Televisions Buyers Guide
Few people buy a television set that often. The fact that buying a TV is not a regular occurrence can make it difficult to choose the most appropriate model when it comes to replacing, or upgrading, your existing set. There is also a much wider choice of televisions on the market than ever before, so it is wise to examine what you really need from a TV, before you actually commit to purchasing one.
Types of TV
LCD, "Liquid Crystal Display" TVs use the behaviour of tiny liquid crystals to create images. The technology has reduced the size of TVs, so that viewers benefit from smaller, flat screen technology, but still enjoy a clear and sharp image.
Plasma TVs are also flat panel, but are often larger than LCD TVs. Plasma technology has also allowed manufacturers to reduce the size of TV sets; a typical Plasma model can be as little as 3 inches thick and light enough to hang on a wall. A plasma TV creates images via self contained cells, filled with plasma gas.
CRT, or "Cathode Ray Tube" TVs are the traditional sets with which we are all familiar. These TVs are notoriously heavy but are still being manufactured at the moment, albeit in much reduced volumes, as some people still feel that they give better picture quality.
Advantages and Disadvantages of the Different TV Technologies
An LCD TV can be extremely thin and will generally be lighter than a plasma model. Unlike plasma TVs, LCD sets do not suffer from "screen burn", where static images burn themselves into the screen, over a period of time. They generally also use less power than plasma and may allow their internal light sources to be replaced if needed.
On the downside, some LCD TVs come with inherent constraints as to image quality, particularly in terms of contrast and colour, when compared with plasma and CRT sets. It can sometimes be difficult to see the images on an LCD screen from more extreme angles. Larger screen sizes are more difficult and more expensive to produce with LCD technology than with plasma.
Plasma TVs can come in larger screen sizes than LCD models although LCD technology is rapidly catching up. In some cases, plasma may provide better contrast and colour. Many people also think that plasma TVs track motion more smoothly and more effectively than LCD.
However, plasma TVs can suffer from "screen burn" and also operate at higher temperatures than LCD TVs which can cause component failure. Interestingly, it has also been found that they do not work as well as LCD at higher altitudes.
Although now considered old fashioned technology, CRT TVs are still being manufactured. Many people prefer this technology not only because of familiarity but because they feel that they get a better quality of image and colour rendition. Some also feel that they are also more reliable and have a longer life span than newer TV technologies although this is debateable. Inevitably, CRT TVs are becoming less and less available and market demand for them weakens. The technology doesn't support high definition TV (HDTV) and is by its very nature bulky and somewhat cumbersome.
HDTV
HDTV stands for "High Definition Television". This technology is generally considered to be the future of TV viewing. People watching a HDTV set will get a much better quality of picture. Estimates predict that an HD picture could be up to four times sharper than that on a regular TV without HDTV.
Do bear in mind, however, that not all LCD and plasma TVs will be capable of receiving a HDTV signal through a receiver. If this is a requirement then look for a label that says the TV is HDTV compatible. Remember too that some sets being marketed as "HD Ready" do not have full HD capabilities and may use electronic wizardry to emulate full HD, with some degree of compromise in the results. If HD is essential, look for sets labelled "Full HD".
TV Selection Criteria
Brightness is a particular issue, with many LCD TVs requiring lower ambient light levels in the room to be truly effective. If brightness is an issue, you may decide that a plasma screen is a better option. Brightness is measured in Cd/m˛. You should look for the highest measurement that you can afford.
Contrast is expressed in a ratio (e.g. 4000:1). Again, the higher the ratio the better. It is also important to check the viewing angle, as some TVs, particularly LCD, aren't easy to see from wider angles.
It is also worth looking at the response time, which shows how long it takes the TV to switch from black to white and back again. This is measured in milliseconds (ms), and the lower the number here, the better.
Both LCD and plasma technology can suffer from dead pixels where a pixel, or cluster of pixels ceases to respond and remains in one state. Manufacturers may replace the unit if this happens, but the terms and conditions of warranties vary significantly in this regard. Some may require a somewhat noticeable number of pixels to have failed before they will replace the set which can be frustrating as this can adversely impact viewing.
Finally, check out the connections on the TV to make sure that there are enough SCART, RGB and S-video inputs to connect the TV to the rest of your home entertainment system. If the set is HDTV compatible, you will need one or more DVI or HDMI connections to interface with your HD DVD player or satellite TV receiver. Most large screen TVs will also have one, or more, component video inputs for use with DVD players and home cinema systems.
Finally, when choosing a large screen TV, consider if it will be wall mounted, or if you need to purchase a stand at the same time.
TV Technology Futures
The advent of completely digital television, some experts believe, may result in the growth of LCD, over plasma, for small to medium TV sets. Larger sets may well benefit from developments in projection technology, especially where screen sizes in excess of 50 inches are required. Until then, most people will continue to make the choice between LCD and plasma based upon the ambient light levels in their viewing room, the required screen size and their own individual preferences.
|
Vouchers Feed
Compare Prices