I'm confused about 'LCD' vs. just 'plasma', what does it mean?
I've seen tons of people with big-screen TV's but I actually don't think the picture is very clear at all, even though they appear to have paid big money for the TV. In fact, my 18" sylvania seems clearer than some of the products they are selling out there because the screens look deep and watery. Am I just crazy, or is there more detail to picking out the right screen that I don't get?
Don't suggest $1000 TVs, that won't help me, the budget is $500 tops.
Also, is there anything at all HD about an HDTV if I don't have HD programming? (I don't). But would I still benefit from it when watching DVDs?
Is it true that many of the newer tv's screens look quite foggy when you're watching it from a bit of an angle? that would drive me nuts, my current tv doesn't really have that problem, is that a drawback of flat screen?????
Nutshell: I do not have HD programming, I don't think, just basic-basic cable. I watch a lot of movies though.
if I lay out the cash to go from an old $200 tube tv from 10 yrs ago, TO, a $500 vizio, samsung etc. etc. that's HD / LCD etc., what can i expect – disappointment or happiness?
thanks !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Suggestion:
Okay grab yourself a cup of coffee because your going to need it. I'm going to spare you all the tech talk some are going to throw at you and try to get to what's important to be able to make the switch. I have worked in the field for over a quarter of a century now and hear complaints from older people who get sold a system from a gamer who thinks all things must revolve around gaming. First let's talk size. Since you had a "tube" tv the shape of the flat screen will be different in more than just the shape. If for example you were used to a 25 inch screen on your regular tv a 25 inch flat screen will actually seem much smaller and probably just tick you off even though the screen is wider. You need to measure your old TV from top to bottom of the screen, not diagonally as a salesman will tell you, then find a flat screen that at least has the same top to bottom screen size. Why? Even though the flat screen is wider the image will seem smaller to you than your old set and you will not enjoy it. I run into this all the time.
Next LCD or Plasma? LCD sets are much lighter than plasmas and use much less power, they also put off much less heat. They also do not run the risk of "burn in" like a plasma will. Burn in is not reversible! What happens is if you say hook your computer to a plasma and run off to do something, if you have say your computer start up screen on and it is a static image (an image that does not change) it will actually burn itself into the screen and whenever your tv picture is black this burnt in image will be visible. So it would seem the LCD wins right? Wrong! LCD TVs do two things a plasma doesn't. First LCD's look like crap from the side, what you called "foggy", they really only look good if your looking at them head on. Plasmas do not have this issue. Second in a dark room LCD's glow gray if a black screen appears, plasmas are much better at "True black" and put off little or no glow if the screen goes black.
Next Monitor or Television? I see people get screwed over all the time on this point. Monitors can not tune in stations they have no tuner! So if you plan to grab any on air programs a monitor will not work you have to buy a television!
Next image. I get asked all the time why old movies or home movies look like crap on an HD TV. The answer is simple they were recorded in Standard Definition not High Definition. So they will look cloudy. Remember the warning on Compact Discs that said the CD could reveal source noise from the Original recording? It's the same thing only with video.
Next price. Don't get fooled by brand names most off name brands use the same internal parts as a brand name set! Instead look at warranties and locations of service centers. I can tell you brand names break down just as often as off brands. This can save you hundreds of dollars on price. If the picture looks good don't worry about the name. Also remember most electronics will break within the first 90 days so run it hard and often during the first three months. I never buy extended warranties just run the item hard for the standard warranty and chances are if they survive they will last for years.
Next inputs. Don't get suckered into a million inputs if all your going to hook up is a DVD player and a cable box or antenna. This will also cut the price down when selecting your TV.
I hope this helps and good luck.
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