Types of HDTV's Save Email Print

Reporter: Andrew Felix VIDEO SEGMENT

A | A | A There are several types High Definition Television (HDTV) sets. In this articleI I list the pro’s and con’s to the different types of sets. PICTURE TUBE (CRT) CRT sets have been commonly used since the birth of television. This is what most people presently have in their homes. Newer HD versions are available. PROS: Proven reliability and long life; good picture quality, detail, color and contrast; low cost. CONS: Heavy, bulky, and limited screen size. PLASMA Plasma screens use a relatively new technology. Considered the best looking TV sets made. The picture is sharp and the colors are vivid. Plasmas are very thin and can have very large screen sizes. It is very common for people to relate HDTV with plasma. PROS: Thin, wall-mountable, high brightness, and excellent picture quality. CONS: Expensive, shiny screen surface, potential for burn-in, some models use al lot of power and produce excessive heat. Warranty and service is also questionable. LIQUID CRYSTAL DISPLAY (LCD) LCD Technology is widely used for computer monitors, cell phones, and personal electronic devices. This technology has become hugely popular in the past few years and will continue to grow. PROS: Thin, wall-mountable, high brightness, excellent picture quality, efficient, and antireflective screen eliminates most glares. CONS: Expensive, possibility of motion blur with fast moving images, and can’t render deep blacks and grays. REAR-PROJECTION Images are projected from behind onto a screen. Rear-projection became popular several years ago because of its large size. However, it has lost momentum as the picture quality cannot compete with newer technology. DLP and LcOS are forms of rear-projection. PROS: Low cost & large screen size. CONS: Large and bulky, not the best picture quality, limited viewing angles, and not the best for bright rooms. DIGITAL LIGHT PROJECTION (DLP) DLP sets have become increasingly popular in the past few years. It is commonly referred to as “rear-projection done right”. PROS: Large screen sizes, sharp picture, and good contrast. CONS: Not as bright, has a rainbow effect, and does not work well in bright rooms. LIQUID CRYSTAL ON SILICON (LCoS) LCoS is the latest in rear-projection TV technology. It offers a large screen and sharp pictures. It is beleived that LCoS will surpass LCD in picture quality. PROS: Large screen size, sharp and natural picture, and cheaper than LCD and Plasma. CONS: Limited availability, and can’t render deep blacks and grays. Warranty and service is questionable. FRONT-PROJECTION Front-Projection is complex! It will only work correctly if you’re willing to design a room around it. However, if you do it right, it could be the best way to view HDTV. I caution you to tell no one if you consider building a “Miniature Home Theatre”. Otherwise you will have several uninvited relatives and neighbors knocking down your door to watch NFL Sunday Night and the latest DVD releases. Front projectors often use DLP or LCoS technology. PROS: Adjustable size screens, decent picture, vivid colors, movable, reasonable cost. CONS: Room must be completely dark, periodic light replacement, must purchase several other components (screen, sound system, & receiver) to accommodate the projector.

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Click here for 2009 FCC Form 388

February 17th, 2009, the era of analog broadcast television ended in the United States. While the change marked the end of the traditional analog method of broadcasting over-the-air television, it hasn’t signaled the end of free broadcast television. Your favorite broadcast programs and local television stations will still be available.

Consumers that subscribe to a "pay" television service such as cable and satellite have not been affected by the switch, but if you received analog television over the air or via an antenna, you’ll need to take action to continue watching your favorite stations, if you have yet to do so already.

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TV sets that currently receive programming through cable or satellite are not likely to be affected by the transition to digital.

However, TV sets that rely on "over the air" broadcasting with an antenna (set-top or rooftop) to receive a signal will be affected by the cutoff of analog broadcasts in 2009. You will need to consider one of the following options:

• Purchase a digital-to-analog converter box that plugs into an existing television. The boxes, which are expected to cost between $50 - 70 will be available for purchase in 2008. Beginning on January 1, 2008, U.S. households can request up to two coupons valued at $40 each. Each coupon can go toward the purchase of a single set-top converter box that will allow you to continue watching FREE "over-the-air" television on an analog set.
• Subscribe to a cable, satellite or telecommunications service provider if all desired local broadcast stations are carried by that service.
• Purchase a new television set with a built in digital tuner.

Any of these steps will ensure that "over-the-air" television consumers will continue to receive programming.