How to Buy a Flat Panel HDTV (Plasma TV or LCD TV) With Examples
Now that all TV broadcast is digital you have decided to finally treat yourself to a new TV. Well, HDTV that is. However, you are not sure what to get. Terms like contrast ratio, resolution, 1080p, 1080i, 720p and refresh rate are foreign to you. How do you know what is good enough or better than the other?
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Instructions
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Determine the size. If you are planning to put your new HDTV into some entertainment center unit, you will probably have some size restrictions. The quick and rough way of finding out how big the TV can be, is to measure the maximum width of the area you want to place your TV into. If you get 42 inches, than the maximum size TV that will fit is 42 inches in size (diagonally). Make sure you know the precise width of the TV before you buy.
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Determine whether you want plasma or LCD. This is still to this day a highly debatable topic; something like PC versus Mac. There are clear cut advantages and disadvantages for each.
Plasma advantages: color accuracy, contrast ratio, viewing angle, low video lag, plus sizes.
LCD advantages: computer integration, power consumption, playback in bright room, altitude difference, screen burn in.
Longevity and resolution are almost even for both. -
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Assess the need for color accuracy. Plasmas are capable of producing more lifelike colors that LCDs are. So, if you are using the TV for a home theater, definitely go with plasma. If you want to use it in your store to show today's specials or weather, go with LCD.
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Get a contrast ratio you need. High contrast ratio tells us the amount of color difference between light and dark color. The bigger the contrast ratio the better looking colors. So, if you want your TV to be in the hotel lobby showing current rates, you do not need high contrast ratio, thus go with LCD.
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Check out your viewing angle. Viewing angle dictates from how big of an angle off center you can view the image without color distortions. If you will look at the TV straight on or just slightly skewed, go for LCD; but if you have it in the living room being viewed by the entire family from different points in the room, plasma is what you need.
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Decide whether lag is a significant issue. Lag or refresh rate tells you how fast TV's pixels change from one color to another. Fast refresh rate becomes important in watching action movies. You want your image change from light to dark and back very fast. That is why plasmas are better for home movie theaters. However if all you will be doing is watching news, checking weather or playing a few pictures, LCD will do just fine.
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Decide on how big you want your TV. If you want your TV to be more that 60 inches you will not find LCD in that size. You will have to go plasma. However if you want your TV to be less than 40 inches you will have to go LCD.
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Determine the primary connections. If your main purpose in buying a TV is to connect it to your PC, you are much better off with LCD, as the connectivity is a lot smoother and easier. Plasmas will be able to connect to your PC; it is just not as nice and smooth.
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Go with your consciousness. If you are Eco-friendly, or just want to keep your electric bill to a minimum, a plasma TV is not for you. LCD TVs have a much lower power consumption due to way they are constructed.
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Look at your room's lighting. Have you ever walked in the mall looking in the store windows when suddenly you see a reflection in the window of something happening right behind you? Well, that is a similar effect that you get with plasma TVs if they are in bright rooms. So, if you are going to use your TV during day only, you are much better off with LCD TV.
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Determine if you need to worry about screen burn in. What is screen burn in? Whenever your plasma displays one image or part of an image on the screen for too long it might get burned in. What will happen is when an image changes you might see some residual shadows of the old image on the new image. That is why you buy an LCD if you want to use it on the airport for information.
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Decide on a warranty. Which HDTV will last longer? Well, that is anybody's guess. Just as a rule, buy from reputable brand manufacturers and it is always good idea to check out customer reviews for its TVs. Think about an extended warranty, just in case.
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Tips & Warnings
Take your time with selection.
Make sure you get what you want.
Shop around for good price.
References
- Photo Credit Ryan McVay/Photodisc/Getty Images
