I'm thinking to get a HDTV and I saw a CRT HD ready tv that's a lot cheaper. Are they any worse ?

Answer 1

Aside from the bulkiness issue, you might also want to check out the specifications of the CRT TV you're looking at. "HD Ready" simply means that they can process high definition digital signals from over-the-air broadcasts, cable, or other video sources and display them. It does NOT mean, though, that it will display these pictures in their full resolution. I've noticed that a lot of CRT "HD-ready" TV's, just like Plasma "EDTV's", don't have the 720 or 1080 lines of resolution that "real" HDTV's have--rather, they take the 720p/1080i/1080p HD signal and downconvert it to 480p or 480i in order to display it on their lower-resolution screens. It would be unfortunate to buy an "HDTV" and find out (or worse, not realize) that you're not really getting the "HD" part.

In response to incongru below: You're assuming that Chris M lives in the UK. I don't know if what you're saying is correct about HD availability in the UK, but here in the U.S., HD programming is available via cable, digital satellite, and over-the-air (not to mention the real "anorakky" HD-DVD and Blu-Ray players that hit the market this year). With the U.S. determined to switch completely over to digital/HD programming in 2009, jumping the gun by a little bit is going to be more and more acceptable. It's not like buying a Betamax player--HD programming is here, more is definitely coming, and in the forseeable future it'll be the only thing.

And I'm sure HDTV seems confusing, daunting, and unnecessary to someone who hasn't had it, but just like any major technological innovation--the Internet, cell phones, etcetera--once you actually have one and use it regularly you gain a better understanding and appreciation of it. Surfing through HD over-the-air channels is as simple as changing the channel on a regular TV, and there is a substantial difference in picture quality.

Answer 2

Regardless of what you have read here, there is no consumer level CRT television, either direct view or projection that can come close to the resolution of even a 1280x720 fixed pixel display. Neither direct view or projection TVs will resolve individual line of 1080i, and can't even display 720p (horizontal sweep too fast for low-cost CRTs). The horizontal resolution limit for direct view CRT is about 800 lines, while a good projector might manage 1000 lines. Compare this to 1250 lines for a 720p and 1920 lines for a 1080p display, both of which are common in LCD, and DLP sets. Most plasmas have only 1024 horizontal pixels, but even that is better than CRTs. However, if you go to the high end CRT projectors with 9" tubes, they will display the full resolution of 1080i. But those sets cost over $40,000; not what I would consider normal consumer level.

Answer 3

HDTV is very, very cool, but you can get HD TV on an old fashioned CRT Ttube, or LCD, or DLP or Plasma or LcoS....

Putting aside size and shape, the best old fashioned CRT's have the best picture available, better than plasma or DLP or LCD (check for yourself, or any reviews, like at CNET). The are brighter, have better contrast, darker blacks and wider viewing angels. Also, despite what others may say here, they offer full 1080i resolution ( see my source link below)

They just don't make them very big, and they get enormously deep and heavy when they are big (you will rarely see one more than 36"). HD TV's, flat or CRT,need the program to be delivered to it in High Def, or it will still look like regular old fashioned TV.

Answer 4

Are you thinking about subscribing to Sky in th near future? - because that's the only way you will get to see HDTV and it'll probably be confined to the big sporting events

HDTV is just the latest gimmick: Its confusing, and still in the realm of the "anoraks". Personally I wouldn't let it influence me at all, when buying a TV. But if you feel you need it, a CRT will be fine I reckon.

Answer 5

They're not going to manufacture true HD CRT TV's. Not because it can't be done, but because it isn't fashionable and people won't buy them. Computer monitors (CRT) are high resolution and if you imagine transferring the quality of picture on your computer monitor to your TV it would be brilliant. Unfortunately its not going to happen. If you want true HD you'l have to buy LCD or Plasma.

Answer 6

The only downside will be that it is large unlike a LCD TV. but it will have a longer life span that the flat screen TVs. this applies to non HD's too.
so i think as long as you have room for it then go for CRT