HDTV shopping tips

[one...two...tree 2,762]

Bigger isn't necessarily better

Just because you can afford a monster-sized HDTV doesn't mean you should get one. As this CNET article points out, a giant TV will actually look worse if you sit too close, while sitting too far away from a smaller HDTV will make it harder to spot all that razor-sharp detail. So, do yourself a favor—get out the measuring tape and find out how many inches you (or your favorite movie fanatic) will be sitting from that brand-new flat screen. Then check out CNET's handy reference chart to find the screen size that's right for you.

LCD or plasma, that is the question

What's the difference? Well, now that LCD and plasma prices are roughly in the same ballpark (price fixing aside), we're talking subtle (but potentially important) differences in picture quality. LCD displays, for example, tend to look better in brightly lit rooms, and in my experience, they deliver smoother, more film-like images than plasma (whether that's a good thing or bad is a matter of taste). Plasma displays, on the other hand, boast deeper black levels and wider viewing angles than all but the latest (and priciest) LCDs—a big plus, especially when you're watching a darkly lit show like "CSI" (the original, not the golden-hued Miami one). On the downside, plasmas are still somewhat susceptible to burn-in—residual patterns caused by static images like news tickers. The latest models come with circuitry designed to offset this problem, but you should still take some precautions, such as reducing your contrast settings and thinking twice before leaving CNN on all day.

What about rear-projection DLP HDTVs (and projectors, for that matter)?

Need a massive 60-inch HDTV for the rec room? Then rear-projection is the way to go. You can snap up a solid 60-inch model for under $2,000, compared to $3,500 and up (way up) for an equivalent plasma. The drawbacks? No. 1: Viewing angles (see below) on even the best DLP HDTV sets tend to be terrible. No. 2: Watch out for "rainbow" effects: distracting flashes of color caused by the spinning color wheel used in single-chip DLP sets. Rainbow effects are much less noticeable on three-chip DLP systems, although some viewers (myself included) still report seeing the annoying flashes of color, so try before you buy. As far as DLP HDTV projectors go, the really good ones—the models that make you feel like you're in a movie theater—will set you back several grand (my favorites hover in the $9,000-$10,000 range); also, be prepared to invest in black-out curtains, as HD projection images look the best in complete darkness. Oh, and one more thing: good luck finding a projector with a built-in TV tuner.

Check the contrast

Nothing makes an HD image "pop" like deep, dark black levels—and by the same token, weak black levels (tending more toward gray) will make even a razor-sharp picture look dull and washed-out. LCD TVs are particularly prone to iffy black levels, although plasma sets are by no means immune. When you visit a TV showroom, don't be fooled by lush images of multi-colored hot-air balloons floating in deep-blue skies; instead, insist on seeing some darker images, especially anything set at night. Better yet: Bring a DVD of "The Matrix" or "Blade Runner" with you for comparison's sake, and avoid (if possible) showrooms with harsh overhead lighting—do your comparison shopping in a darkened demonstration room instead. And as for all those wild "1,000,000 to 1 contrast ratio!" claims in the brochures? Well, every manufacturers uses its own methods for computing contrast ratios (with a little help from their respective marketing departments), so they're pretty much useless for comparing across brands.

Eye the viewing angle

Most plasma and LCD sets look great when you're watching straight on, but the picture may become washed-out as you move to the side, especially with LCD displays. Some sets (usually the pricier ones, unfortunately) have better viewing angles than others. Make sure to check for yourself (walk all the way over to one side for the shallowest viewing angle possible) before you buy.

1080p or 720p?

Depends on the size of the set. For HDTVs that are 40 inches or smaller, you'll be hard-pressed to see the difference between 1080p or 720p. If we're talking 42 inches or larger and you've got money to spend (lucky you), I'd recommend 1080p—you'll pay more, but you can really see the difference, especially if you're planning on using a Blu-ray player.

120Hz or 60Hz?

Manufacturers are making a big deal about 120Hz refresh rates on their latest HDTVs—twice as fast as on older, cheaper models, and far more effective (or so they say) at reducing motion blur. But is it worth the extra dough? CNET has an interesting column that debates the real-world benefits of 120Hz versus 60Hz, and in the end, the reviewers felt (and I tend to agree) that the differences are pretty subtle, if not impossible to spot. (Oh yeah ... I can already smell the angry comments coming ...) A more dramatic "benefit" of a 120Hz refresh rate is the "motion-smoothing" effect you'll see on pricier HDTVs, which smoothes out the natural judder in film-based material. Personally, I hate "motion smoothing," especially when it comes to movies shot on film; I happen to think that judder (like film grain) is one of the qualities that makes film look like film, not video. But again, it's a matter of taste—if you like it, by all means, live it up (but be prepared to pay up).

HDMI inputs: The more, the merrier

My new Sony Bravia HDTV has three HDMI inputs: two in back, and one on the side (pretty much useless, since I have a speaker sitting right next to it). That means I'm using one HDMI input for my PlayStation 3 and another for my Apple TV ... and just like that, I'm out of HDMI inputs. Luckily, I use component for my DVR and (older-model) Xbox 360—but I'm now out of component inputs, as well. Granted, not everyone needs two gaming consoles and an Apple TV, but with all the cool new video boxes coming out, you don't want to get stuck with too few HDMI inputs. (You could always get an HDMI switcher or an HDMI-switching receiver, but they'll cost you.). I recommend a set with at least three HDMI inputs in back, plus a couple of component inputs. (Not sure what I'm talking about? Click here for help.)

Bargain versus pricey: What are the trade-offs?

You'll find plenty of HDTV sets—plasma and LCD, big and small—that are well under $1,000, but remember, you get what you pay for. Black levels and viewing angles usually suffer the cheaper you go, and you'll probably have to kiss 1080p goodbye. So, priorities? Well, I can tell you this: My first 1080p LCD HDTV was a bargain model, and the resolution was awesome, but the black levels? Awful, and it bugged me every time I looked at it. If I had to do it again, I'd probably sacrifice the 1080p resolution for a better contrast ratio—but again, that's me.

Where should I start?

Full disclosure: I worked at CNET for five years, and Yahoo! Tech and CNET have a content-sharing deal. That said, I happen to think that CNET's TV reviews are among the best in the business—indeed, I've picked my last few sets based on their recommendations, and they haven't steered me wrong yet. Another great source: The legendary HD Guru, one of the nit-pickiest videophiles on the Web. I also recommend the AVS Forum, which is chock-full of tips and advice from its unusually knowledgeable (and opinionated) members.

http://tech.yahoo.com/blogs/patterson/30214

[IAMX 3,055]

The irony is, relating to his assertion of an expensive 42"+ 1080P TV, there's only a couple hundred dollars difference nowadays between a 40" and 46" LCD HDTV. You're looking at a great deal if you go Plasma, as well.

I will say it's 100% true their assertion that, when it comes to on prices on most electronic devices of this nature, you do "get what you pay for". If you want decent working, long lasting electronics, you usually need to dish out the cash. If you buy cheap sh*t, you get cheap sh*t. I greatly agree with more HDMI ports = better. If you can, for the type of medium you use most for your graphics output, use HDMI. The best you'll get with HD component cables (audio/video) is 1080i, and the best you'll get with regular component (audio/video) is not even HD.

What many also overlook is you might want a DVI/VGA port (most come with one or the other, if not both) if your PC is within 15FT of your TV, as LCD TVs set up as a secondary monitor make great for playing PC games on the big screen or watching movies. It is also feasible to go solely the PC route and skip a Blu-Ray set top or PS3.

One thing I did overlook was the refresh rate. I think it's greatly overlooked, and I wish I had thought of it when I bought mine.

And lastly, there is not that much a difference between LCD and Plasma. Viewing angle, contrast -- what matters is the picture quality and what you want. I've seen many recently viable Plasmas.

Edited November 15, 2008 by SRVT

[IAMX 3,055]

LCD or plasma, that is the question

What's the difference? Well, now that LCD and plasma prices are roughly in the same ballpark (price fixing aside)

I will also point out that these people fell for the same thing someone else did in a previous topic (think it was William) -- the article they cite completely misses the "conspiracy" part (which means no price fixing actually HAPPENED) and they act like the prices have already been artificially inflated, when it simply isn't the case. Prices have been plummeting, continue to, and will keep further plummeting as OLED starts showing up in the market.

[one...two...tree 2,762]

And lastly, there is not that much a difference between LCD and Plasma. Viewing angle, contrast -- what matters is the picture quality and what you want. I've seen many recently viable Plasmas.

My colleagues at my work say don't get a Plasma for your bedroom unless you want an extra furnace....it uses up a lot more energy than an LCD and gives off a lot of heat.

[Amby 490]

Steven are you getting a new TV?

[one...two...tree 2,762]

Steven are you getting a new TV?

No. I bought an HDTV last year November.

[Hilarious Clinton 452]

My colleagues at my work say don't get a Plasma for your bedroom unless you want an extra furnace....it uses up a lot more energy than an LCD and gives off a lot of heat.

Yes. Plasma uses about double that of LCDs. A friend has a 5 year old 50 inch plasma ($7000 with a 50% discount from Sony..... things have gotten so cheap now) and it heats his room like a furnace.

[EstebanTrabajos 7]

In my experience, Sony LCD is the shite, the rest are just...well the rest

I'm Tavo and I approve this purchase

[one...two...tree 2,762]

In my experience, Sony LCD is the shite, the rest are just...well the rest

I'm Tavo and I approve this purchase

I bought a Philips 32" LCD that we have in the bedroom and the picture is really great...we're really happy...perfect size and has a wide viewing angle.

[Heracles 417]

I am waiting for the new laser HD TV from Mitsubishi. Waiting for the price to drop a bit.

http://www.laservuetv.com/home.php

HD Guru: Mitsu's LaserVue L65-A90 among the best HDTVs ever tested

http://www.laservuetv.com/pdf/L65A90_specsheet.pdf

Technology

Lasers may become an ideal replacement for the UHP lamps which are currently in use in projection display devices such as rear projection TV and front projectors. Current televisions are capable of displaying only 40% of the color gamut that humans can potentially perceive.In contrast, Laser TV technology will be able to reproduce about 80% of the colors visible to the human eye.

A Laser TV requires lasers in three distinct wavelengths: Red, Green and Blue. While red laser diodes are commercially available, there are no commercially available green and blue laser diodes which can provide the required power at room temperature with an adequate life time. Instead frequency doubling can be used to provide the blue and green wavelengths. Several types of lasers can be used as the frequency doubled sources: fibre lasers, inter cavity doubled lasers, external cavity doubled lasers, eVCSELs and OPSLs (Optically Pumped Semiconductor Lasers). Among the inter cavity doubled lasers VCSELs have shown much promise and potential to be the basis for a mass produced frequency doubled laser.

A VECSEL is a vertical cavity, and is composed of two mirrors. On top of one of them is a diode as the active medium. These lasers combine high overall efficiency with good beam quality. The light from the high power IR-laser diodes is converted into visible light by means of extra-cavity waveguided second harmonic generation. Laser-pulses with about 10 kHz repetition rate and various lengths are sent to a Digital Micromirror Device where each mirror directs the pulse either onto screen or into the dump. Because of the well known wavelengths all coatings can be optimized to reduce reflections and therefore speckle.

Advantages

Laser TV has the ability to produce undiluted, perfect colors allowing precise hue mixing. 90% of the perceptible color gamut can potentially be reproduced. Other improvements that laser bulbs will never blow out, and increased efficiency by using two-thirds less power than traditional rear projection televisions.

The laser technology allows displays with a richer, more vibrant color palette than the conventional plasma, LCD or CRT displays.

* be half the weight and cost of Plasma or LCD displays

* require around 25% of the power required by Plasma or LCD displays

* be very thin like Plasma and LCD displays are today

* have a very wide colour gamut. Twice the color of today's HDTVs.

* have a 50,000 hour life

* maintain full power output for the lifespan of the laser, resulting in a picture that doesn't progressively degrade over time, such as with plasma and LCD technology

Edited November 15, 2008 by Aficionado

[IAMX 3,055]

I think laser will be viable, but OLED will certainly be mainstream in no time. Many things LED here are what is our future.

Edited November 15, 2008 by SRVT

[Hilarious Clinton 452]

I think laser will be viable, but OLED will certainly be mainstream in no time. Many things LED here are what is our future.

True.

Right now IMHO Vizio gives you the best bang for the buck. Plus if you buy any TV at Costco the warranty gets doubled for free.

Slickdeals.net has a great forum with some pretty slick deals out there... plus Black Friday ads.

[IAMX 3,055]

I think laser will be viable, but OLED will certainly be mainstream in no time. Many things LED here are what is our future.

True.

Right now IMHO Vizio gives you the best bang for the buck. Plus if you buy any TV at Costco the warranty gets doubled for free.

Slickdeals.net has a great forum with some pretty slick deals out there... plus Black Friday ads.

Yes this is a very good site.

I'd also recommend Dealsplus:

http://dealspl.us/

This isn't a site you buy things from. It's just a bunch of money-conscientious people finding "sales", "clearances", or "coupons" from retailers/warehouses.

Also, we should have some sort of "liquidation" watch. Speaking of which I have a couple local Circuit City's and Mervyn's to call.

[Heracles 417]

I think laser will be viable, but OLED will certainly be mainstream in no time. Many things LED here are what is our future.

Lasertv vs OLED is the equivalent of blueray vs HD DVD. Laser TV is the blue ray. Once other manufacturers start selling laser TV the prices will beat OLED. The production costs as well as the chance of bad pixels is eliminated in laser tv. The possible future resolution is also limitless.

LCD TV's are quite cheap here because they are generally the crappier models. The average US consumer does not look at quality and is more price conscious. How many people realize that there are various 1080p specs. The American consumer put up with the crappy ATSC instead of PAL for so many years and nobody complained.

Edited November 15, 2008 by Aficionado

[Hilarious Clinton 452]

I think laser will be viable, but OLED will certainly be mainstream in no time. Many things LED here are what is our future.

True.

Right now IMHO Vizio gives you the best bang for the buck. Plus if you buy any TV at Costco the warranty gets doubled for free.

Slickdeals.net has a great forum with some pretty slick deals out there... plus Black Friday ads.

Yes this is a very good site.

I'd also recommend Dealsplus:

http://dealspl.us/

This isn't a site you buy things from. It's just a bunch of money-conscientious people finding "sales", "clearances", or "coupons" from retailers/warehouses.

Also, we should have some sort of "liquidation" watch. Speaking of which I have a couple local Circuit City's and Mervyn's to call.

Sweet. Sign up for buy.com e-mails. They are constantly sending me good deals. Most with free shipping.