I Want My HDTV! part deux

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Just kidding... Lets get started with part two of my information on HDTV.


Now before we start any further talking about HDTV and 'Digital Signals', lets stop and take a look at two pictures:

This one is as it would look on a standard 'analog' set.

This one is how it would look on a digital television. See the difference? You can actually make out the teeth on the gears in this photo. There is no comparison.

But, do you really NEED HDTV? Bottom line, if you have cable, satellite, or a digital converter box, you may not want HDTV. But if your current set is on the 'blink' or about to die, you may want to consider getting one. The average cost of an HDTV set is about $700.

Lets take a look at the different styles.

Everyone knows the older style 'tube' television sets that we grew up with.

Nowadays, HDTVs made with these are called 'Direct View' TVs. They are cheaper and have a wide viewing angle (as a result of the tube shape)

The next type of sceen is called a 'flat panel' tv because, well, it is flat. Normally they are a few inches thick, with some models being only 3 inches. The downside is they are still expensive and have a lower resolution than LCD screens. Speaking of which....

LCD Screens are another type of flat screen. They are availible in a wide range of sizes and have a better resolution than plasma screens. The downside is they are still expensive, and the home-theater image is not as good as plasma. Plus you have a small viewing area in front of the screen.

Rear projection screens are another alternative. They are rather inexpensive, but they have large cabinets, need periodic maintenance, and and not ideal for bright rooms.

There is another type of projection screen called a front projection screen. They are the often sought after for the home theater experience, but the price is very high.

Quick review

Direct View - 27 to 30 inches $400-600
Flat Panel LCD - 13 to 65 inches $200-8,000
Flat Panel Plasma - 37 to 71 inches $800-15,000
Rear Projection 37 to 73 inches 1,000 to $5,200

NEVER, EVER buy one on impulse. Shop around, look online, check different stores. Also, research HDTV yourself, and decide what price you feel comfortable. I should also remind you, that prices change every week, so what is $700 this month might be $500 next month. New technologies are coming out each week, and newer advancements are being made.

So if you do plan on getting one, find your tv, and not the one the salesman likes.