TV Buying Guide: What's Out There?

It seems that there are as many different televisions out there as there are television programs. Not long ago, shopping for a new television was as easy as knowing your budget and the right size to fit the room. Today, in addition to these, we're asked to choose from among several display types, not to mention sound options, connectivity, and definition. Bewildering indeed, especially to consumers who simply want a new TV.

So while the simplicity of TV shopping is a thing of the past, the innovations in picture, color, and sound quality, as well as TV size and shape, make buying a new TV well worth a little bewilderment.

Getting Started
A little research is always a sensible approach before making a significant purchase that will affect your life for several years. First off, know what's available.

CRT
If you haven't bought a TV for a few years, chances are you've got a CRT, or Cathode Ray Tube TV, tucked into an entertainment center. These TVs have served us well for half a century, and have continually improved over time. In fact, compared even to the high-end plasma and LCD TVs and Rear Projection TVs (which we'll get to later), CRTs boast rich colors and true shades of black that are equal or better. This "outdated" technology also offers the best viewing angle available. Even when viewed at a 170 degree angle, the CRT TV offers a clear, bright picture. Yet none of this makes mention of the bottom line: CRTs are far and away the least expensive.

The obvious question now is, "What's wrong with the old CRTs?" The truth is, not much. It's really a matter of aesthetics. CRTs by nature are bulky and heavy, which an increasing number of consumers consider unsightly. Many people choose an entertainment center or a TV armoire to make the TV's presence more discreet. As CRT screens get bigger, they unfortunately get deeper. They also have screen size limitations. 40 inches is as big as CRTs get.

RPTV
Rear projection TVs offer significantly larger screens and occupy considerably less space. These TVs use a mirror to reflect the image onto the screen, which results in a much slimmer unit that doesn't impose on your living space. Like a CRT, the RPTV produces an exceptionally bright, detailed image.

However, not all RPTVs are created equal. Pay close attention to viewing angle and brightness. Some RPTVs have a compromised viewing angle, so consider how you will be viewing your TV. If most of your viewing is done straight on, this won't be an issue. However, if your arrangement requires angled viewing, be sure to choose a set that can accommodate.

Determine overall brightness quality with the contrast ratio, which compares the areas of light and dark. Ideally, this ratio should be around 1000:1, otherwise black tones will appear grayish.

RPTVs are also considerably cheaper than plasma and LCD TVs, not because they have an inferior picture, but because they are somewhat bulkier.

Plasma
At less than 4 inches thick, the plasma TV is incredibly versatile compared to heftier models. Not only that, they boast enormous screens. Plasma TVs start with around 40 inch screens and only get bigger. They produce stunning colors, sharp, rich images, and deep blacks on par with CRTs. The viewing angle of a plasma TV is 170 degrees: as impressively wide as that of a CRT. The most prominent aspect of the plasma TV is that it maintains its dazzling picture on screens that are 60 inches and larger. And they're thin and light enough to mount on the wall.

If you're concerned about the other electronics in your entertainment center, don't worry. Designers have already tailored entertainment center shelves to fit on the wall near or around your flat screen.

Plasma TVs may sound perfect, but there are two main disadvantages. The obvious one is price. Since they are so large and of such high quality, plasma TV's carry a heavy price tag. However, they are actually less expensive than the LCDs of the same size.

The second shortcoming of the plasma is the potential for image burn. The extended presence of static images, such as score panels on video games and live sports, channel logos, and stock or news tickers, will leave behind lasting imprints. Changing channels and switching off the TV will help keep this in check, but no matter how careful you are, a plasma TV won't last as long as the alternatives.

LCD
LCD stands for Liquid Crystal Display. The overall effect of an LCD is similar to that of a plasma TV. They are so similar that it can be difficult to distinguish between the two. Both are ultra-slim flat panel units, which can be mounted on a wall, and both produce strikingly brilliant colors.

An LCD TV will last considerably longer than plasma, and it exists in smaller versions. LCDs also use less energy and will save you money over time. Experts in the industry have predicted that LCD prices will fall considerably within the next year, so if you can wait, it may be worth your while.

Though LCDs are dramatically superior to those produced as recently as a year ago, certain aspects still take a backseat to plasma. The viewing angle on an LCD is not as wide, blacks are not as deep and rich, and response time is slower. However, recent enhancements have made these drawbacks less significant. Size is also an issue. LCD screens have only recently grown past 40 inches, so if an exceptionally big screen is what you're looking for, you won't find it in an LCD.

Probably the most distinct advantage of LCD over plasma is that image burn is not an issue with LCD TVs.

Shop with Confidence
Now that you know the basics, you're ready to get out there and see what's available. Taking a look will help you decide. Remember that these TVs will look much smaller in the store than they will in your living room, so consider how much space you have and buy accordingly. Be confident. Knowledge is the best tool available when making a purchase, and knowing the basics will help you ask the right questions and make an informed decision.