Introduction To HDTV, LCD, LED, Plasma And 3D TV

The Difference Between HDTV, LCD, LED, Plasma And 3D TV

Today we are spoilt for options when it comes to buying a new television. Many older models with wide CRT screens have been made obsolete in order to make room for stylish and sophisticated flat screen models.

The difference in quality and enjoyment you'll get from an upgraded TV is vast. But first you need to choose what will suit your needs the best.

Most new TVs are flat screen and more often than not they will be high definition. These TVs incorporate many advanced technologies including LED, 3D and LCD.

If you don't know a lot about these and other TV related technological terms, this guide will help you. It will also help you to understand the important functions and specs you should be looking for to ensure your new TV meets your needs.

HDTV

'Standard definition' TVs are what we have all grown up with and are used to watching. While this has been more than sufficient in the past, there have been advances in technology that mean you can now enjoy watching television with ultra clear and sharp images. This is what we call HDTV or 'High Definition TV'.

With approximately double the resolution of your standard definition television the images are sharper allowing you to see more details. Once you have switched to HDTV, standard definition will pale in comparison. The larger the HD screen is, the more you'll notice the difference.

TVs that are HD-ready receive images from HD television broadcasts, or via Blu-Ray HD DVDs. Because not all movies and TV shows are made in high definition you will still have to watch these shows in their standard definition format on your HD television. Check reviews or ask the retailer about the standard definition playback on your HD television before buying.

The majority of flat screen TVs sold today have high definition capabilities (more on this in the spec section of this guide). High definition can be combined with Plasma, LCD or LED and sometimes 3D capability.

LCD TV

LCD TVs are made by various manufactures which gives the consumer plenty of choice when you are in the market to buy. They come in almost any size to suit, from quite small up to around 65 inches.

Advantages Of LCD TVs

• Compared to plasma screens they need less power to operate
• A matte screen is ideal for watching TV in a brightly lit room
• With six hours use per day an LCD should last between 16-32 years

Disadvantages Of LCD TVs

• Compared to plasma screens they are not ideal for viewing at an angle
• Uniformity of the picture across the screen is poorer
• Not ideal for viewing in dark or very dimly lit rooms compared to a plasma screen

LED TV

As with LCD TVs, LED TVs are available in various sizes and from various manufacturers. In many ways they are similar to LCD TVs with the exception of the backlight which can improve the quality of the picture.

Advantages Of LED TVs

• Less power usage compared with LCD or plasma screens
• Ultra thin and stylish design
• With six hours use per day an LED should last between 16 to about 32 years

Disadvantages Of LED TVs

• Compared with other technologies this is often an expensive option
• For the additional cost there is little difference in the picture quality to an LCD TV

Plasma TV

Samsung, Panasonic and LG are the leading manufacturers of plasma screens. They are generally available in only larger sizes from 42 inches and above.

Advantages Of Plasma TVs

• Plasma screens look great when viewed in dark rooms
• Much better viewing angle when compared with LCD
• Image uniformity is good across the entire screen
• With six hours use per day a plasma should last between 16 to about 32 years

Disadvantages Of Plasma TVs

• Plasma screens can reflect some light so are not ideal for brightly lit rooms
• Pausing images on the screen for long periods can result in image burn
• Compared to the alternatives plasma TVs use a lot of power

3D TV

What is 3D TV?

3d TVs bring a special viewing experience right into your home. Images appear to 'jump' out at you from the screen. While we may be used to viewing movies in 3D at movie theatres, this luxury is now available at home thanks to many major TV manufactures releasing 3D TVs.

Because of the technology that needs to be incorporated into a television in order to give it 3D capabilities they are more expensive than TVs with only 'traditional' viewing options. In order to see the 3D effects and images as intended each person watching must also wear specific 3D glasses.

Advantages Of 3D TVs

•They provide an amazing and fun visual experience
•High end 3D TVs may also have the capability to adapt 2D images to 3D

Disadvantages Of 3D TVs

• A TV with 3D capability is ultimately more expensive
• 3D glasses are a necessity for each person watching. They are usually sold separately and can also be expensive
• There is not a lot of 3D content available as yet. While some televisions can convert 2D images to 3D it can often be with poor quality results.