels. The resulting image is collected by the lens, which magnifies it and focuses it onto the screen.

Creating Color

To produce color, many models have three small and bright cathode ray tubes for the colors red, green and blue, and each has its own lens to magnify the image. The three red, green and blue images are then focused onto the viewing screen from behind to create the full color picture.