HDTV Buying Guide Of 2012

By Cecilie Blaber


Since there are so many choices on the market today, there are some things that people need to know before purchasing a new television. Since most users do not want their televisions to go out of date in a few months, they tend to read articles like this one so they can find the television with the best screen and easy setup.

Purchasing a new television is not an easy task for people who do not know what they are looking for. Many articles found on the internet can make it even more difficult because they do not touch on every point of information people need in order to make the correct decision for them. This guide will help with this and has highlighted all of the key points that must be considered when purchasing a new television.

Learning about the scan rates in an HDTV is important. Two types must be considered which are interlaced and progressive.

An HDTV's scan rate is either Interlaced (720i or 1080i) or Progressive (720p or 1080p). Most of the HDTVs today have a progressive scan video as it provides a smoother and clearer image than interlaced video, especially for fast motion. You can spot an interlaced set by noticing blinking lines that's going to put strain on your eyes after time. While progressive pictures have less jagged picture edges that's easier on the eyes.

Pixels: Difference between 720 and 1080

All high definition televisions have resolutions which are defined by pixel width times height. For example, a screen that has a resolution of 720 x 1280 contains 921,600 pixels for every frame because those numbers represent pixels. The next level up will be a 1080 x 1920 screen which will contain 2,073,600 pixels for every frame. Normally the resolution does not matter much in smaller high definition televisions because it is hard to see with the naked eye. However, when it comes to anything larger, 1080 will always be better and shows more pixels proving higher detail.

LED televisions are usually more expensive than LCD monitors for good reason.

To be clear from the start, LCD HDTV and LED HDTV looks the same. LED or "Light - Emitting Diode" is just an improved version of LCD with LED backlighting and a super thin screen size. An impression that an LED HDTV screen is powered by LED lights is false.

The reason LED monitors are more expensive is because they consume less power, last longer, and have quicker responsiveness. The LCD monitor has improved on lighting, contrast and color much more than the LED monitor has been able to. Viewing angles in both televisions are about equal most of the time, and LED monitors have more brightness distribution issues.

The plasma HD TV set gets color by illuminating gas.

Using an old technology that includes the use of thousands of phosphor-coated tubes filled with charged plasma, the plasma HD television still exists today. One problem however is burnt screens and ghosting issues.

However, plasma technology today has greatly advanced. Plasma HDTVs today are better than LCD HDTVs for the following reason:

They have better viewing angles and color spectrums.

* Darker black/brighter white rendition

The response time is much better by far.

While boasting the fastest refresh rate of all at 600Hz, the plasma HDTV is 5 times faster than the LCD.

The plasma display is more fluid than both LED and LCD HD sets and trumps both with an amazing refresh rate, although it is an energy hog.

3D is a Feature not a Design

In order to enjoy stereoscopic 3D television displays, users must purchase Blue-Ray players in order to enjoy their favorite movies in 3D. They will also need to acquire regular 3D glasses like those found in the theater, or get battery operated ones that sync with IR emitting devices.

There is a new 3D technology being developed that will allow users to experience 3D movies without the glasses. It is called autostereoscopic 3D. There is no determined release date, although people remain excited.

A summation of the HDTV features is written below for convenience.

Screen size must be considered.

DTV readiness allows for digital signals to be received by the TV with no external device.

Screen resolution should be considered for optimal screen quality.

Refresh rate determines how fast the picture will transition.

* LCD vs. LED

LCD and LED monitors can be compared against the plasma screen.

Consider purchasing a 3D television or not.

Reading online product reviews and comparing prices in order to become more aware of specific television sets is a good idea.




About the Author: