HDTV Big Screen helps you get the scoop on what you need to know about HDTV big screens. Knowing what’s available, and knowing the pros and cons, will help you make the right choice in choosing the right HDTV big screen.
For info on HDTV big screens, we’re going to start at 40 inches and up to be considered “big screen.”
LCD big screen TVs are the slimmest and lightest compared to Plasma. The one problem that seems to become less of a problem with LCD big screens is being able to display deep black. Recent LCD big screen TVs use LED backlights that would create deeper blacks.
Another area of great progress is the widening of the viewing angle. There are some LCD HDTVs that have managed to have a wider viewing angle.
LCDs will be brighter than plasmas and their screens won’t be as reflective, which makes LCDs a better choice if you’re going to watch TV with lots of daylight or nighttime lighting.
When deciding on an LCD big screen use the following viewing distance as a guide:
40 to 47 inch you want to view at a minimum of 5 feet.
50 inch and larger you want to view at a minimum of 6 feet.
The exception to this would be when you play back a HD DVD player. You can experiment and find how close to sit where you can comfortably and fully enjoy a larger display image.
I’m listing the general range of prices for LCD big screen TVs last because, that’s just what they are…general prices. Don’t be surprised to find better deals as the prices for the big screen TVs are getting lower.
40 to 42 inch LCD TV: Price range from $800 to $1,900
46 to 47 inch LCD TV: Price range from $900 to $3,000
52 inch and up LCD TV: Price range from $1,500 to $4,000+
Plasma big screen TVs have some of the best screen quality on the market. They are also the heaviest. They can be around 6 inches thick, and they offer the best wide angle viewing of all big screen TVs.
The drawback with a plasma TV is that the screen may create reflections, this would be the case when the TVs are used in well-lit rooms, even if the plasma TV has a screen coating for reducing reflections.
Another concern, which is becoming a little less of a concern, is the problem with screen burning. If an image remains on the screen for a long time, it’s possible that image will burn into the screen. The newer plasmas come with a screen-saving feature to minimize this problem.
Just as the LCDs above, you can use the same viewing distance guide.
Again, the price listings are last because prices change and seem to always be coming down.
42 inch plasma TV: $700 to $1,500
50 inch plasma TV: $1,000 to $4,000
58 inch to 60 inch plasma TV: $2,600 to $4,000+
(NOTE: TVs that are sold in the US from March 2007 will have a digital tuner. However, it is possible to buy a TV as a “monitor,” in which case you will need a cable box or a satellite receiver.)
Front projectors are as about as close as you’re going to get to having your own movie theater size screen. These front projector TVs can give a whopping 100 inches or more diagonal picture. You also get the high-definition picture quality.
Front projectors work best when you have a separate screen or a very smooth wall surface. You can make the screen go from 50 inches to around 200 inches just by using the zoom control.
However, front projectors require more “extras” you need to get before you can watch TV. If you’re interested in watching TV programs you’ll need to get a cable or satellite box. For movies, you’ll need to hook up your high-definition DVD player. You may also have to “upgrade” your sound system in the event that the speakers that came with the front projector don’t meet your satisfaction.
Projectors are best enjoyed in dark rooms, just like when you go to a movie theater. The picture will get washed out with daylight or if you have too much nighttime lighting.
And finally, if you do decide to get a front projector make sure you pick up a few extra projector bulbs, because they will need to be replaced between 2,000 to 3,000 hours.
The only models you want are the ones that offer 1080 pixels of resolution.
The price: $2,500 to $6,500+
Again, don’t be surprised to find a HD Front Projector going for less than the above price range. To see if this is something you really want you need to go to a showroom. There, you can really get a super theater experience with a high quality picture at an affordable cost.
You may find the experience worth it.