what kind of tv if the best? plasma? lcd?projection?

Question

im looking to buy a tv on black fri and wanted to know whats the best kind of tv to buy?

Answer 1

I actually just did about two weeks of research on this very subject. My husband and I just bought a house and are looking to furnish it with our very first "giant" TV and home theater system. Ah, the benefits of truck driving. But I digress.

Here's the skinny that I found in my research, most of this info is available if you subscribe to consumer reports:

PLASMA:

looks outstanding, very good viewing angle (meaning you can still see the TV from the side, good if you have a large room with lots of furniture or if you want to be able to see the TV from the kitchen and whatnot). However, the brightness of the plasma dims over time, a definite negative. Also, if you play a lot of video games, plasma TVs have a tendency to leave a ghost image if fixed items stay on the screen for a long time.
You'll spend about 3000 bucks on a 50 inch plasma.

LCD:

New technology. No risk of burn in or ghost images like plasma TVs. As the size of the LCD screen goes, so does the price, dramatically. If you watch a lot sports or action movies (meaning things with fast action and fast moving objects) LCD with slightly blur the fast images, which can be a little annoying. They are the least repair prone of all the big screen TVs.
You'll spend about 3500 bucks for a 40 inch LCD.

PROJECTION:

The days of true rear projection are almost over. (the little box that sits at your feet and projects the image onto a wall) Consumer reports does not recommend buying any rear projection TVs and they have the highest repair rates of any big screen TV.

As for the newer rear projection, those that just look like a big, boxy TV, they are coming back. With most you have an issue with viewing angle, and most models have a problem with the "rainbow effect," meaning each object on the screen is highlighted with a tiny rainbow line. However, if you get one with the new "rainbow wheel" technology, this problem is negated. There is no risk of burn in images or blurring in the newer rear projection TVs.
You'll pay about 4000 for a 56 inch rear projection with the new technology, by far the best deal.

With any TV you chose, make sure it has the new "1080p" technology, meaning 1920x1080 pixels. This is soon to be a market standard.

My husband and I are probably going to chose a large rear projection. Hope this helped!!

Answer 2

Plasmas are a touch fickle technologies if not taken care of with up maximum care. i could for my area keep away from determining to purchase a used one, fantastically once you may get them for as a result affordable sort new. Panasonic is actual one in all the main suitable plasmas available and between the few companies nonetheless helping plasma TVs. I owned a Panasonic Plasma earlier LCDs took over. i ended up giving it to my mom once I upgraded. She nonetheless has it to in the present day and nonetheless loves it. It does nonetheless have an fantastic photograph.

Answer 3

I did my research too and shopped around troo. I went with the 62 inch rear projection , ( DLP), Toshiba and the price without sale was 2800.00 I got it on sale for 1900. at Best Buy. It is rated the best by consumer reports! it also had superb sound quality and this TV blows us away! it is so intense that when we was watching football and when the ball was thrown, our cat actually jumped up and tried to grab it! I am not kidding! This makes things look like 3 d and like things are coming right at you. I never expierenced anything like it. I copyied this part for you. Toshiba 62" 1080p Rear-Projection DLP HDTV

Model: 62HM196

Access your home network right from your living room with this DLP HDTV that features a THINC Ethernet connection. Easily access your digital media collection and enjoy your favorite movies and digital photos from the comfort of your couch.
Learn more about Microdisplay technology
Learn more about how DLP technology optimizes the HDTV experience. (Flash demo)

Digital Cable Ready/Built-In HDTV Tuner: Add CableCARD™ to receive one-way digital cable content, or HD-capable antenna to receive over-the-air high-definition broadcasts, where available. Optional set-top box required for high-definition satellite programming.


CableCARD slot allows optional access to analog, digital and premium cable and HDTV without the need for a set-top box (Contact your local cable company for more information)

1080p display provides the highest quality progressive-scan picture possible from a high-definition source
More Options

Product Features

16:9 widescreen aspect ratio delivers a cinema-style entertainment experience

TALEN XHD 1080p DLP Engine for an enhanced DLP picture

XtremeBLAC for crisp black color tones with incredible detail

Radiance 150 Hi-Bright Lamp with Quick Restart for increased brightness without sacrificing contrast

PixelPure Hi-Bit Digital Video Processing uses 12-bit picture processing to create 4096 steps of gradation for improvements in real-speed progressive scanning, video noise reduction, sharpness and gamma control

3D Y/C digital comb filter delivers state-of-the-art detail and color enhancement

Other image enhancement technologies include digital noise reduction, MPEG NR, dynamic contrast, vertical edge enhancer, 3D-color management, color temperature control and 5 selectable picture modes

30W bottom-mounted speaker system with floating bezel cabinetry

StableSound prevents volume fluctuations and is ideal for night viewing; SRS WOW (3D, Tru-bass, Focus) improves audio performance and SRS TruSurround delivers a virtual surround sound experience

HDMI inputs provide an uncompressed all-digital audio/video link for the highest-quality connection and support copy-protected HD broadcast content

PC video input lets you connect your computer to experience high-resolution images

THINC Ethernet connection (RJ-45) allows you to access your home network using the TV remote

Inputs: 2 RF, 2 A/V composite, 2 S-video, 2 ColorStream HD component video, 2 HDMI, 1 PC, 1 PC audio

Outputs: 1 video, 1 variable audio, 1 optical digital audio

V-Chip parental controls keep children from being exposed to undesirable material Customize the Ratings chart.
Click for more information.

Brand and model
The designation for the item we tested. Untested models that are similar, and should perform comparably, are listed in small type under the tested model. When included, brackets indicate the color code of the model we tested; similar models appear with empty brackets since more than one color may be available. Note that additional letters or numbers may be appended for a particular sample of the model to signify year manufactured, or other such information.
Results based mainly on evaluations performed in our testing labs. For information on specific attributes and tests, click on the icon below the column title.

Test results Features
Important attributes that might affect your buying decision. For information on specific features, click on the icon below the column title. Additional features may be included on the individual model pages; click on the model's name to reach its page.


Features
Small type: similar model(s)
CR Best Buy indicates an exceptional value. Overall score
This is based primarily on picture quality, sound quality, and ease of use. excellent

HD picture quality excellent
A trained viewing panel's evaluation of the TV's picture clarity and color accuracy, using known references, when displaying a 1080i HD signal. The picture's quality rating is determined by how well it displays all the attributes of an HD signal including the fine details you would expect from HD. All signals were sent through the component-video input, which can be used to connect a HD DVD player, digital-cable box, satellite receiver, or off-air digital receiver/tuner to the TV.


DVD picture quality excellent
A trained viewing panel's evaluation of the TV's picture clarity and color accuracy, using known references, when displaying a 480p signal, such as the output from a progressive-scan DVD player. The picture's quality rating is determined by how well it displays all the attributes of a 480p signal including the higher-quality image you would expect from a 480p signal compared to a SD 480i signal. All signals were sent through the component-video input, which can be used to connect a DVD player/recorder, digital-cable box, satellite receiver, or off-air digital receiver/tuner to the TV.

SD picture quality excellentIndicates how a TV displays "regular," non-HD TV programming. This picture quality score is based on a standard-definition (SD) TV signal, known as 480i, sent through the TV's component-video inputs, except where indicated. The SD images are evaluated by trained panelists, using known references. Common sources of this standard-definition signal are digital cable boxes, satellite boxes and non-progressive-scan DVD players.

Sound quality excellent
This is measured from the set's built-in speakers using computer-driven test equipment. You can get better stereo sound if you bypass the built-in speakers and route the TV's sound to a receiver and external speakers. With a multichannel sound system, you can get the enveloping experience of surround sound from digital broadcasts and also DVD movies.

Remote ease of use very good
Assessment of the usability of the TV's remote control, considering button layout, labeling, and practical features.

On-screen menu ease of use very good
Assessment of the usability of the TV's on-screen menu, considering its interaction with the remote, menu layout, and practical features.

Screen size (62in.)
The size of the television's screen, measured diagonally in inches. In general, the larger the screen size, the farther away you need to sit for optimal picture quality. With HD sets, sit at least 4 feet from a 37-inch or smaller set, 5 to 9 feet from larger screens. With standard-definition models, you need a little more distance because the detail isn't as fine.
Native resolution
Applies to "fixed-pixel" display types such as LCD, DLP, plasma, and LCoS. It's expressed in horizontal by vertical pixels (for the picture elements making up a displayed image). Incoming signals of higher or lower resolution must be down- or up-converted as necessary to match the set's native resolution.

ATSC digital tuner
Advanced Television Systems Committee, an international, non-profit organization developing voluntary standards for digital television. In the United States, digital off-air tuners such as those in HDTVs receive content transmitted in ATSC formats. These formats include 480p, 720p and 1080i. An ATSC tuner refers to one capable of accepting HD (720p or 1080i) and 480p signals.

QAM digital tuner
This tuner can receive some digital cable broadcasts, which may include high-definition widescreen images and multichannel sound. A QAM channel can be either unencrypted (in the clear) or encrypted (scrambled). Encryption allows the service provider to define and control the subscription levels (conditional access). With unencrypted channels, you need no other equipment to view the broadcast. With encrypted channels (typically premium channels such as HBO), you need either an external cable box or, with a CableCard-ready TV, a CableCard from your service provider. QAM refers to Quadrature Amplitude Modulation, a way of encoding a digital signal that differs from that used for digital off-air (ATSC) broadcasts.

CableCard-ready
Also known as "DCR" (digital-cable-ready). When used with a CableCard, these TVs can receive the encrypted cable channels (to the level permitted by your subscription package). You would get a CableCard from the provider. Note that the first-generation CableCard-ready TVs are one-way. They can receive signals but can't communicate back to the provider, so they can't be used for interactive services like subscribe-on-demand. Second-generation CableCard TVs are expected in 2007, maybe sooner.

Component-video inputs
Component-video inputs use three separate jacks that separate the video signal into three parts: two for color and one for luminance. This provides slightly better quality than an S-video connection, most evident in color fidelity. They can be used only with a DVD player, digital-cable box, or other equipment that has component-video output.

HDMI inputs
A relatively new form of digital audio/video input in some high-definition TVs, it matches a corresponding output in some DVD players and digital TV tuners. Like DVI, it potentially allows content providers to control your ability to record the content. Unlike DVI, HDMI carries audio and video signals on the same cable.

DVI inputs
Digital Visual Interface, a relatively new form of digital video input in some high-definition TVs; it matches a corresponding output in some DVD players and digital TV tuners. Like HDMI (See "HDMI"), it potentially allows content providers to control your ability to record the content. Unlike HDMI, DVI requires a separate audio cable to carry the audio signal.
The width of a TV, in inches. For flat-panel LCD and plasma sets, this includes the detachable speakers, important if you plan to place the TV on a stand or in an entertainment center. See "Panel size without base" if you plan to wall-mount only the display. For rear-projection TVs, the width includes the stand only when it is part of the set.

Overall depth (in.)
The depth of a TV, in inches. For flat-panel LCD and plasma sets, this includes the base and detachable speakers, important if you plan to place the TV on a stand or in an entertainment center. See "Panel size without base" if you plan to wall-mount only the display. For rear-projection TVs, the depth includes the stand only when it is part of the set. Also allow extra room for cables to connect to the back of the TV.


MICRODISPLAY SETS Resoulition 1920x1080
Toshiba 62HM196 $2800 78. 62 in. 1920x1080 • • • 2 2 0 39 H. 57W. 19 D.
Toshiba 56HMX96 $2500 74. 56in. 1280x720 • • • 2 2 0 34 52.5 18.5
Toshiba 56HM66 $1900 73. 56 1280x720 • • • 2 2 0 34 52.5 18.5
Samsung HL-S5687W $2600 71. 56 1920x1080 • 2 2 0 36 51 16.5
Samsung HL-S5087W $2000 70. 50 1920x1080 • 2 2 0 32.5 45.5 16
Samsung HL-S5679W $4000 68. 56 1920x1080 • • • 2 2 0 38 52.5 15.5
JVC HD-56G787 $3500 63. 56 1280x720 • • 2 2 0 38 52 17.5
Mitsubishi WD-57731 $2600 63. 57 1920x1080 • • • 2 2 1 36.5 51.5 18
Samsung HL-S5686W $2000 61. 56 1280x720 • 2 2 0 35.5 51 16.5
Sony Grand Wega KDF-55E2000 $2000 59. 55 1280x720 • • 2 2 0 36 51.5 17.5
Sony Grand Wega KDF-50E2000 $1800 57. 50 1280x720 • • 2 2 0 32.5 47 16.5
Panasonic PT-56LCX66 $2300 54. 56 1280x720 • • 2 1 0 36.5 52 17.5
Hitachi Ultravision 55VS69 $2600 52. 55 1280x720 • • • 2 1 0 34.5 51 18
CRT-BASED SETS
Hitachi 57F59 $1200 42. 57 NA • 2 1 0 54.5 54 23.5


Other convenient features include TV Guide On Screen, closed caption, screen freeze, on/off/GameTimer, sleep timer, panel lock, dual window picture-in-picture, channel return, auto search memory, trilingual (English, French, Spanish) menu options

4-item universal glow remote ( this is from me, make sure you sit at least 20 feet or more from it. It is for a large room. Toshiba has a sister but in a smaller version, I think it is a 56 inch. and has more options. I will say I saw a mitsubitishi that was superb as well! Go to best buy. Circuit city has allot. Sign up with consumer reports and you can gcheck these things out on loine and save yourself allot of headaches!Good Luck!!!! We also purchased the LG home theatre system, didn't need it but it makes it even better!!!! Just like any system, allot of adjusting to do, have the pros set it up and thngs will be better. There is a classy glass talbe stand there at Best Buy too for 329.00 it is 63.in wide and 22 in deep. perfect, and it weighs only 90 lbs.