HDTV Buying Guide: Choosing the right kind

posted Sep 28th 2005 10:45AM

Everyone is looking for something different out of a HDTV. Some people crave the best looking picture money can buy and could care less on how big it is. Others want to be immersed into the biggest picture they can squeeze into their living room. Yet, some just want the best of both worlds.

Last week we helped you to figure out the ‘ideal’ size for your living room. We are hoping that you did your homework so you can move onto the next session on our quest in helping you buy your dream HDTV. If not take some time and glance back at the bullets halfway down the post in order to catch up with everyone else.

[More after the jump]

The number produced by that equation is the ideal screen size for the distance away from the set with your picture source in mind. Most people will use a combination of sources so these numbers have some room to move either larger or smaller. The higher quality the source the closer you can sit to the set. Take that number and glance at this simple chart to see which corresponds with your ideal size. After that, scroll down the list to see a description of that type of TV.

Sizes for different types of sets

Type of TV	Available sizes
Tube TVs	26-inch widescreen – 36-inch 4:3
Rear Projection CRT	42-inch – 65-inch
Rear Projection LCD\DLP	42-inch – 72-inch
Plasma	37-inch – 65-inch
LCD	15-inch – 65-inch

But even still, many people have never had an HDTV and do not understand that they can be a different experience then older big screens. Their picture can be so much brighter and vivid that it can overwhelm you and strain your eyes. If that is what you are going for though, GREAT.

There are four major different types of HDTV’s currently on the market. They each have their Pros and Cons and we will do our best to outline them all to you. Note to our readers: If you think there is another aspect important that we overlooked, by all means, drop us a note. Purchasing an HD set is a very personal experience, so we're covering information that applies to the broadest audience.

Rear Projection

There are two different types of rear projection out there. CRT has been made for years and are the types that feature a HUGE cabinet and bad viewing angle. The new kids on the block feature small bezels and a bigger viewing angle but still have the same basic principle in mind.

CRT Projection

Pros
•   Large and inexpensive
•   1080i signal
Cons
•   Poor picture from non digital signals
•   10,000+/- hour life
•   Needs adjusting (convergence)
•   Expensive maintenance
•   Very large cabinet
•   Narrow viewing angle

Examples
High end: Toshiba 65-inch
Entry level: Magnavox 51-inch

LCD/DLP/LCoS Projection
These types of TVs all produce the image in a similar way and for sake of simplicity need to be grouped together. They all have the same pros and cons.

Pros
•   User replaceable lamp
•   Biggest screen and very small bezel
•   Relatively inexpensive for size of picture
•   Great HD picture
•   Large viewing angle
•   720p picture, soon to be 1080p
•   Easy serviceability
•   No glare
•    Good black levels (DLPs)
Cons
•   User must replace a lamp
•   Short lamp life (5,000-7,000 hours)
•   Poor non digital signal
•   O.K. Digital signal
•   Poor black levels (LCD only)

Examples
High End: Sony 70-inch QUALIA 006
Entry level: Sony 42-inch LCD or Samsung 42-inch DLP

Plasma

Do not be afraid of plasma; they are the best selling large TV for a reason. They do not leak gas, nor is burn-in prevalent, and they do not burn out after a couple of years. Great plasma myth site.

Also, keep in mind that ‘ED plasma’ is just a lower resolution set but they still display the same picture. In fact, many people cannot tell the difference between HD and ED from 12 or 13 feet away. They are a great value for some people.

Pros
•   Great color
•   Very Small bezel
•   Can be hung on the wall
•   Very large viewing angle
•   Long life (many 60,000 hours)
•   Prices dropping
•   Good black levels
•   Great picture from DTV, DVDs, and HDTV
•   Good picture from analog
•    720p on HD plasmas and 480p on ED
Cons
•   Possibility of burn-in, highly unlikely though
•   Very Expensive for 60-inches and larger
•   Not as many inputs as rear projection brethren
•   Good amount of glare

Examples
High end: Pioneer Elite 61-inch
Entry level: Sylvania 42-inch ED

LCD Flat Panels

Pros
•   Big range of sizes from 7-inches to 65-inches
•   Long life (60,000+ hours)
•   Very bright
•   High resolution
•   No burn in at all
•   Small viewing
•   Small widescreens available
•    Resolutions can range from 480i on smaller sets to 1080p on high-end models
Cons
•   Black levels are poor
•   Very pricey for 40-inch and large
•   Small viewing angle

Examples
High end: 65-inch Sharp
Entry level: 15-inch Magnavox

The best way to shop for a TV is in a store where you can see them. Make sure you can stand about how far away you will be sitting and have the salesman turn it on to what you will be watching at home. If you do not plan to upgrade to HD, then make sure you are not comparing TVs via the HD signal. We sure hope these guides have been helping you to pick out the HDTV of your dreams. Check back next week so we can lay out the different sources you can receive your picture from. Feel free to ask questions; that's what we are here for.

Previous posts in our HD Beat Buyers Guide series:
Choosing the right size HDTV set