How to Evaluate DLP, LCD, Plasma TV and HDTV Quality

How to understand the difference in quality between DLP, LCD, and Plasma TVs.

Steps

1. Know the environment where you will use the TV. The level of ambient light will be a major factor. Also know the viewing distance--this will determine the size or resolution that will look the best.
2. Know the program material that will be viewed. Most video sources including DVDs are 480. HDTV signals are usually 1080 sometimes 720.
3. Understand the strengths and weaknesses of each technology to make an informed choice--see tips below.
4. Carry a few test DVDs into each store so you are always seeing the same scenes. Note that the setting (viewing distance/angle, especially ambient light) will make a difference in the perceived quality. The settings/calibration can make some difference too.
5. Keep notes with model numbers and relative rankings between units since you will likely not be able to compare all models side-by-side at one store.
6. Don't buy much more than you need in size, resolution, or technology. If you have the space and easy access, getting a used previous generation top-of-the-line CRT rear-projection TV from for the large dark rec room might be just the ticket.

Tips

• Each technology has its strengths and weaknesses and so you have to pay attention to different aspects to access the total quality of a TV in the intended environment.
• DLP is thinner than CRT/LCD rear projection TVs. They are also brighter so more suitable where there is more ambient light. Its weakness is in producing dark blacks, especially closely spaced dark and light features. Use scenes with a fine high-contrast texture, such as a white cliff face with black speakles. The best latest DLP TVs will look good, while others will look washed-out, gray and blury. Another good scene is a distant view of a forest with a mixture of rich green leaves and black shadowy underbrush.
• LCDs tend to look like computer screens with unstable shimmeriness especially on silvery medium-light grays. Dark blues and grays approaching black are usually not well produced. Watch fast scenes like sports with a small ball (tennis, golf) as LCD refresh rates are not as fast. Watch slow panning scenes for artifacts that don't move with the panning scene. One cause for this may be variation in pixel response due to manufacturing tolerences. Another cause may be the smoothing technology to upsample a TV or DVD signal to 720 ro 1080--this is true with other technologies too. There are differences in the implementations, so it matters too.
• Plasma is considered to be the best. It can look hyper-real or exaggerated or lack that movie-theatre film quality of projection TVs. There are however considerable differences between models. The burn-in problem is not as bad as the earlier generations and with careful use, not much worse than normal CRT direct view TVs of decades ago. Plasma is a superheated gas and as such generates heat which may require extra cooling if already a concern in your home

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Learn About Plasma TVs

This is an article on the benefits of plasmas.

Steps

1. Realize that plasma tv's are not that expensive. Most good 42" plasmas cost about the same as a good 50" DLP or LCD rear projection TV, and they tend to cost less than flat panel LCD's of the same size.
2. Know that most plasmas don't necessarily have the most pixels. The larger (40" and up) flat panel LCD's most often have the highest resolution. While this is important, it is not the MOST IMPORTANT part of a TV.
3. Don't just buy a plasma or other flat panel TV to "save space." This is occasionally a concern of people, but really most people buy a plasma because they want to wall mount a TV.
4. Be aware that pretty much ALL HDTV's are "horizontal rectangles" otherwise known as widescreen and have an aspect ratio of 16x9 as opposed to traditional 4x3. This includes high-def LCD's, Plasmas, CRT's, and Projections.
5. Burn-in is not really an issue with plasmas anymore. It can happen, but it is difficult to get, even with video games. If burn-in does occur, it is usually reversible, which is why most experts in the electronic industry now call this "image retention" rather than "burn-in."
6. Plasmas are not obsolete. LCD's and plasmas are about the same age as far as the technology goes and the availability to consumers. Additionally, a good plasma does not use much power.

Tips

• Look at the picture quality and decide what looks best to you and costs what you want to spend.
• Make sure to discuss accessories (cables, power centers, mounting brackets, etc.) and how to connect your plasma to all your sources.
• Talk with knowledgeable sales staff and they will help you pick out the right TV to fit your individual needs.
• Ask the personal preference of the salesperson if you like them and they seem knowledgeable.

Warnings

• Read reviews, read magazines and visit your local consumer electronics store to see how the sets actually look

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