How-To Geek Guide to Buying an HDTV

Resolution and Distance Considerations

Screen Resolution Based on Distance: Alongside screen size, resolution must be considered in relation to viewing distance. For instance, if a 32" HDTV is placed in a bedroom with a viewing distance of 10 feet, the human eye may struggle to discern a difference between 720p and 1080p resolutions.

Higher resolution HDTVs typically command a higher price. Recognizing that a resolution difference may be imperceptible at a given distance allows for a more informed purchasing decision, potentially enabling you to select a more affordable 720p model.

Establishing the ideal screen size and understanding how viewing distance impacts resolution perception are vital steps in maximizing your investment. With these parameters defined, we can proceed to explore other crucial factors.

Location and Set Type

Set Type Determined by Location: The intended location of your HDTV influences the type of set you should choose. While a detailed discussion of set types will follow, it’s beneficial to consider the room’s characteristics and typical viewing habits.

For example, a large family room might tempt you towards a sizable DLP unit. However, if viewers frequently sit at lower angles, such as on the floor, the narrow viewing angle of a DLP television could prove problematic. Also, consider the room’s ambient light levels and the typical seating arrangement relative to the screen.

Comprehending HDTV Resolution

At its core, HDTV resolution signifies the maximum pixel density available on a display screen. Older cathode-ray tube televisions, for instance, were limited to a resolution of 640x480. No technological advancement can enable these older sets to render more detail than this inherent limitation allows.

While a cable provider might offer HD channels, an older analog television will simply reduce the signal to its compatible lower resolution. Conversely, HDTVs boast significantly higher resolutions, such as 1280x720 (720p) and 1920x1080 (1080p).

But what practical implications do these numbers hold for the average viewer? A higher resolution on an HDTV translates to a greater concentration of pixels within the same screen size, compared to a lower-resolution display.

This increased pixel density results in a more lifelike image and, consequently, a more immersive viewing experience.

Is the additional cost of 1080p justified? Blu-ray discs and select high-definition broadcasts are presented in 1080p. To maintain optimal picture quality, it’s desirable to avoid scaling the image – either upscaling or downscaling – as this can introduce visual artifacts.

Although the difference between 720p and 1080p may be imperceptible on television screens smaller than 36 inches, the introduction of artifacts is often noticeable. If picture purity is a priority, or if you're looking to future-proof your investment, the 20-30% premium for a 1080p set may be worthwhile.

It's important to note that while future content and gaming will increasingly utilize this higher resolution, the majority of current offerings do not. For example, both the XBOX 360 and Playstation consoles feature only a limited number of games rendered natively in 1080p, with most titles running at 720p.

What are the benefits of choosing the 720p resolution? The majority of current HD television broadcasts are either in 720p or 1080i (an interlaced version of 1080 resolution, generally of lower quality).

If you'll be viewing the television from a considerable distance, or if the source material (broadcasts, video games, DVDs) is of lower quality, the difference in resolution may be undetectable. For instance, a 32-inch television installed above a bar, with viewers seated 10 feet away, likely won't reveal a noticeable difference between the two resolutions.

In such cases, the savings of $100-200 can be allocated to other audio/visual components. Furthermore, if the primary use of the television is for older gaming consoles or DVD collections, investing in a higher resolution may not be practical. Many consumers prefer a larger 720p television over a smaller, more expensive 1080p model, prioritizing overall screen size over resolution.

Understanding HDTV Screen Technology

There are currently three primary types of HDTV screens available. These are LCD, Plasma, and DLP technologies. Each possesses unique strengths and weaknesses, often sparking considerable debate among enthusiasts.

LCD (Liquid Crystal Display)

LCD technology is widely accessible and cost-effective. It provides a satisfactory performance for displaying high-resolution visuals, and is commonly found in computer monitors.

LCD HDTVs are typically lightweight, slim, easily wall-mountable, and consume relatively little power. However, the viewing angle on LCD screens, particularly those in the lower price range, can be restrictive.

The LCD market is highly competitive, offering a broad spectrum of quality. Options range from budget-friendly store brands to premium models from manufacturers like Sony and Samsung. LCD sets utilize either LED or CFL backlighting, often accompanied by extensive marketing terminology.

Plasma

Unlike LCDs which employ a liquid crystal system, Plasma displays utilize ionized gas to generate images. Plasma sets generally operate at higher temperatures and are physically thicker than LCDs.

Screen burn-in is a potential concern with Plasma technology, although modern sets have significantly reduced this issue. Despite these drawbacks, Plasma screens typically deliver deeper blacks, a wider viewing angle with minimal color distortion, and superior handling of fast-motion content.

Consequently, Plasma televisions are favored by film enthusiasts seeking optimal contrast for an immersive viewing experience.

DLP (Digital Light Projection)

Currently, Mitsubishi is the sole manufacturer and distributor of DLP televisions within the United States. DLP technology caters to a specific market segment, offering compelling value for those seeking large screen sizes.

DLPs represent an advancement over the rear projection televisions prevalent in the 1990s and early 2000s. They incorporate digital processing and utilize LED or laser light sources instead of older CRT systems.

If you desire an exceptionally large screen – 60 inches or greater – at a reasonable price and do not require wall mounting (DLP units are typically 12-18 inches deep), then DLP televisions represent an excellent investment.

Demystifying HDTV Specifications and Marketing Terminology

When considering an HDTV, resolution and physical screen size are key specifications. These are straightforward, as size is a measurable diagonal dimension and resolution—like 1080p—is a definitive characteristic of the display panel. However, navigating the more nuanced specifications can be challenging. This guide will clarify common specs and marketing terms, helping you determine their relevance to your viewing experience.

Understanding Contrast and Contrast Ratio

The concept of contrast ratio is often misleading. While intended to represent the difference between the brightest and darkest areas a screen can display, indicating black level performance, there's no standardized industry definition.

Manufacturers employ varying in-house methods for measurement, rendering the numbers largely meaningless. A claimed ratio of 1:30,000 versus 1:600,000 may not be perceptibly different when comparing televisions side-by-side. Personal observation, reading user reviews, and in-person evaluation of contrast settings are more reliable approaches.

The Importance of Viewing Angle

In contrast to subjective contrast ratios, viewing angle is a concrete specification. Older CRT televisions offered a consistent image regardless of the viewer's position. However, flat-screen HDTVs have defined viewing angles.

Image quality degrades outside this angle, potentially causing color inversion or desaturation. While typically not an issue for standard setups, it's crucial to consider for larger televisions or wall-mounted displays. Ensure your preferred viewing positions remain within the specified angle to avoid undesirable visual effects.

Decoding Refresh Rates: 60Hz, 120Hz, and Beyond

Traditional analog television operates at a 60Hz refresh rate—the screen updates 60 times per second. Early LCD televisions struggled with motion blur at this rate, particularly during fast-paced content. Manufacturers addressed this by increasing refresh rates to 120Hz and then 240Hz.

The difference between 60Hz and 120Hz is often noticeable, but the improvement from 120Hz to 240Hz is less pronounced. Some manufacturers advertise even higher rates, such as 480Hz and above. Direct comparison in a store, using sporting events or action-packed Blu-ray discs, is the best way to assess the impact of refresh rate.

It’s worth noting that higher refresh rates can negatively affect certain content. Traditional animation, for example, may appear unnatural due to the introduction of artificial frames. Look for sets that allow you to switch between 60Hz and higher refresh rates if this is a concern.

Plasma televisions often claim 600Hz refresh rates, but this is largely a marketing tactic. Plasma technology inherently handles motion better than early LCDs, and the labeling is a result of the way plasma displays images.