Buying Guide: HDTVs

LCD, LED or Plasma?

• Plasma TVs are at the risk of getting extinct with the growing popularity of the newly arrived LED and LCD TVs. However, that doesn’t mean you should disregard them altogether. Films look a lot better on plasma TVs when compared to normal LCDs. This is because plasma TVs produce better black levels, which in turn means better contrast and richer, deeper colours even from a distance and at angles. One disadvantage of a plasma TV is the burn-in factor, which may occur during the first 100 hours of usage, as static images can get etched onto the screen permanently. The only solution to this is to keep the contrast ratio low, although the newer plasma TVs manufacturers have become proactive by adding features such as screensavers; some go even further as to provide damage control options where the screen goes white once the burn-in occurs. The LG 42PQ70BR Bluetooth Plasma TV serves as a good example.
  
  
  
• LCD TVs definitely enjoy a larger market share than plasmas, as the former are available in smaller sizes making them more affordable. They also score over plasmas, as there are no burn-in issues. Another advantage is that the high-end and larger LCD TV panels have better resolution than plasma TVs. The downside is that the black levels suffer because light tends to leak through the pixels, in turn affecting colour saturation. Another problem with LCD TVs is the fact that they have narrower viewing angles. But all said and done, LCD TVs are the most viable option when it comes to buying an HDTV, as they are available in smaller sizes and are cheaper. The Samsung LA32B350F1 is a great, medium sized LCD TV that costs Rs. 26,500.
• LED-lit LCD TVs are considered to be the best option, but they’re also the most expensive. Apart from being slim and stunning to look at, the picture quality produced by LED TVs is surreal, especially if you are watching sports, action movies or playing games on your console. Another great advantage is that these TVs use light emitting diodes that allow the manufacturers to make the TVs slimmer, in turn saving power and making them a whole lot lighter. Of course, LED TVs aren’t perfect either, as most of them cost a fortune (with the exception of newer companies like Mitashi), and they also have a narrower viewing angle compared to plasma TVs.
  
  
  

By now, you will have a good idea as to what one needs to look for, in terms of technicalities when choosing the right HDTV.