HDTV Buying Guide (Part 1)

Let's start out by explaining the strengths and weaknesses of the four major types of HDTV technology. 

LCD

Pros-LCD prices seem to be ever dropping-Light and thin -Excellent color reproduction-No burn-in-Runs cool-Long-lasting-Work well in bright rooms-No maintenance to keep sharpness-Excellent for computer use- Not affected by altitude

Cons-More expensive then CRT and plasma-Slower refresh rates than plasma-Might not worth the price after 40"-Lowest black compared to all four types-Regular lamp replacement ($$$)-More narrow viewing angle than plasma

Click here to shop for LCDs.

Plasma

Pros-Slim-Widest viewing angle-High quality image in the best cases-Good contrast-Excellent color reproduction-Less expensive than large LCDs or DLPs-Best bet for 40" and up-Best screen refresh rates

Cons-Expensive-Heavy-Picture in bright rooms is wached out-Uses lots of energy to light each pixel-Tends to dim over time-Burn-in is a possibility

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The CRT Rear Projection

Pros-Cheaper than plasma HDTV technology-If set up correctly and placed in the right area they have the best display out of the four types-They produce an excellent black-Lasts longer than plasma-Typically produces the best picture

Cons-Do not work well in bright rooms; picture tends to be washed out-Most cannot display computer signals- Reglar maintenance required-Narrow viewing angle-Softer images then the other four types-Old technology-Bulky, heavy-Smaller screen sizes

DLP Rear Projection

Pros-Good black level-Fast refresh rates-Longer-lasting than plasma and LCD-Smaller than CRT rear projection-No maintenance to keep sharpness -Computer capable-Large screen size

Cons-In some models, use of color wheel causes rainbow effect-More expensive than plasma and LCD-Needs lamp replacement ($$$)-Makes video noise in dark places -Have a habit of breaking down (costly repairs)

Click here to shop for DLP rear-projection HDTVs.