Help, I Need a New HDTV! (5 Parts)

[dkennedy]

Help, I Need a New HDTV! (Part 1 of 5)

July 6, 2005

By Jennifer Shatos, SelfSeo.com

Feeling overwhelmed in selecting a new TV? With all the choices these days, you may feel like, “Where do I start?!”


In part 1 of our 5 part article, we discuss the importance (and a quick rule of thumb!) of selecting a screen size appropriate for your space.

Selecting the correct size TV is an important part of your purchase decision. Many just choose the biggest TV they can afford, but find out later that uncomfortably large—or perhaps even a tad too small!

If you get a TV that is too large for the space, you will not be able to take the whole picture in. More importantly, you may begin to suffer from eyestrain from being too close. Occasionally, people choose a size thinking it will be "fine for their room", later realizing that they are sitting too far away from the screen. Either way, the overall impact of your viewing experience has been diminished.

A quick and easy solution? A good rule of thumb is divide the distance from your eyes to the front of the TV by 2.5. For example, if I were to watch TV and while sittto get a screen size of 43” (9 feet x 12 inches = 108 inches / 2.5 = 43.2” diagonal screen.) Again, this is just a rule of thumb, but should give you a starting point when shopping for a TV.

* Next in Part 2 of this article: TV technologies—plasma, LCD, & DLP

©2005 Architechtronics, Inc. All rights reserved.

[dkennedy]

Help, I Need a New HDTV! (Part 2 of 5)

July 6, 2005

By Jennifer Shatos, SelfSeo.com

Feeling overwhelmed in selecting a new TV? With all the choices these days, you may feel like, “Where do I start?!”

In part 2 of our 5 part article, we the discuss the options in TV technologies

Plasma. Plasma technology contains millions of “pixels” that contain a rare natural gas. This gas when excited by a small electrical charge produces colors and light to display the picture on the screen. Plasma is great for home theaters because it reproduces high motion video exceptionally well. On the other hand, if you have members of your family who like video games, I would rule Plasma TV’s out—mainly due to something called “burn-in”.

Downfalls. The biggest downfall of Plasma TV’s is their half-life. As the TV ages it will naturally loose some brilliance and color depth. The good news—even with an average use of 4 hrs a day your plasma would still yield a half life of ten years. Not too shabby.

Burn-in is another downfall. Burn in is result of an image being displayed too often or for too long. Common ones are network logos, computer icons, video games, etc. The pixels involved get damaged and develop a “memory”. This information actually becomes “burned in” to the screen. The good news—with care, you can drastically reduce the chances of burn in.

Benefits. Plasmas are among the thinnest TVs on the market up to 4” in depth. They are very suitable for Wall mounting or spaces for depth of the TV is a critical factor. Plasmas are produced in sizes ranging from 37” to over 70”. Prices range from $1,400 to $17,000.

LCD. This technology is emerging from the computer world. Most small flat screen computer monitors are LCD. LCD does well in smaller sizes (50” or less), and produces still images and deep blacks rather nicely. In my opinion, they produce some of the best still images of any TV in the market. LCD TV’s uses transistors to supply voltage to liquid-crystal-filled cells sandwiched between two sheets of glass. These voltages make the crystals untwist in varying degrees to filter light into varying shades of color.

Benefits. LCD are also very thin TVs with the thickest depth at approximately six inches. Pricing ranges from $600 to $5000. In addition, for the energy conscious individual, LCD’s consume the least amount of electricity to operate.

DLP. DLP (Digital Light Processing) technology utilizes a small “Digital Micromirrors Device” (DMD) to tilt more than 1.3 million micromirrors. The mirrors tilt to reflect light to create the picture. A color wheel produces the varying shades of colors that reflect on the micromirrors.

Downfalls. If you are looking for a thin TV, or to mount on the wall… this is not the option for you. DLP TVs have depths as deep as 18”.

Benefits. DLP TV’s show the intention of having the longest life. The only part that will fail or affect image quality is the bulb life. Rated at 80,000 hours and being replaceable, average viewing of 4 hrs a day, make this a great TV for the next 50 years!

* Next in Part 3 of this article: What is HDTV?

©2005 Architechtronics, Inc. All rights reserved.

[dkennedy]

Help, I Need a New HDTV! (Part 3 of 5)

July 6, 2005

By Jennifer Shatos, SelfSeo.com

Feeling overwhelmed in selecting a new TV? With all the choices these days, you may feel like, “Where do I start?!”

In part 3 of our 5 part article, we the discuss what HDTV is.

HDTV stands for High Definition TV. Clarity and detail are clear and crisp and truly unmatched. After watching HDTV on a regular basis—it’s hard to go back!

Technically defined, HDTV displays vertical resolutions of 720 or 1080. This refers to the number of horizontal lines on the screen that make up the picture. Don’t get caught up in the number of lines, it doesn’t necessarily make for a better picture. While this may hold true for Plasmas, LCD and DLP TV’s are evaluated differently. For example, 1080, is better on DLP and LCD for displaying slower moving video such as TV shows, news casters and other still images like photos from your recent vacation. While, 720 is better for fast motion pictures like action films, football games and similar fast moving programming.

Lastly you will notice next to the 720 or 1080 designations you will find a letter “I” or “p”. This refers to the compatibility of video signals. Progressive scan (“P”) is the newer method of creating a TV picture. The TV creates the picture from top to bottom in one pass and produces a better picture on newer technology TVs. Interlaced (“I”) is most common method of creating a TV picture. The TV creates the picture in two top to bottom passes, first all the odd lines, and than the even lines. Developed for CRT TVs to produce a better picture. Most of your older videotapes, DVD’s and laser disc will be in the interlaced format. You will likely want to consider a TV that accepts both formats.

* Next in Part 4 of this article: Ok, now the true question... do I need HDTV?

©2005 Architechtronics, Inc. All rights reserved.

[dkennedy]

Help, I Need a New HDTV! (Part 4 of 5)

July 6, 2005

By Jennifer Shatos, SelfSeo.com

Feeling overwhelmed in selecting a new TV? With all the choices these days, you may feel like, “Where do I start?!”

In part 4 of our 5 part article, we the discuss "do I really need an HDTV?"

Right now, stations are moving towards HDTV programming. Although available for free over the air in major metropolitan areas, this process will take a few years to fully unfold. To be honest, an HDTV, plus components, plus the service can add up. But, if you are ready for top-notch quality… then dive in!

Do beware… it’s more then a choice of size, price, and a few extra features. Many consumers purchase an HDTV thinking that they can plug it in and get HD programming. You must consider how you want to receive your HD programming to know what extra components you will need.

Over the Air. For this option, the HD programming is free, but limited to local stations received by an HD compatible antenna (approx $20-$100). Also, either a HD tuner that is built into the TV or a external tuner (approx. $250) is required.

Local Cable Provider. For this option, the HD programming is an additional fee per month. Typically this will include your local and any premium channels (such as HBO) that you already subscribe to. No HD tuner or antenna is required, the cable provider will lease you a HD cable box.

Satellite. The monthly fee is generally a bit less then the local cable provider. For this option, you need buy the HD satellite receiver (approx $400-$800) and replace your old dish with a slightly larger elliptical-shaped HD capable dish.

Even if you decide that HD programming is not right for you… you may still benefit from purchasing a HDTV if you watch a lot of DVD movies. Although not all DVD’s are in true HD format, you will realize a higher clarity. Also, TV’s last for 10+ years, so why not be ready for the technology if you change your mind down the road?

* Next in Part 5 of this article: TV recommendations by room

©2005 Architechtronics, Inc. All rights reserved.

[dkennedy]

Help, I Need a New HDTV! (Part 5 of 5)

July 6, 2005

By Jennifer Shatos, SelfSeo.com

Feeling overwhelmed in selecting a new TV? With all the choices these days, you may feel like, “Where do I start?!”

In the final part of our 5 part article, we the discuss tv recommendations by room.

Bedrooms and kids rooms. You will typically see the size range from 20” to 40” due to the size of the room. If you desire to mount the TV on the wall, LCD makes a good choice. If your kids have a computer in their room, you may want utilize it for the TV as well. Since LCD has takes less space, and has no burn in problems they make a good choice for any bedroom.

Kitchens and bathrooms. For similar reasons to the bedrooms, LCD’s also do well in these areas. In these applications the typical viewing distance is even closer as you may be several feet from the screen. Mount your LCD directly to the wall to avoid sacrificing counter space. In this application you are likely choosing screen sizes from 9” to 25”, most commonly 15” and 17” due to good size vs. price ratio.

Family rooms, living rooms, and other multiple use rooms. Because of the nature of these rooms, the TV will place a multi tasking role. You may want to watch a football game, play video games (ruling plasma out), or sit and watch a movie. A good rear projection DLP will fare best in these rooms. This technology surpasses the quality of your traditional CRT rear projection in image quality and viewing angles. Often, these rooms have an entertainment center or cabinetry around the TV for storage of video games, DVD’s, and video tapes; so have a shallow depth TV is less of a concern—making plasma’s ultra-thin advantage a waste of money.

Home Theaters. Having a dedicated home theater where you enjoy movies and TV with family and friends is where you want to spend the money on the best TV source that fits in your budget. Plasmas will be a great choice as they offer the ultimate in color and moving pictures. Another alternative is a projection system. We recommend DLP projection seems to be the current leading technology because of quality to price ratio. However, do remember projectors require a room where you can block as much outside light as possible so the picture doesn’t wash out.

©2005 Architechtronics, Inc. All rights reserved.