What is the rainbow effect in single-chip DLP projectors?

The rainbow effect is a visual artifact unique to single-chip DLP projectors. Because a single-chip DLP uses a spinning color wheel to sequentially create red, green, and blue (rather than processing all three simultaneously like a three-chip DLP), some viewers can perceive brief flashes of separated color, especially during fast eye movements or when viewing high-contrast content. The effect varies between individuals and has been reduced in newer models, but it's one reason three-chip DLP remains the standard for professional rental and staging.

Read more about projectors in our Comprehensive Guide to Projectors article.