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Buying advice Picture-tube TVs
As new technologies take over, conventional television models dwindle in number but deliver a lot of bang for your buck
Familiar picture-tube TVs continue to be big sellers, mostly at prices below $500. In the HDTV arena, they're being overshadowed by flat-panel LCD and plasma sets and big-screen projection models.
With manufacturers shifting their focus to these newer TV technologies, there are fewer new tube TVs coming on the market. Still, the best tube-based HDTVs offer outstanding performance and proven reliability at low prices. But the maximum screen size is limited to 36 inches, and these are getting harder to find.
WHAT’S AVAILABLE
Among the better-selling brands are JVC, Magnavox, Philips, RCA, Samsung, Sanyo, Sharp, Sony, and Toshiba. Picture-tube TVs can be either analog (the kind of set you've been watching for years) or digital models (including HD sets). Analog TVs can display only standard-definition signals, like those used for most TV broadcasts. Standard definition is called 480i because images contain up to 480 lines that are drawn on screen in an interlaced pattern (hence the letter "i"), first the odd lines and then the even, 30 times a second.
Most digital tube TVs can display HD signals with a resolution of 1080i (1,080 lines with an interlaced scan) or 720p (720 lines scanned progressively, in one sweep). These HD images are much sharper and more detailed than standard definition. A few manufacturers have introduced standard-definition (SD) digital models, not to be confused with HDTVs. These accept not only SD signals but also HD signals, which they convert to 480i. Picture quality may be slightly better than with an analog set because digital signals tend to be cleaner than analog.
Size and shape. Most picture-tube TVs have a screen that measures 13 to 34 inches diagonally. There are fewer of the largest sets, with 36-inch screens, possibly because other technologies such as plasma and LCD are coming on strong. HD sets generally have screens 26 inches or larger. On analog sets, the screens are usually squarish, with an aspect ratio of 4:3, meaning they're four units wide for every three units high. Some HD sets have a 4:3 screen, but more have a 16:9 wide screen with proportions similar to that of a movie-theater screen. One of the downsides to picture-tube sets is that they're relatively bulky and heavy, about 2 feet deep and up to 200 pounds in larger sizes. A few slimmer sets that measure about 16 inches deep were recently introduced. Samsung's 30-inch wide-screen SlimFit HDTV sells for about $800. Though slimmer, these sets are no lighter.
Features. Generally, the larger the screen, the higher the price and the more features and inputs for other video devices. Most sets with screens measuring 26 inches and larger have flat screens, high-quality video inputs, universal remotes, and simulated surround sound.
Price. Analog-tube TVs that display only standard definition are the least-expensive type of set, but they're becoming less common as HD models attract more interest. Analog 13-inch sets start at $75 or so; 27-inch sets start at $200; 32-inch sets start at about $350; and 36-inch sets start at $600. A 27-inch HDTV monitor capable of displaying HD typically sells for $400 to $600. Most 30-inch wide-screen HDTVs start at $800.
HOW TO CHOOSE
Televisions using the familiar picture-tube technology are the least-expensive option, and some offer fine picture quality.
Decide on a screen size. TVs with small screens (less than 27 inches) are likely to have fewer bells and whistles than larger sets. You also need to consider the size of your room to allow for enough distance so that you don't see the lines that make up the images.
Decide whether you want HD image quality. HDTVs can display sharper, finer images than conventional analog TVs, whether you're watching HDTV programming, standard TV programming, or DVD movies. Even with standard (non-HD) signals from a good cable connection, a satellite signal, or a DVD player, the picture quality can be better than a conventional set's. But with a poor analog signal, like the worst channels from regular cable, an HDTV can make the images look worse because the digital circuitry can't always differentiate the noise from the real signal.
While standard-definition TVs can't match HD for picture quality, some offer very good or excellent non-HD images that may suit you fine. Only firsthand experience will enable you to decide whether the extra quality of HD is worth the extra cost. Though HD sets cost less than they used to, they still command a premium over a comparable analog set.
Decide between an HD monitor and an integrated HDTV. If you're among the majority of consumers who get their HD via cable or satellite, you can save money by buying an HD monitor, which requires an external tuner to receive any TV signals. Integrated sets cost more, and they generally require a cable box or satellite receiver anyway. Digital-cable-ready sets that use CableCards are the most expensive type, and as noted above, this first generation doesn't offer interactive program guides or video-on-demand via remote control.
Consider the shape. A screen with the familiar 4:3 aspect ratio is a good choice for regular TV programming, which is formatted for this squarish shape. Most DVD movies and a growing number of HDTV programs are formatted for wide screen. We believe a wide-screen TV will give you a better HD experience now and be preferable for all viewing in a few years. But 4:3 sets cost less. Content formatted for one screen shape must be modified to fit the other, so you might see bars on two sides or above and below the image. Most 16:9 HD sets can stretch or zoom images to eliminate the bars, but this can distort the picture or cut off the edges.
As new technologies take over, conventional television models dwindle in number but deliver a lot of bang for your buck
Familiar picture-tube TVs continue to be big sellers, mostly at prices below $500. In the HDTV arena, they're being overshadowed by flat-panel LCD and plasma sets and big-screen projection models.
With manufacturers shifting their focus to these newer TV technologies, there are fewer new tube TVs coming on the market. Still, the best tube-based HDTVs offer outstanding performance and proven reliability at low prices. But the maximum screen size is limited to 36 inches, and these are getting harder to find.
WHAT’S AVAILABLE
Among the better-selling brands are JVC, Magnavox, Philips, RCA, Samsung, Sanyo, Sharp, Sony, and Toshiba. Picture-tube TVs can be either analog (the kind of set you've been watching for years) or digital models (including HD sets). Analog TVs can display only standard-definition signals, like those used for most TV broadcasts. Standard definition is called 480i because images contain up to 480 lines that are drawn on screen in an interlaced pattern (hence the letter "i"), first the odd lines and then the even, 30 times a second.
Most digital tube TVs can display HD signals with a resolution of 1080i (1,080 lines with an interlaced scan) or 720p (720 lines scanned progressively, in one sweep). These HD images are much sharper and more detailed than standard definition. A few manufacturers have introduced standard-definition (SD) digital models, not to be confused with HDTVs. These accept not only SD signals but also HD signals, which they convert to 480i. Picture quality may be slightly better than with an analog set because digital signals tend to be cleaner than analog.
Size and shape. Most picture-tube TVs have a screen that measures 13 to 34 inches diagonally. There are fewer of the largest sets, with 36-inch screens, possibly because other technologies such as plasma and LCD are coming on strong. HD sets generally have screens 26 inches or larger. On analog sets, the screens are usually squarish, with an aspect ratio of 4:3, meaning they're four units wide for every three units high. Some HD sets have a 4:3 screen, but more have a 16:9 wide screen with proportions similar to that of a movie-theater screen. One of the downsides to picture-tube sets is that they're relatively bulky and heavy, about 2 feet deep and up to 200 pounds in larger sizes. A few slimmer sets that measure about 16 inches deep were recently introduced. Samsung's 30-inch wide-screen SlimFit HDTV sells for about $800. Though slimmer, these sets are no lighter.
Features. Generally, the larger the screen, the higher the price and the more features and inputs for other video devices. Most sets with screens measuring 26 inches and larger have flat screens, high-quality video inputs, universal remotes, and simulated surround sound.
Price. Analog-tube TVs that display only standard definition are the least-expensive type of set, but they're becoming less common as HD models attract more interest. Analog 13-inch sets start at $75 or so; 27-inch sets start at $200; 32-inch sets start at about $350; and 36-inch sets start at $600. A 27-inch HDTV monitor capable of displaying HD typically sells for $400 to $600. Most 30-inch wide-screen HDTVs start at $800.
HOW TO CHOOSE
Televisions using the familiar picture-tube technology are the least-expensive option, and some offer fine picture quality.
Decide on a screen size. TVs with small screens (less than 27 inches) are likely to have fewer bells and whistles than larger sets. You also need to consider the size of your room to allow for enough distance so that you don't see the lines that make up the images.
Decide whether you want HD image quality. HDTVs can display sharper, finer images than conventional analog TVs, whether you're watching HDTV programming, standard TV programming, or DVD movies. Even with standard (non-HD) signals from a good cable connection, a satellite signal, or a DVD player, the picture quality can be better than a conventional set's. But with a poor analog signal, like the worst channels from regular cable, an HDTV can make the images look worse because the digital circuitry can't always differentiate the noise from the real signal.
While standard-definition TVs can't match HD for picture quality, some offer very good or excellent non-HD images that may suit you fine. Only firsthand experience will enable you to decide whether the extra quality of HD is worth the extra cost. Though HD sets cost less than they used to, they still command a premium over a comparable analog set.
Decide between an HD monitor and an integrated HDTV. If you're among the majority of consumers who get their HD via cable or satellite, you can save money by buying an HD monitor, which requires an external tuner to receive any TV signals. Integrated sets cost more, and they generally require a cable box or satellite receiver anyway. Digital-cable-ready sets that use CableCards are the most expensive type, and as noted above, this first generation doesn't offer interactive program guides or video-on-demand via remote control.
Consider the shape. A screen with the familiar 4:3 aspect ratio is a good choice for regular TV programming, which is formatted for this squarish shape. Most DVD movies and a growing number of HDTV programs are formatted for wide screen. We believe a wide-screen TV will give you a better HD experience now and be preferable for all viewing in a few years. But 4:3 sets cost less. Content formatted for one screen shape must be modified to fit the other, so you might see bars on two sides or above and below the image. Most 16:9 HD sets can stretch or zoom images to eliminate the bars, but this can distort the picture or cut off the edges.
