- In this report
- TV types
- Image quality
- Screen size
- Screen shape
- Connections
- Features
ELECTRONICS FORUMS  Get real-world advice from others about choosing a new TV, digital camera, computer or cell phone. |
February 2006
| Screen size: Determine how big a picture you want There are more TV screen sizes available today. Small screens are making a comeback as second or even third sets in a household because of the popularity of LCD TVs, some with screens measuring 20 inches or less diagonally. Meanwhile, big screens are getting bigger, with some stretching to 80 or 100 inches or more. A big screen makes HD programming especially compelling. If you're waffling between two sizes, you'll probably be happier in the long run with the bigger set. Decide what you're willing to spend and see how much screen that will buy you. Also consider room size. In general, the bigger the screen, the more room you'll need--not only for the set itself but for viewing distance. If you sit too close to any screen, you'll see the picture elements (lines or pixels) that make up the images. It's the same principle as looking at a newspaper photograph with a magnifying glass that reveals the multitude of dots making up the image. With HD sets, sit at least 4 feet from a 37-inch or smaller set, 5 to 9 feet from larger screens. With standard-definition models, you need a little more distance because the detail isn't as fine. Keep in mind that a jumbo set will look more overwhelming at home than in a spacious showroom. With any big-screen TV, consider having the set delivered and set up. Picture-tube sets and rear-projection TVs with CRTs are especially big and heavy. Here's what you'll find in various size ranges: Small screens: Less than 27 inches Screens smaller than 27 inches are often used for casual viewing in bedrooms and kitchens. Most sets in this size are conventional picture-tube or LCD TVs. Many of these smaller sets are standard-definition models that have fewer features than larger sets. You'll also find some HD-ready models in this size category. Medium screens: 27 to 37 inches In this size grouping, you'll have a choice of a conventional picture-tube TV or an LCD flat panel. With tube TVs, the bigger the screen, the deeper and heavier the set. Many of these TVs are about two feet deep and larger models weigh as much as 200 pounds. LCD sets are only a few inches thick and fairly light, less than 50 pounds. For the most part, we recommend at least a 34- to 37-inch screen for a primary TV you'll watch often. Large screens: 40 inches and up Big-screen TVs measuring 40 inches or larger are popular for large family rooms and home-theater setups. Plasma and rear-projection TVs currently dominate this size range, but more LCD sets with screens measuring 40 to 45 inches and larger are starting to show up. Rear-projection TVs using CRT technology are big and bulky, about 24 to 29 inches deep. Newer sets called microdisplays (LCD, LCoS, and DLP) are somewhat thinner--usually about 15 to 19 inches deep. These sets are quite heavy, often 200 pounds or so.
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