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LCD TV or Plasma TV? 5 Tips to Help You
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TV technology is moving incredibly fast and the
pace is hottest with LCD and Plasma TVs. Last
year's models will be outperformed by the new
season's products for sure.
Even better LCD and Plasma TVs are getting
slimmer, more elegant and 'room friendly' all the
time. The beauty of flat panel TVs is that they take
relatively little space, look great and make for a
great home theater system.
Until recently, a Plasma was the only sensible
large, flat panel TV choice, but LCD TVs are now
available all the way up to 50 inch sizes. At that
size they are more expensive than an equivalent
size Plasma TVs, but the gap is closing fast. For
smaller sizes up to 32 inches, an LCD TV is the
most common flat screen TV choice.
Buyers Tip No 1. Make sure you know the size you
want and that it fits in your room. Measure up the
space where your LCD and Plasma TVs will go -
on top of a cabinet or hanging on a wall. The
reason for this step? When you get to the mall
and see the largest screen you're going to go
"Wow I want that!"
Buyers Tip No 2. Know your budget and stick to it.
No doubt about it, LCD and Plasma TVs are sexy,
especially when you see one showing one of your
favorite movies. This means it's very easy to get
carried away, spend too much and end up
regretting your purchase as you pay it off, when
you should be enjoying your new Plasma or LCD
TV.
Buyers Tip No 3. Be patient and shop around -
time is on your side. Because the technology is
evolving so quickly, prices drop noticeably every
month and the products are getting better. Wait a
little longer and the price for the Plasma or LCD
TV you want will drop into your budget range.
Buyers Tip No 4. Write down the features you
want in a checklist. For example High Definition TV
(HDTV) is now common, so you'll probably want
that. Many Plasmas and almost all LCD TVs are
now High Definition ready. List your key features
in a table format and use it to compare and check
off the features of each model on your shopping
list.
Buyers Tip No 5. At the end of the day, just trust
your own eyes (and ears). After you've set your
budget, worked out what size and features you
want and compared the TVs in your price range,
how do you make your choice? The answer is
simple - buy the LCD or Plasma TV that you like
the best. The best picture (and best sound) at the
end of the day is the one you like best.
Good shopping.
Article Source: http://www.articleset.com
About the Author
Chris Galloway is a home theater and audio enthusiast. For product
reviews and tips you can understand, visit
http://www.lcdtvcenter.com.
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Four Essentials to the Ultimate Home Theater System
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(NewsUSA) - The high-definition television revolution is
already under way, as most of the major TV networks
and cable outlets are quickly adopting this cutting-edge
version of digital television as their broadcasting
standard and offering consumers more shows in high
definition.
In fact, according to the Consumer Electronics
Association, 9 million households are likely to purchase
HDTV products during the next 18 months. Another 30
million consumers consider themselves likely purchasers
within the next three years.
This newer technology can be overwhelming for
consumers, especially when they are not properly
educated about the tools needed for the best setup of a
high-definition home theater system.
Four basic elements are needed: picture, source, sound
and assembly. Interestingly enough, the CEA says that
approximately 30 percent of U.S. homes already have
these basic ingredients.
* Picture: Most digital, high-definition televisions feature
large screens in widescreen formats that create a
theater-like experience right in your home. HDTV delivers
crisp images that make you feel like you're part of the
action.
Plasma and liquid crystal display televisions have
generated the most excitement so far. These thin,
lightweight sets can hang on a wall and only take up four
inches of depth. Other examples include the microdisplay
rear-projection televisions such as digital light processing
sets. These TV sets are thinner, lighter and brighter than
traditional projection TV sets.
* Source: Some high-definition televisions have a built-in
tuner to receive local high-definition broadcasts. These
are referred to as having "HD Built-In." Sets without an
integrated tuner are "HD-Ready" and need a set-top box
to decode the high-definition signal. Starting next year,
many digital televisions will come with a high-definition
tuner and the cable box built in, simplifying the
connection for consumers.
* Sound: Most people don't realize that the high-definition
television format incorporates digital 5.1 surround sound
into high-definition broadcasts, giving you that "in the
middle of the action" feel. For a truly engaging viewing
experience, it is important to get a sound system that is
comparable in quality to your television.
* Assembly: To tie it all together, you need to make sure
you have the right cables and accessories to connect
your system. Many consumers prefer using service
personnel to deliver and set up the system at home -
making sure everything is in place, connected and
calibrated for the optimal home theater experience.
So how much does a home theater system cost? A wide
range of prices are available, depending on an
individual's needs and desires. For example,
high-definition televisions sold at Best Buy start at less
than $500 and go all the way up to $10,000, with
numerous models in between.
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