I need advice about a TV---I'm so confused?

Question

My husband and I are looking to buy a big screen TV. However, we are both lost when it comes to all the TV talk. HDTV, DLP,LCD, Projection, and Plasma. I will be connecting my new tv to regular cable not digital. How will this effect the picture quality--and which would give me the best picture with a regular non digital cable? Any other helpful information will be greatly appreciated---thank you so much to all who reply!!!! :)

Answer 1

If you're going to buy a big screen, I would highly recommend switching to HD service with your cable provider. When you blow up a standard def signal to a big screen, it just does not look good. A SD picture viewed on a traditional 32" CRT TV looks a lot better than that same picture viewed on my 57" DLP. It's the same effect when you have a low resolution picture from like a cell phone camera that you try and blow up--it just magnifies the imperfections.

Each of the types of TV's have their own pros and cons. It just depends on what you prefer.

LCD: Provides a sharper image than plasma. No risk of burn in. Comes in a variety of sizes and are relatively inexpensive at the smaller sizes, but get pricey when you go large. LCD's do not do a good job at reproducing a true black and have lower contrast ratios. They also have a much more limited viewing angle compared to the others (i.e. picture doesn't look as good when you're viewing it from the side as opposed to directly perpendicular). There can also be a slight "ghosting" problem with fast moving images (newer models handle this a lot better)

Plasma: Very good black reproduction and contrast ratio. Heavier and more expensive to repair than LCD's. I've also heard that they only last a set amount of years before they stop working and need to be repaired (but I don't know too much about that and it may be wrong). There is a slight risk of screen burn-in (newer models handle this a lot better)

Projection: This I know the least about, since I wasn't interested. Usually required a dark room for best viewing quality. Replacement lamps can also be expensive.

DLP: This is the route I went because it combined a lot of the benefits of both LCD and plasma for a good price (LCD's and plasmas for the size I was looking at were significantly more expensive). DLP has very good black reproduction/contrast ratio and detailed pictures, with no burn-in, ghosting, or viewing angle issues. The downside to DLP is that they are not flat panel tv's, so you can't mount them on your wall, and you have to replace the projector bulb every few years (~$250 each).

Good luck with your decision. As I said, I'd really recommend upgrading to HD. You don't want to spend all this money and see the SD picture and be disappointed. Keep in mind what you want hooked up to the TV (DVD players, video games, etc) and make sure you have enough inputs. HDMI is the best input, but for most folks in the real world, there isn't a huge amount of difference between that and component.

Answer 2

Standard TV's are ok, but if you want a pig picture they are HEAVY. So they are unpopular.

LCD and Plasma have been battling out the "thin & light" market. LCD seems to be winning- plasma tends to be Huge, and cost a shirtload.
Early LCD had a problem with fast-changing pictures, they left a "ghost" image behind. The latest LCD's don't have this problem.

Projectors give a massive picture, but they need a dim or dark room. Just like a slide projector. IF you have the space (I do) then you can set up a truly "theatre" experience. If not, forget it.
The 2 types of projectors are LCD (again) and DLP. Some people complain that the DLP gives them headaches, because they can see a strobing effect.

A compromise is a rear projection system. These can be just as big and heavy as an old "tube" TV, so I wouldn't recommend it.

- - - FINALLY - - -
TV signals are changing. Over the next few years, they are going digital. The standard are- digital TV, and High Definition (HDTV).

At the risk of being branded a heretic, I would say ignore HDTV unless you get REALLY Big TV (like my projector). The smaller the screen, and the further back you sit, the less difference there is. The kicker being that you are hooking it up to "regular cable".

So in summary- for you, I'd suggest LCD TV. Don't bother with HDTV, just get the biggest size you can afford. If my talk of "ghosting" has you worried, ask about the Response time- this is how fast the LCD reacts to changing pictures. 8ms or less is great, 15ms or higher is bad.

Hope that helps...

Answer 3

After weeks of research, I went with a Sony 42" Projection LCD Grand Wega.HDTV. The truth is, these TVs require a High Definition signal, or the picture will be grainy. I tried it your way. I hated it, so I got a HD/Digital cable box, and the difference blew me away. HDMI cables provide the best audio and video with these HD sets. Component cables were made for analog(tube) TVs & accessories. If you can afford the HDTV, you should be able to upgrade your cable system. It's not that much extra.

Answer 4

I would still go for an HDTV even if you will not have digital cable, since SDTV & EDTV are fading out.

Plasmas do not have too much burn issues anymore and are usually larger tvs than LCDs.

LCDs have poor reaction times, so gaming on them is not to good.

DLP TVs involve mirrors and are becoming more popular.

Projection TVs are fat, but often they have good quality.

Laser TVs are going tocome out soon and are promised to be cheap and very good quality.

When looking for a TV look for reaction time, the less the better. 8ms or less is good. Also look for contrast ratio. Currently it is easy to find TVs with 10,000+ contrast ratios.

Brands do not mattter too much nowadays since most TVs are made in the same factories under different name brands.

Answer 5

In terms of LCD I would definitely go for Sony or Samsung....Panasonic and LG have good plasmas not LCD's. I own a Samsung UN40B7000 40-Inch, in my opinion it is a bloody good LCD.

Answer 6

Here, this site will help to explain things:

http://www.chooseatelevision.com

Answer 7

projection is the easiest to have serviced, so it would last you longer