HDTV Buying Guide: The Facts About Plasma, LCD, Rear-Projection, Front Projection & More

Televisions have come a long way in the last few years. A typical television is called a CRT TV or cathode ray TV, which is what most people think of when they think of TV. HDTV's can be broken down into several technologies plasma, LCD or liquid crystal display, rear projection HDTV (digital light projection) and front projection.

Plasma

This is the most well known of the HDTV technologies and offers a great image in a very flat package which can be mounted on the wall or placed on a stand. The big drawback with this technology is when an image stays in one place on the screen for a long time the image is permanently burned into the screen. There are many advances being researched to solve this issue though.

LCD

Liquid crystal displays do not present a clear as image as do plasma, but it is generally cheaper, as thin, and you do not have to worry about screen burn as in the plasma sets. They are becoming the most popular HDTV, but keep in mind the limited viewing angles and screens that are so bright some lighter colors are washed out.

Rear-Projection (DLP)

If you are looking for a set with a screen larger than 50 inches and do not want to spend a fortune this is a good choice. They have images that are equal to plasma and LCD at almost half the price. They are not thin as the flat panel but are only about a foot deep. The drawbacks as with LCD are the limited viewing angle. If you stand too far to the side the image disappears.

Front Projection

This system uses projection similar to the slide projectors people used to show vacation photographs with. They have come a long way since then offering a greater quality picture and large projection sizes at inexpensive prices. The drawback is images are easily washed out by sun or room light and you have to project to and the space to make it work.

You do not need cable or satellite to enjoy HDTV it can be viewed using a set of rabbit ears. All the major networks such as ABC, CBS, NBC and FOX broadcast their big, primetime shows in HD and often broadcasts specials and sporting events in high definition. Of course, with cable or satellite, you receive many high definition channels such as HBO, Cinemax, ESPN and the Disney Channel.

A suggested guide in what to look for when purchasing a HDTV is as follows:

• Cost - a 20-inch flat panel LCD starts around $300 -$400 while a 65-inch plasma or 42-inch LCD costs over $3,000.
  
• Aspect Ratio - 4:3 is a standard TV and 16:9 is wide screen size. A wide screen (16:9) sets start at 26 inches and go to over 65 inches. Standard (4:3) sets start at 13 inches and rise over 40 inches.
  
• Viewing Distance - does the set's minimum and maximum viewing distance is compatible with the space you have.
  
• Connections - make sure it has the necessary inputs and outputs for you to hook up all your accessories (cable, dvd, etc).