What is the best HDTV?

Question

I'm buying XBOX 360 soon and also i want to watch all sports games on a great HDTV. From your expierences, what is the best one out there?

And is there a different between LCD and HDTV. If so, which one should i get?

Answer 1

Hi,

There's a good little overview of HDTVs here - http://www.treblemaker.com/2006/08/consumer-reports-best-tvs.shtml

Answer 2

The best HDTV is one that is 1080p. From your question about the difference between LCD and HDTV I'd take it you are a novice when it comes to this type of decision.

HD refers to the resolution, which is the number of pixels (little dots) on the screen that make up the image. Every screen has a length and a width. In non HD televisions the number of pixels is 704 x 480. If you buy a non HD DVD it will be in this resolution.

Resolutions are usually described by the lower number, which is why people say a DVD is 480. HD means that there are more pixels. What is confusing about this is that there are 2 different resolutions that are all called HD.

Most tvs that you buy now are 1280x 720 or 720p, but for more money you can get ones that are 1920 x 1080 or 1080p. A little multiplication will show you that the L x W of the 1080 resolution is much higher than the 720, and results in a total picture that is much sharper.

Another thing you need to look for is whether the resolution has an "i" or "p". "i" means interlaced, which is NOT what you want. It only shows half the image at a time and then shows the other half quickly, which can result in a flickering effect. The "p" means progressive which means it shows the whole image.

When you get an Xbox and if you get a playstation 3 or any other HD input source you will probably get one that is 1080p, so you want to make sure your tv is 1080p. I know that the Xbox will offer a free download to make it 1080p.

As far as LCD goes, it is the type of technology used in the tv. Many computer monitors now use this technology. What is nice about LCDs and plasmas is that they are extremely thin so you can hang them on your wall like a painting. In my opinion you should get a LCD that is 1080p to use for games. It is most cost effective if you get below about 55 inches.

The other thin option is plasma, which is mainly used for 45+ screen sizes. If you get a really large flat screen this is the only real option, until LCD prices come down. The problem with this is that if you leave an image (such as a channel logo or something static in a game) on the screen too long it can permanently burn into the tv.

If you don't need to hang the tv and have the extra room behind it your best option is to get rear projection or DLP televisions. These don't cost as much as the thin tvs and often times have better features.

If you have a completely dark room another option is a front projector, which is what they use in the movies. This would be the best choice for the best quality. If you go this route make sure the projector is 1080p and 3 chip.

I hope this helps!

Answer 3

First you need to choose Size. and if you want flat panel or a projection tv that has some depth. A flat LCD is a great choice and Samsung Makes some of the best, some people will argue Sony but they are made in the same factory and share about 90 percent of their parts. The 10 percent would be the remote and the case. LCD is also great for playing games. Now If you want to save some coin and have a little space to give up for about 15" of depth then go with a DLP. Thats a rear projection TV. Rear projection will give a great picture and if you go above 50" then you have alot of choices in the 1080p range. IF money is no object then the new Pioneer Plamsa in 1080p in stunning. but for 9 grand it better be. Samsung and Sony also have some LCDs in that price range and they are beautiful too.

FYI I always prefer Plasma for TV Games and Sports but some of the new LCD with Cold Cathode lighting are quite impressive. They still don't seem to process images as good as some standard plasma but they are getting better.

Answer 4

Panasonic Viera LXD60, 32 Inch LCD TV with 2 HDMI inputs and about 5 years of technology Built in!(So You will not need top change it yet!)
It's the Business!

Answer 5

Samsung is a good one to at least check out. What you get for your money, great value!