When evaluating HDTV, the eyes don't lie
Cox News Service
January 20, 2008
I bought my HDTV several years ago. At the time there wasn't much programming. I spent a lot of time watching documentaries about the love life of otters and travel shows that offered a peek into life in Estonia.
Now, the high-def content is finally there. And in 2009, all programming will be digital. So, even though your old analog TV will work just fine with a cable box or satellite receiver, common sense dictates that if you're in the market for a TV you should be looking at HDTV options.
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And that's where things can get a mite confusing. HDTV is a great advance, but it has made buying a TV a lot more complicated than it used to be.
To start with, you'll be choosing from a menu of technologies that includes LCD, plasma, DLP and old-tech rear projection or tube models.
Start by ruling out rear projection, even though that is what I have. When I bought mine, rear projection offered a decent HDTV picture at a price I could afford. Prices have fallen, and there's no longer much of an argument for rear projection. Sony, in fact, is going out of the rear projection business.
That leaves us with a choice among LCD, plasma and DLP. You'd be fine with any of the three. One of my favorite HDTV experts believes the DLP picture is unmatched. But if I were buying today, I'd pick a plasma set. The brightness and depth of the blacks from plasma is hard to beat. However, plasma uses more electricity and runs quite a bit hotter than LCD.
And while plasma is fairly dependable these days, LCD is the way to go if long life is the most important factor in your decision.
To narrow down brands and specific choices, read reviews: I suggest cnet.com. Also, Consumer Reports magazine does a good job. Use the reviews to rule out sets that have repair issues, or if you find horror stories about the way the manufacturer supports the warranty. Try to build a list of sets in your price range that seem worth considering.
Now use the most powerful selection tool available: your eyes.
Picture quality is highly subjective. Spend time looking at the pictures on sets that make your short list. Watch from about the same viewing distance and angle you'll use at home. Retailers will likely have the set hooked up for the best possible high-def picture; ask to see it in standard definition as well, if possible.
As far as size: The temptation is to buy the biggest set you can afford (or can't afford). To really see the amazing detail offered by HDTV, a big screen is unmatched. But for settings like the one I have at home — a smallish den — a 42-inch set is plenty big.
The right sound system brings out the theater quality of the HDTV experience. When I first got my set, I used the built-in speakers. I was amazed at the difference when I added a five-speaker system made for home theater. The big sound makes it seem more like being at the movies.
One thing not to fret about: Most manufacturers are touting 1080p sets. The "p" stands for progressive scan. It is superior to 1080i (the "i" stands for interlaced). You can read about the difference in the two methods of displaying the picture here: http://reviews.cnet.com/4520-6449_7-6361600-1.html.
Progressive scan is better, but keep in mind that no broadcaster is sending out images in that format. So if the set you want offers progressive scan (that's the way the market is going), that's great. But do not rule out a 1080i set if the price and picture knock you out. For smaller sets of under 40 inches, experts say a 720p set is fine, by the way.
I hope these tips help. If you make the switch you're in for a treat — and you won't have to watch otters to get it.
