Buying a Big Screen TV
From LoveToKnow Buy
There are a lot of choices when you are considering buying a big screen TV, and with the variety of options out there, it can be a tough decision.
Style Options for Buying a Big Screen TV
Cathode Ray Tube TVs
These types of TVs are the original, most common, and least expensive of all the styles available on the market. Screen quality is good, but not as sharp as a plasma TV. On the plus side, they are extremely reliable and have a long life. They are also good for viewing in most angles in brightly lit and darker environments. However, they are big, heavy, and bulky in size.
Flat Panel LCD TVs
Using the same technology as laptop PC screens, the quality is pretty good, but these TVs are not great at viewing from side angles. They are ideal for brightly lit rooms, giving you better options for where you would want to place it. However, there is a question about how long LCD TVs last, since the brightness of the screen fades over time. Price is not that cheap either, averaging $5,000 for a 30-inch screen.
Plasma TVs
Considered the best quality TV on the market, you can get up to a 63-inch screen, making these TVs very large indeed. Color and picture is very sharp, and can be viewed from just about any angle without a problem. Unfortunately, the cost will turn off a lot of people. Starting at around $3,000 and going up to $25,000, it may not be the most feasible solution for many people’s large screen TV needs. There is also the question of how long they last. For those video gamers out there, you have to be concerned with burned in images that can result from staying on the screen too long. They are also very heavy and generate a lot of heat so you will need a professional to install it. If you are considering buying a big screen TV like this, make sure it is a high-definition set. Don’t spend all that money on a plasma TV if it is non-high def because you may be disappointed in the overall quality.
Rear-Projection TVs
There are several types of rear-projection TVs to choose from.
- The rear-projection TV CRT is the most common large screen and has been around for about 10 years. Image quality is very good in the high-definition versions with a price starting at $1,200. Non hi-def types can cost up to $4,000, making them relatively affordable for their size.
- Microdisplay LCDs are available as large as 5 feet. They are slimmer in size than the traditional CRT models, so you can move it against the wall to get it out of the way. They also have the advantage of no screen burn-in problems, so they are considered better for video game usage. For cable TV, they have high-definition digital capable resolution. However, they are not as sharp and detailed as a plasma TV and are not ideal for brightly lit rooms. The screen also loses brightness over time and you will need a bulb replacement every couple years that will cost about $250. Expect to pay $1,000 to $6,000 dollars for one of these sets.
- A microdisplay DLP is another rear-projection TV option. They are similar to the LCD version and lighter than their CRT counterpart except that you can view it comfortably in brightly lit rooms. However, they are higher in price and you will need to replace a bulb every 2 years. Set prices range from $3,500 to $10,000.
Front Projection TVs
These types of TVs throw an image against the wall as large as desired. It reminds you of the movie theater screen, but it is not necessarily the best for practical everyday use, particularly if wall space is limited.
- A CRT projector is a high maintenance type of TV, despite the fact it has great picture quality and good contrast. It will need to be reconverged and recalibrated on a consistent basis, which can add up to hefty maintenance costs. Prices start from $2,000 up to $15,000.
- LCD projectors throw a large screen picture and are very low maintenance. Its quality is similar to a regular LCD set. Expect to pay $1,000 to $10,000.
- Another type of projector is the DLP. Their quality is similar to the LCD, but is pricier from $1,500 to $25,000.
Buying a big screen TV doesn’t have to be a daunting task. Review your options, budget and what will suit your needs. Your new set will be in your home in no time.
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This page has been accessed 1,105 times. This page was last modified 05:23, 28 June 2007.
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