The brightness of an optical module is measured in lumens and indicates how much light is emitted from the projection lens when the illumination source is at peak output and displaying a white image (all DLP micromirrors are in the on position). Higher brightness modules project clearer images in bright ambient lighting by creating a greater difference in brightness between the projected content and the background projection surface.

Higher brightness usually involves tradeoffs such as a larger module size and increased power consumption. However, DLP technology's high optical efficiency minimizes these tradeoffs, enabling greater brightness in smaller, more power-efficient optical modules.

Brightness of an optical module varies as the white point (such as the relative mix of red, green, and blue light that creates white light) is adjusted. For the most accurate measure of performance, brightness should be specified with a target white point. For example, D65 (6500 K) is an industry standard.

To learn more about brightness specification and its impact on system tradeoffs, read the DLP Optical Design Guidelines presentation and the Brightness Requirements and Tradeoffs application note.