The Ultimate HDTV Buying Guide

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I want a 4:3 tv screen and computer screen. It just fits better. Wide screen is hype...when tv broadcasts in 4:3

Jerry of HI 4:07PM June 02, 2010

I recently bought a plazma TV and I have to tell you I believe my old original 50" HDTV in 1080P was a better picture. Not sure why but it was so intense I had to back it down a little to not hurt my eyes. It was a rear projection though so it took up more room. I have a Samsung 1080P 47" now and it has a great picture but will not get as intense as my old one. Maybe that is a good thing? Not sure. Anyway good luck with the time it takes to pick one out. LOL

Mike of MO 6:18PM February 22, 2010

I have a Sony Grand Vega (Wega?) from late 2003, a 50" early-model LCD, that is still doing just fine after about six years (although I did have to replace the lamp a few weeks ago at a cost of $100). It may not have as fine of picture quality as 2010 LCDs, but it's good enough for the average late-middle-age person like me, and certainly more than good enough for my wife, who insists she still cannot tell the difference between 16:9 HD and 4:3 SD. :)

Chuck of IL 9:18AM February 21, 2010

I've just spent 3 hours learning about HDTVs only to just learn they only last 3-4 years?

Carol of FL 5:20PM February 13, 2010

LED's ARE GREAT!...BUT
LED offers great light and energy efficiency...
...but they're a relatively old technology. Despite this fact everyone (mainly TV manufacurers) considers them the "latest hi tech"
I've used high strength LED's on my bikes since 2003.
As far as Fluorescent tubes in LCD TV's is concerned...
...They're Dinosaurs!

Nigel Roberts 5:08AM January 27, 2010

About Plasmas--
Most plasma displays are now running minimum 600Hz "sub field" refresh rate (not frame rate). Plasmas have alamost zero latency response time; meaning the Wii/PS3 video image will react near instantaneously, no more adapting to the LCD delay. The power consumption difference is not that much, several of the same size LCD panels on the market now operate at higher temperatures than competing plasmas, and use more power. Plasmas also no longer suffer from burn-in as people undoubtedly still believe. In fact much of the technology in high contrast ratio LED backed screens and high refresh LCD panels has been created to match the inherent display quality of plasma screens. LCD still wins for hardcore intense white light, a plasma will always look dimmer under 10,000 watts of Costco lighting, but LCD will fail hard at subtle shading in the darkened home theater. Not really much battle left between Plasma and LCDs other than lingering consumer preconceptions..

Armand Banana of VA 2:59AM January 22, 2010

"Wayne of WI" nailed it,
Aside from studying consumer reports for brand reliability, the current single most important factor is the back light source for the lcd.
Fluorescent tubes are superior to incandescent, but the inverter (ballast) gives off heat, it's bulky, can fail even when the tubes are still going strong, and vise verse'.
For longevity, flat panels have yet to beat the old CRTs (the boxy Sony Trinitrons and other brands) that are still chuggin along, even though they may NOT be HD, and use a little more power.
Connectivity, contrast ratio, and resolution, mean little if your big beautiful, expensive, flat panel television won't fire up after only 3 - 4 years.
If you wait until say, Feb 2011, a name brand, EDGE lit, L.E.D. LCD is the way to go, plus think of what the additional features will be available then!
Good Job Wayne.
Tomboo

Thomas Perry of NC 12:49PM January 20, 2010

Gosh, a very short and basic article compared to its lofty title. You can do better!

Stuart of DC 3:21PM January 19, 2010

One thing you neglected to mention when you were comparing LED verses Fluorescent back-lighting: longevity.
The fluorescent tube used in the older LCD TV's will, like any other fluorescent light bulb, only last a finite number of hours before it dies. While this might end up being as much as 6 years, expecting that long of a life if continually being used is unlikely.
While they last longer than the bulb in the DLP-type sets or projectors that only lasts a couple thousand hours (if cared for properly) and costs a couple hundred to replace, they still have a limited life - and the DLP's/projectors CAN replace the bulb when it dies. You can't easily replace the fluorescent tube.
The LED's in the newer sets will last far longer - on average about 10 times longer than any fluorescent tube under about any condition and the TV will be significantly less susceptible to vibration and shock than any other type.

wayne of WI 3:05PM January 19, 2010