Buyers Guide to Current TV Options
These days, there is such a range of TV’s available that it can be tricky for all but the tech savvy to know which one will be best for their needs.
Traditionally, all TVs used Cathode Ray Tube (CRT) technology that received an analogue broadcast signal. While these are still available, it must be said that you would be selling yourself short to buy one because current technology takes home entertainment to entirely new levels.
Firstly, CRTs are extremely bulky and heavy compared to the ultra compact flat screens now available. Secondly, it’s important to understand that the new digital TVs allow for tons of extra channels and options, such as recording your favourite shows if you’re not at home.
In addition, the government is aiming to switch off all analogue TV broadcasts in favour of digital by 2012. While this will happen gradually, the bottom line is that non-digital TVs will soon become obsolete.
To make your life easier, the following guide will look into some of the main things to consider when shopping around for a new TV.
Main Types of Modern TVs
The new generation of TVs that replace CRTs are currently available in three main types – Plasma TVs, LCD TVs and HD TV (which can be either Plasma or LCD). Let’s investigate what all of these terms mean:
Plasma TVs
In a nutshell, plasma TVs use a matrix of tiny gas plasma cells to create a beautifully clear picture display. Plasma’s are at present the most popular consumer choice for large flat-panel TVs since they are very thin and can be mounted on a wall just like a painting – some models are as little as three inches thick. Because plasma screens are totally flat, you can view image from a wider angle without losing sharpness, so this is a good option for viewing movi’es with large groups of friends and family.
LCD TVs
LCD TVs use a network of miniature liquid crystals sandwiched between a backlight and a plate of glass – they too produce excellent image clarity. These TVs are also very thin so they take up little room. They come in a range of sizes, many of which deliver higher resolution (sharper display) on images than plasma screens. When it comes to viewing the screen from a wide angle however, it must be said that they lose some clarity compared to plasma TVs.
HD TVs
To set the record straight, LCD and plasma refers to the differing technologies used to display images. Either type can be used in an HD-ready TV. What HD effectively does is take things one step further by affording images that are up to four times sharper. Some people even claim that HD TV is the most notable thing to happen to television since the invention of colour technology.
LCD verses Plasma
Let’s further explore the benefits of LCD and plasma TVs in useful, simple terms:
True Image Films
Both LCD and plasma screens generally come complete with a widescreen aspect ratio. What this amounts to is that you can watch movi’es and DVDs the way they were intended when they were filmed. This contrasts with the way CRT screens box the display to fit their particular screen.
Slimline Sleek
As mentioned above, both LCD and plasma TVs are so thin that you can conveniently hang them on your wall – gone are the days of a bulky CRT taking over your room space.
No Scan Lines
If you look closely at a traditional CRT screen, you’ll notice thin lines. LCD and plasma TVs have advanced display technology so that the images are displayed clearer than ever before, they do not have these lines.
Reflection Resistant
Plasma and LCD TVs deliver a sharper picture with less reflective glare than the old CRT models.
Totally flat screen
The main benefit of flat screens, which both LCD and plasma TVs have, is that you can view them from a wider angle than a traditional TV and you will also notice more uniform brightness across the screen.
Home Cinema
The old telly is gradually reinventing itself as nothing less than a home cinema, but without the ticket prices you once paid. Plasma screens in particular come in very large sizes, plus with HD TV and Dolby surround sound increasingly becoming a standard must-have, you can now enjoy the full cinema experience from the comfort of your own sofa.
Conclusion
Personally, I own a plasma LG TV , and couldn’t be happier with the quality of images it delivers. Everyone has their own individual preferences and needs however – so at the end of the day the right choice for your home will come down to this factor. For example, a small LCD TV would be great to have in the kitchen or bedroom, while a large plasma TV would be ideal for the living room. And if you want true-to-life viewing, you’ll definitely want to go for high definition. It’s always a good idea to read user reviews on different models, as these often give you the balanced perspective that shows you what will be right for your tastes.
About the author: Michael Dehomme is an electronics repair shop owner and LG TV enthusiast.
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