The types of HDTV are categorized on the basis of technology, the screen width, and the requirement of either a HDTV tuner or an independent unit. While buying a HDTV, you have to consider these aspects carefully. Let us have a look at each of them separately.
The most popular type is direct view HDTV that uses standard Cathode Ray Tube (CRT) and rear projection technology, similar to the standard TVs. However, this technology is going to get obsolete sooner or later. New advanced technologies are going to take over in the near future. These technologies are cost-saving and loaded with extra features, such as, transmitting clearer and brighter images. The standard TVs stand no chance in competing with this new version, as they are burdened with the production costs and size restrictions. The biggest direct view HDTV comes with a screen width of 36 inches. Besides this, the rear projection technology is shadowed with problems of screen burn in, convergence, and obscurity of image during brightness or at an angle.
The entertainment world has received a breakthrough with the introduction of amazing TV technologies like Plasma TVs, LCoS (Liquid Crystal on Silicon), LCD (liquid crystal displays), and DLP (Digital Light Processor) rear-projection units. Before a decade, one could have never imagined a television that could be hung on the wall! But Plasma TV has made this possible too. Although each of these technologies displays their own advantages and disadvantages, they come with the promise of a better picture quality. The HDTV’s installed with the advanced technologies are, in no case, inferior to the older versions of HDTV.
As far as LCD TVs and Plasma TVs are concerned, the technologies provide the benefit of a compact structure. Many new versions of TVs are only a few inches thick and weigh just a fraction of the older versions. The flat LCD TVs with a screen size less than 37 inches are a favorite among the buyers. They are classy and can be placed anywhere. They prove to be a worthwhile substitute for a standard medium-sized television set.
Buyers who wish to stick to the old-fashioned rear projection technology also have an array of options to choose from. However, it is good to skip the tube based rear projection technology now, as micro-display technology is in vogue. Once the angle is adjusted, it provides a sharp picture. CRT based rear projection technology is soon going to become a thing of the past.
While buying a Plasma TV, one should be fully aware of the rewards as well as the shortcomings of the technology, compared to other types of HDTV. One of the things to be careful about Plasma TV is the risk of burn-in. However, this problem has been overstated by some people. In fact, many users of Plasma TV, who watch television for about 7-8 hours daily, have not found anything serious about this burn-in problem. The probability of burn-in is the highest in the initial 100 hours of use. To avoid burn-in, one should keep the TV at low contrast, not more than 50%, and refrain from displaying still images or letterbox bars on the TV screen for several hours continuously.
Once 100 hours of usage is over, Plasma TV becomes long lasting, just like any other standard television. A number of plasma TVs come with burn-in-reduction features, such as pixel orbiting and screensavers. Some of them are programmed with defense mechanisms. For example, if burn-in takes place, the screen goes all white.
DLP technology is also winning the hearts of many buyers. A wide range of HDTV sets with DLP technology are available in the market. Their picture quality differs with the price and the company that manufactures it. However, DLP technology comes with one minor hitch. A few buyers have reported to come across short stripes of color on their TV screens, especially while viewing bright pictures or images of black fields. However, the manufacturers are in the process of upgrading this technology in order to overcome such minor pitfalls. One should be able to have access to the advanced versions by 2007.
Before shopping for HDTV, one has to decide between a wide screen TV and a normal size TV. HDTVs with a wide screen have a display ratio of 16:9, while the normal ones have a ratio of 4:3. The image seen in a normal sized TV is mainly square shaped. But the image appearing in wide screen TV appears to be in rectangular form. Wide screen HDTV is akin to the screens used in movie halls and DVDs. It is also the customary configuration for HDTV signals. Wide screen TVs are gaining popularity rapidly. The production of 4:3 format screens is about to be scrapped. TV manufacturers are all set to concentrate on wide screen TVs now. You have to note that Plasma TVs and LCDs are available only in wide screen formats.
Most of the Plasma TV manufacturers claim their product lifespan to be around 50,000-60,000 hours. This comes to around 20 years. However, even if we consider 30,000 hours, then considering the average TV viewing hours in an American household, which amounts to about 8-9 hours daily, a Plasma TV can work without any flaws for at least 10 years. And after that, the TV loses 50% of its brightness, similar to any standard TV.
HDTVs are manufactured in many sizes, ranging from 13 inches to 85 inches. There are many leading TV companies that manufacture HDTVs. Samsung, Sony, Panasonic, Toshiba, RCA, Sharp, JVC, Pioneer, Mitsubishi, and Magnavox are some of the big names that boast of producing at least one type of HDTV sets.
One more feature that distinguishes the HDTVs is the incorporation of a HDTV tuner. It is also called a receiver. There are some HDTVs that come without a receiver and one has to install a separate unit for the functioning of the TV.
Most of the HDTV sets available in the market do not contain an incorporated tuner. This is not a disadvantage. On the contrary, the manufacturers find it be quite beneficial, as it cuts down their costs of assembling the parts of an HDTV tuner. Moreover, it also enables them to provide a compact structure to their HDTV sets.
For the buyers too, a HDTV without a tuner is preferable. This is because technologies are never constant. They keep on changing over the years. Tomorrow, one may find a new digital technology coming up in the market. Hence, to ensure a good investment in an HDTV set, it is better to go for a separate tuner, which can be upgraded to keep in pace with the new technology.
Besides this, the cable and satellite operators that are into HDTV programming normally provide a separate tuner. Most of the times, this is included in the subscription package. Thus, one can save the cost of buying a tuner.
With a wide variety of HDTVs available in the market, you may get perplexed while choosing the right one. However, there are ways to assist the buyers in deciding which type of HDTV set to buy. There are reviews of customers available in TV shops. These reviews are reliable, as no customer would appreciate a product, if he or she is not satisfied with it. HDTV sets come with varied types, looks, configurations, and prices. One would never be short of choices. Choose the one that suits your budget and lifestyle. HDTV is the perfect choice for anyone who wishes to spruce up their way of living.
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