Types of HDTVs -
LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) -
Pros: LCD televisions, as opposed to Plasma televisions, have a relatively small chance of burn-in. They are usually light-weight enough to hang on the wall. The back-light, with which without no image would be visible, can last for 60,000 hours (under factory controlled conditions). This means it would probably last, depending on the amount used daily, a good 10-15 years or more. There is a good selection of reasonably priced LCD displays that display the highest resolution possible: 1080p. Only a small number of expensive Plasmas can achieve this resolution currently.
Cons: Most - but not all - have problems displaying a prefect black. This can really deter from the experience if you watch movies with alot of darks scenes. Also, as the displayed picture consists of hundreds of thousands of pixels, their may be scenes in which an object moves quickly and the �refresh rate� (more on this later) of the pixels can�t keep up creating a mixture of leftover pixels from the images displayed a moment before.
Generally Good For: Games systems, acting as a PC display
Notes: One thing I want to point it is that LCD, as technologies progress and evolve and the problems are being weeded out, are getting better and better. In my own experience, which I admit is very little, Sharp generally makes the best LCD displays available. Plenty of people on the AVS forums may disagree on brand choice! At any rate, I believe that if you choose the right LCD television that it would cover all the bases beautifully: movies, TV (you may want to read my section below on SD and HD television programming) games, PC and whatever other sources that may apply. If you�re wanting to invest in technology that will be increasingly used in the future, and don�t want to have to deal with buying a set again to make use of these new technologies, I would strongly suggest a 1080p LCD set! They rock!
Plasma -
Pros: Plasma televisions are great at displaying true blacks which can create a nice cinematic experience coupled with a decent sound system. They can be hung on the wall as well.
Cons: Plasma�s - though recent technologies have reduced the risk - have trouble with burn-in. If you leave a static image (like the menu to Guitar Hero) for hours and hours you may come back and there is an image etched into the screen. It may be permanent or temporary depending on the age of the set, the model and brand, and the anti-burn technologies that the particular set utilizes.
Generally Good For: Movies, TV
Notes: I like the Plasma televisions, don�t get me wrong, but the possible issue of burn-in and the fact that most sets only output at a maximum resolution of 1080i really is a downer for me. I�m also not quite as fond of the picture quality. It doesn�t seem to give me quite the visual �pop!� that I�m looking for. Also I notice its a bit �whispy�. Let me make it clear though that I am not as knowledgeable when it comes to Plasma�s as I am to LCDs.
Quick Note On DLP Projection Televisions -
DLP Projection technology is quite new. It consists of tons of mirrors that somehow project the picture onto the screen. Though it looks quite nice, can go as high as 1080p, and is somewhat inexpensive, I would not suggest it. Though the color and picture are smooth and pleasing to look at, it doesn�t quite feel �organic� enough to me and, above all, you have to replace the bulb once it goes bad which at this point can cost a pretty penny.
What To Look For In A HDTV - Part 1 - The Ins
Refresh Rate- The faster the �refresh� rate on an HDTV the smoother and less pixelated the action on the screen tends to be. I would suggest a refresh rate of no less than 8ms (milliseconds) - preferably 4ms.
Frames Per Second Capability- Most sets today are 60 hertz. This means that it can display 60 frames per second. Although it is hardly ever noticeable, this means that films - which are shot in 24 frames per second and can not be divided intoy 60 - have to be converted using an algorithm to the native speed of that particular 60hz set. It may be like this: the first frame is repeated twice, the second frame is repeated 3 times, the third frame is repeated twice, etc, etc... (I�m sure I�m not getting the algorithm right - it�s just an example to give the general idea)
Sets that are 120 hertz, which is a pretty new thing, fixes the 24 frame per second problem as 14 can be divided into 120. The result is each frame is repeated 5 times for a slightly cleaner, smoother picture.
Native Resolution- When you buy a HDTV it has a native resolution - a main, or primary, resolution. Though most sets out there today that are 720p natively can display a 1080i output, it does by converting the 1080i picture into the set�s native resolution. In this case, just because it is converted to 720p does not mean that it won�t look any different. This is because the source is outputting video in 1080i, not in 720p. A great many of the HDTVs available for sale are 720p, though they are (thankfully) starting to be replaced by 1080p sets. I admit it is a bit confusing, but just keep in mind the native resolution, whether the source resolution changes the picture in a positive or negative way, is what you ultimately are viewing.
This is truthfully an area that is a bit murky for me, but I believe you find some basic truth here. If I�m off my rocker, please let me know.
What To Look For In A HDTV - Part 2 - The Outs
HDMI Input-
HDMI, or High Definition Media Interface, is a relatively new cable. It�s used for transferring high definition video and sound from components capable of high definition output. (i.e., HD-DVD players, Playstation 3 game system or an upconverting DVD player) It can transfer a 1080p picture if the video component outputs in that resolution and the HDTV is native 1080p.
Component Input-
Component input has been around awhile, but is still a great way of getting high definition video and sound. It consists of six cables, each transferring different visual and aural information to make a whole. It can provide up to 1080p if the set accepts that resolution through component. (some 1080p sets do not)
Composite Input-
Composite is not a very good way of connecting video sources, but it should still be decent - at least for some things. Composite cables consist of the cables: yellow is for video, red is for right speaker, white is for left speaker. Pretty basic and everyone has seen and used them.
S-Video Input-
I�ve never used S-Video (Super Video), but I believe it can show quite a pretty picture. Not as good as HDMI, but around the quality of component.
DVI Input-
DVI, or Digital Video Interface, inputs are great for when you want to use your new HDTV as a computer monitor. Some sets can go as high as 1080p through DVI, which is great when you simply must update your blog via a 52� screen. (if you don�t have a DVI input, you can buy a HDMI-to-DVI converter at the store)
Digital Audio Out-
I believe this is used for connecting to your surround system.
Analog Audio Out-
This is used to connect to a sound system via a normal right/left analog RCA audio cable.
Antenna-
Depending on your set, there may, or may not be two antenna inputs - one for standard (using an internal or external NTSC tuner) and one for high definition (using an internal or external ATSC tuner) for receiving over-the-air, local television stations. I would strongly suggest buying a HD antenna and hooking it up to the ATSC tuner to receive HD stations. Many stations have already converted in response to the 2009 deadline.
CableCard Slot-
A few sets have a slot that can accept normal cable transmissions without a cable box. You will have to judge yourself whether you think this a valuable feature. Personally, I don�t think it should factor in the decision as it seems to be a bit of a gimmick and may be on the way out. Also, I don�t know if it would work with HD cable. That probably requires a HD cable box.
The Differences Between Today�s Resolutions -
480i-
This is the resolution used by normal, analog, NTSC television broadcasts. Depending on the set you purchase this resolution either looks pretty decent, or absolutely terrible. I believe Olveia makes a few good sets for standard definition viewing, but I wouldn�t make how 480i looks on your HDTV a very important factor in your decision. It will gone by 2009 anyway, when all television stations will have to switch to digital or face being reprimanded by the FCC.
480p-
480p resolution is not much better than 480i - likely the only difference is it is a bit smoother.
720p-
This resolution if the first to be called �high definition�. If your set is not at least natively 720p, it�s not a High Definition Television. This resolution can show, depending on the quality of the source and the particular set, brilliant colors and crisp sound.
1080i-
1080i is the same as 1080p, showing all 1920-by-1080 lines of resolution. The only difference is that is interlaced. The resolution 1080i can look wonderful and is generally thought of as around as good, or better than 720p.
(How interlacing effects the picture discussed momentarily)
1080p-
1080 progressive scan is the king of resolutions and displays all 1920-by-1080 lines of information available from the video source! With a good 1080p set, it can look absolutely stunning. Almost as if looking through a window. 1080p rocks!
�To be Interlaced, or not to be Interlaced but Progressive Scan instead, that is the question!�
When a signal is interlaced it alternates between flashing the picture on the screen vertically then horizontally, back and forth to make a clean picture. Each flash consists of ultimately half of the picture, but as each frame must be seen as a whole image, the flashes are repeated so quickly that it is difficult to notice. The main problem with interlacing is that it can�t handle movement well and you often see a streak when something moves quickly across the screen. Progressive scan, on the other hand, displays the whole picture each time it flashes the picture onto the screen. It flashes vertically and horizontally at the same time making a smooth picture that handles action well without that streaking that interlacing creates. As 1080p picture is the future of television I would suggest you make sure keep that in mind when you buy your set.
Reputable Brands That I Suggest Looking Into -
LCD-
Sony:
Pros: natural colors and clean picture
Cons: some models have clouding problems
Sharp
Pros: cinematic, �serious� colors and fluid motion handling
Cons: some models have banding problems
Samsung:
Pros: bright, colorful and lively picture; very popular
Cons: some models have overscan problems and the screen is almost unnaturally bright
Olevia:
Pros: some sets have good picture quality on both HD and SD sources
Cons: better models are VERY heavy and expensive; many don�t include ATSC tuner; SD sources are on the outs anyway
Toshiba:
Pros: natural colors that really impress; crisp and clear
Cons: It may not be quite as detail oriented as some other brands (keep in mind this is somewhat of a guess)
Plasma-
Panasonic:
Pros: cinematic, �comfortable� picture; great black levels; other than the issue of burn-in, pretty good all around
Cons: burn-in on video games or still screens; a hard to notice whispy, ghost like trail follows the movement onscreen
Aspect Ratios-
Most HDTVs are physically made to a 16:9 aspect ratio. This means that if you watch a movie in 16:9, or Anamorphic Widescreen, on a set that is 16:9, the image would fill the whole screen. Some movies are shot in Letterbox Widescreen, which means that on a 16:9 set you would see a bar on the bottom and top of the screen. You�re still seeing the whole picture, just with bars. When watching shows or movies in Fullscreen, or 4:3, you can either stretch the image across the screen or, with some sets, put bars on the right and left side to maintain the original aspect ratio of the material. Before using this mode for periods of over two hours, please consult your manual as it seems some sets, even LCDs, may have some image burn-in if you use this feature too long. For example, Samsung instructs not to use their LCDs in 4:3 for more than 2 hours.
C
hoosing The Size Of Your HDTV-
Because HDTVs are now almost universally windscreen, the size of normal 4:3 television will be smaller because the widescreen�s height is, in relation to its width, smaller than the square box of old tube standard TVs of the same size. A great site for comparing different sizes of HDTVs is DisplayWars.com. There you can compare that bulky, square TV you have now to the widescreen HDTV you have mind. Keep in mind that since a widescreen TV better represents how a human sees, it will look smaller than the square that your used to looking at.
Don�t Let Your HDTV Get You Down (Literally!)-
Remember the days when big screen TVs weighed more than you? Luckily those days are over. Today�s TVs are remarkably light in and thin in relation to their size, and are so light that you can purchase wallmounts that are made to carry 60+ inch televisions. (mind you should be quite sure that the wall is sturdy enough to handle it beforehand) For example: Sony�s 70 inch 1080p XBR Rear Projection HDTV weighs only 162lbs!
Just In Case: A Few Reasons to Return Your Set For Exchange -
Overscan -
Overscan is when a television takes the images from the source, computes the location where the image will appear on the screen, and ends up cutting a bit off all the sides of the picture. This is quite annoying and TVs shouldn�t do this by now, but some do - Samsung is known for their overscan issues.
Clouding -
Clouding is when you turn off the lights, put a dark movie on and notice white �clouds� on certain parts of the television when it�s supposed to be pure black. If you buy a TV with clouding issues I would not wait to exchange. Clouding is a flaw with that set, and hopefully the replacement wouldn�t have it, but if it still does you may want to consider another model. Sony are famous for their clouding in their Bravia series, as many people have had to exchange. Hopefully this will be resolved in their later models.
Banding -
Banding is when you have a dark screen or certain types of movement and you notice one or more vertical and/or horizontal bands that disrupt the image. Some minor banding may not be a big deal and you may hardly notice it, but for others it drives them crazy. Sharp is known for their banding problems on their 1080p sets.
High Definition Video Components -
HD-DVD-
HD-DVD, or High Definition Digital Video Disc, is a relatively new format. It has gained popularity for its clear, crisp picture and high fidelity sound. As of now, the only company to make HD-DVD players are Toshiba and LG. Though I would suggest avoiding LG because their universal Blu Ray/HD-DVD combo player does not fulfill the potential of the HD-DVD format. I would Toshiba�s player, as they truly utilize the potentials - as of this point - of HD-DVD. A few models I would keep in mind are the HD-A2, which outputs in only 1080i, and the HD-XA2, which outputs in full 1920-by-1080 (1080p) picture.
Some of the companies that support HD-DVD include New Line Cinema, Paramount Pictures, Universal Pictures, Warner Brothers, and HBO.
Blu Ray-
Blu Ray is much like HD-DVD in that it can show high definition video and sound up to 1080p. It can hold more data than an HD-DVD, is protected by a thicker coating of plastic, cost more money to produce, and may in some cases use different transfer techniques, but both formats are exemplary. One hardware suggestion is the Playstation 3. It is a great Blu Ray player.
Some of the companies that support Blu Ray include Sony, Twentieth Century Fox, Walt Disney, and Warner Bros.
Quick Comment-
No one knows for sure which side will win, so If you decide to delve into the world of true high definition video I would suggest going in with an understanding that there is a possibility that your choice(s) may lose out or be replaced by a third technology altogether.
Upconverting DVD players-
Upconverting DVD players are great for those who don�t want to upgrade to HD-DVD or Blu Ray, (many high definintion players upconvert DVDs) but still want to increase the quality of their picture on their collection of DVDs. Oppo is most highly regarded for their relatively inexpensive DVD upconverters. Keep in mind that it won�t, no matter what is done to increase the quality of the image, be as good as a high definition disc.
Keep These �Must Have� Accessories In Mind-
HD Antenna-
Terk is a well reviewed manufacturer of HD antennas. They seem to cost between $25 and $45.
Wallmount-
Peerless is a pretty well reviewed (make sure to check the model) manufacturer of wall mounts. They seem to cost as low as $25 and as high as above the $100 mark.
HDMI cable-
HDMI cables are the preference for high definition video and sound nowadays. If you have a TV with HDMI inputs and video components with HDMI output capability, go for it! One word of caution: retailers LOVE to jack the prices of HDMI cables up way high... I�ve heard of them going as high as $60 or more. Do me a favor and get it online where you can pay as low as 2 dollars plus shipping costs. Crazy, eh?
HDMI Switcher-
These are great for when you have a TV with only one HDMI input. You can plug in all your HDMI sources into the switcher and switch between different video and game components as you please. These are relatively inexpensive.
Component Switcher-
This is in the exact same vein as the HDMI switcher. You can use these if you need more component inputs but are not willing to buy a new television to get it! These are relatively inexpensive as well.
Surge Protecter-
These are something to keep in mind if you want to protect your investment. These run anywhere from $25 to over $100.
Dealing With Those Sales Representatives-
First of all be polite and courteous. Yes, their goal may be to sell a product to you but they can be quite helpful and most will sincerely want you to get something your pleased with. Don�t be afraid to ask questions, though I would suggest doing as much research as you can yourself - I would suggest joining the AVS Forum community and asking questions there first - before journeying out to your local electronics store, as sales representatives sometimes give, for one reason or another, inaccurate or exaggerated information. If you really want the best deal and best television, be prepared to visit one or more stores multiple times.
�What About Online Retailers?�-
I�m a big fan of online retailers like Amazon.com which offer deals that are frequently hundreds less than brig-and-mortar stores. But before purchasing online I would suggest making sure the site is reputable, so you don�t check your account and find someone has been using your credit card. Just as important, I would find and read their return policy, their store warranty, and the manufacturers warranty. (if any) Returning sets if defective may be a bit tougher than packing it your van and getting a replacement the same day, but the difference in price can be quite worth the effort.
A Final Thought And A Suggestion -
Buying an HDTV can be a fun but stressful experience. Hopefully you were able to find at least a few helpful points in this guide. If you did, I accomplished my goal!
One last important note: DO NOT BUY AN EDTV. (enhanced definition television) They are not truly high definition and can only display a maximum resolution of 480p. (bit of a rip-off if you ask me!) Make sure the resolution is at least 720p.
Please let me know if I you have suggestions, corrections, or comments for me by e-mailing me at [email protected]