Size Considering To Pick An HDTV

Small Size (25” and Below) HDTVs

The only HDTVs available in this size range are LCD flat panels. Unfortunately, this size range is very price sensitive, resulting in TV manufacturers often choosing low cost over higher performance. 

First thing to do with any display you are considering is to make sure the screen aspect ratio is 16:9. This is the HDTV standard with a width to height ratio of 1.78:1 (also written as 16:9). Many small widescreen (under 27”) HDTVs makers use early generation LCD computer monitor screens to save money. These screens have an aspect ratio of 1.6:1. Purchasing one of these TVs will result in you choosing to cut-off part of the HD image or constantly have black bars appear during HDTV programming. You can easily check the aspect by learning the screens native resolution. True 16:9 HDTVs in this size range have screen resolutions of 1280 x 720 or 1365 x 768. Dividing the lower number into the higher one will result in the aspect ratio of 1.78. Computer monitor screens used in HDTVs have non-standard resolutions such as 1440 x 900, which equals an aspect (1440/900=1.6) ratio of 1.6:1. Avoid these non-standard HDTVs.

Another consideration, image quality as you move off center, called off-axis viewing. There is a huge range how different makes and models of LCD flat panels handle off-axis viewing. While all LCD flat panels produce lighter blacks and darker whites as one moves off center, some models have very fast drop-off of brightness and contrast and also cause a significant shift in color intensity and tint. Compare the HDTVs you are considering by moving off center axis, before making a purchase. Don’t worry about the dealer’s demo content; the quality of off-axis viewing is constant regardless of the source material. Off-axis image quality applies to all screen sizes.

Medium Size (26”- 39”)  HDTVs
The choice again is LCD. The LCDs (in this size range) with the best off-axis performance use a technology called IPS for in-plane switching.  All Panasonic and Hitachi LCD HDTV use IPS panels. LG uses IPS panels in all its 60, 70 and 90 series models (except the 52″ size). The next best, SPVA panels are found on Samsung 4,5,6,7,8 and 9 series LCDs and select Sony LCDs (Caution, Sony does not disclose which of its HDTV use SPVA panels and which do not).

There are a number of 32” and 37” LCD flat panels that are 1080p with 1920 x 1080 resolution (as opposed to most in this size range of 1365 x 768 often referred to as 720p). Displays that are less than 40” diagonal are too small to allow the viewer to perceive the added resolution 1080p affords at any normal viewing distance, as you would have to sit about 4 feet from a 32” display to see the additional resolution. The averages viewing distance in the US is 9.5 ft. Stick to 720p displays in this size range if you plan to view beyond 5 feet and save money.

Motion resolution is the ability of an HDTV to maintain resolution with the presence of movement in the program, such as in pans, sports or action movies. Small screen LCDs are 60 Hz and when motion is present, resolution falls to about one-third of maximum (usually down to about 340 lines).  120 Hz refresh reduces motion blur, and is found in three 37” models, the LG 37LG60 and the Hitachi UT37V702 and UT37X902.

Big Size (40″- 50”) HDTVs
In this size range the choice widens to LCD or plasma. The plasma HDTV typically cost less per inch, though the gap has narrowed with the 40”-42” sizes. Plasma HDTVs have better contrast ratios because of blacker blacks; a wider viewing angle and better motion resolution. Overall, image quality is better than LCD. Plasma is superior in normal home lighting conditions; LCD exceeds plasma in viewing conditions with high ambient light such as daytime viewing in rooms with large windows and no window shades or curtains.

LCD LED backlit HDTVs have very high contrast ratios and bright images and excellent motion resolution, however they come with a very high price premium over normal CCFL backlit LCD panels and cost more than comparable size plasma HDTVs.(note: LEDs do not improve off-axis image quality). Whether you choose an LCD or Plasma, both technologies can produce superb HDTV images.

 Extra Large Size (more than 50”) HDTVs
Plasma has a wider price advantage over premium LCD HDTVs ( displays with 120 Hz, and SPVA wide-angle panels).

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• Flat-Panel HDTV Choices: LCD vs. Plasma HDTV – Part 2 (Contras Ratio, Color Gamut, and Resolution)
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• Flat-Panel HDTV Choices: LCD vs. Plasma HDTV – Part 1 (Picture Quality, Price, and Power Consumption)
• What HDTV LCD TV Size That Match For Your Room ?

This entry was posted on Sunday, June 20th, 2010 at 12:00 am and is filed under Buying Tips. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.