As more shows broadcast in high definition (HDTV) more and more people are interested in buying a high definition television for their home. The March Consumer Reports issue said that prices on high definition TVs have dropped sharply and could hit new lows in the coming months.
Phillip Swann, president of TVPredictions.com,
agrees: "Over the last few years, prices of some HDTV sets have
dropped nearly 50 percent. For instance, you can now buy a name-brand 52-inch HDTV-ready rear-projection set for approximately $1,200.
That same set was priced at nearly $3,000 just a few years ago."
However, even with prices falling, a big-screen TV is still a four-figure
investment, and shoppers will find a host of new display technologies
to consider along with a growing list of unfamiliar brands.
One way to figure out which HDTV to buy is to read magazine and website reviews. For example, Home Theater magazine recently
named the Panasonic TH-42PX25 Plasma HDTV as the Best Flat-Panel
Display in its recent RAVE awards.
Consumers Reports also recently covered the subject in their March issue. Consumers Reports recommends that shoppers ask themselves these five questions when shopping for a high-definition television.
How big a screen? -- CR recommends that TV shoppers consider not just
price but where they will be watching when determining screen size.
Bigger screens not only take up more space but require more viewing
distance. The experts at CR recommend at least five feet for a 36-inch
screen or smaller set, and seven to nine feet for larger screens.
Thick or thin? Big-screen TVs range from a few inches to a few feet
deep. LCD and plasma sets are the trimmest and priciest. No matter how
large, they measure less than six inches thick, and typically cost about
$1,800 for a 26-inch LCD; $4,000 for a 42-inch plasma. Rear-projection
models using LCD, DLP, or LCoS technology offer a middle ground for both
bulk and price, around 15 to 20 inches deep, and typically cost about
$1,200 to $3,000 for a 50-inch (or so) set, depending on the technology.
Which type of display technology? CR outlines the following choices:
traditional picture-tube sets (CRTs) -- best for a fairly big HD set at a
fairly low price, though bulky; LCD flat-panel models – best choice for
a smaller flat-screen set; plasmas -- best choice for a very big, very
thin set; rear-projection models -- best choice for a jumbo TV for less
than the cost of a plasma set; and front projectors -- best choice for video
buffs who want a theater-like experience on a giant screen and are willing to
deal with a complex setup.
Why HD? The experts at CR recommend that consumers who are springing for
a big-screen set get a digital, HD-capable model. Those sets can display
the sharpest, most detailed images. Plasma shoppers may want to consider
an enhanced definition (ED) model. Though technically a step down, viewers
may not notice the difference unless viewing up close.
HD-ready or built-in tuner? HD-ready sets require an external digital
tuner such as an HD cable or satellite box or a set-top box used with an
antenna to decode HD signals. Integrated HDTVs have built-in digital tuners
that can get broadcast HD programming via antenna, but require an external
tuner for cable or satellite channels. Digital cable-ready TVs can get both
broadcast HD channels via antenna and also digital cable programming
without using a box but by inserting a cable card into the set. Shoppers
who receive their HD via cable or satellite can save money by buying an
HD-ready set while they are still available in large sizes.
