Nowadays, you hardly can open a magazine, read a newspaper, or surf the Web without finding a story on large-screen HDTVs. In fact, HDTV Ratings can be found right here on this site. So instead of discussing or listing the types of HDTVs available and the differences in picture quality of DLP vs. plasma vs. LCD, we’ll give you a list of other things to consider:
- Size—If you are replacing a tube TV or CRT rear-projection TV with a new HDTV, you may already have a particular size in mind. Many current owners of rear-projection TVs think they want to replace their old model with a similar-size HDTV. But even though the amount of HD (16:9) programming is increasing every day, there still remains a large quantity of standard-definition (4:3) programming. And if you don’t like to zoom or stretch the picture, anything you watch in standard definition on your HDTV will have a picture that’s 25% smaller. As a result, many consumers end up shopping for a larger TV, which can negatively impact their budget and change the type of television they desire.
- Location of TV—For some consumers, the ability to mount their new HDTV on the wall like a painting is a key selling feature, especially if the old TV seemed to take up a lot more space—in perception or in reality. Keep in mind, however, that flat-panel HDTV stands are becoming more stylish, and the new rear-projection TVs are much slimmer (and lighter) than the older models. If you can place your new TV in a strategic location, mounting it to a wall becomes less important. For some consumers, being able to easily move the TV if they want to rearrange the room’s layout can be a deciding factor.
- Features—Consumers generally know which features they like and want on their next TV, but it’s easy to forget a feature or two that you assume all new TVs have. Manufacturers often have to balance the menu of features (old and new) with their objective of cost containment. To make sure you get the right TV, some stores offer in-home testing, which allows customers to “test drive” their new TV for a short period. If the TV you selected just isn’t right for you, this test trial lets you exchange it for one with the features you need.
- Number and location of HDMI inputs—Many, but not all, new HDTV models have three HDMI inputs, so be sure the TV you’re considering has the number you may need. You should also check to see how many inputs are located on the side of the TV, since this is especially important if you plan to wall-mount it.
- Location of controls—Even though you will probably use the remote control for most commands, it’s nice to have easily accessible buttons on the TV itself. This becomes more evident when the TV is placed in a nook, such as above a fireplace.
- Ease of switching inputs—With the increased number of inputs available on new TVs, scrolling through them may take a while. If you don’t want to push the “input” button eight or nine times to move from your HD antenna to your high-definition DVD player (BluRay or HD-DVD or both), then you may want to look for a TV (or remote) that lets you link directly to the desired input and skip the input surfing.
In today’s HDTV market, many high-quality models are available, and many of the issues that plagued the industry in the early days have been eliminated. Today, you can find plasmas with less glare and no burn-in, LCDs with richer colors and less blurring, and thinner rear-projection TVs. So whether you choose plasma, LCD, or rear-projection (DLP, LCD, or LCoS) for your new large screen TV, consider all the points listed above.
View HDTV Ratings
Read HDTV Article
Read HDTV Reviews
Watch HDTV Video
