Hd Tv: Which Screen, Which Size, Which Deals?

Hd Tv: Which Screen, Which Size, Which Deals?

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HD READY

If youre looking for a new TV, High Definition is a term you are going to find it hard to avoid. However, things arent quite as straightforward as choosing to have HD. You will find there are two main options available to you; HD-Ready or HD-ready 1080p. Whats the difference? Good question. An HD-Ready TV is, as the name suggests, ready to receive HD broadcasts available from Sky, Virgin, Freesat and Freeview HD. These broadcasts use 1080i HD. However, to achieve even more detail and definition, Blu-Ray discs use 1080p format. Whilst most HD-ready TVs will play Blu-Ray discs, if you want to get the very best results from your discs, the HD 1080p is probably the one to go for especially if you are looking at screens over 40 inches.

SOUNDS GOOD?

Whilst picture quality is improving with leaps and bounds, sound quality certainly isnt. Be aware that the chances are your old CRT TV will have had better sound quality than many of the flat panel TVs on the market today. Its the down side of making the TVs slimmer less space, less room for speakers. This doesnt have to be a huge problem as most HD TVs will have multiple connectivity options to allow you to use your existing hi-fi or surround sound systems. However, its worth remembering that you may need to spend additional money if great quality sound is a must for you.

PLASMA, LCD or LED?

Choosing an HD TVs does mean having to choose between a Plasma, LCD or LED screen. You will find advocates of each of the three technologies, just as you will find detractors and you may find that other factors (price, availability, size) dictate the screen type you choose for you. However, heres a quick summary of the major considerations with each.

Plasma screen HD TVs

-Available in larger screen sizes

-Wider viewing angles

-Better contrast meaning colours are better, especially blacks.

-Good for fast-paced action and sports

-Not so good for standard definition TV

LCD screen HD TVs

-Most widely available

-Largest range of screen sizes

-Most affordable of the high definition TVs

-Colours can be washed out as contrast is not up to plasma standards

-Viewing angle is limited

LED HD TVs

-Most recent of the three technologies

-Combines advantages of both plasma and LCD

-More energy efficient than other screen types

-Vibrant, high contrast colours

-Adequate viewing angles

-Most expensive of the screen types on the market

IS BIGGER ALWAYS BETTER?

Size is it everything? TVs just keeping getting bigger but the chances are that your lounge doesnt. So how do you judge the optimal size for your new HD TV?

Viewing distance is the secret to finding a high definition TV in a size that suits. Consider how far away from the screen youll be sitting and base your choices on that. Remember that a huge screen will show every pixel if you are sitting too close and the benefits of high definition will be lost!

As a guide, work with the idea of doubling the screen width to give you the minimum viewing distance, although for high definition material, you may want to consider viewing from around 1.5 times the screen width.

HOW TO SET A BUDGET

With HD TVs now available everywhere from supermarkets to high-end electrical specialists, there really is a high definition TV for every budget. However, bear in mind the potential additional costs sound system for example. Also consider shopping online for packages that offer better value. Online stores often bundle HD TVs with blu-ray discs or even games consoles to make an attractive deal.

The golden rule though, as with most consumer electronics, is shop around and compare online stores to get the best deals. Which deal you go for will, of course, depend on the TV you have chosen but using a shopping site can save you time and their automatically updated listings will make sure you always have the up-to-date prices at your finger tips.

About the Author:
Sam Yates.

Sam has a family and so is constantly trying to balance the need for a TV that will do justice to the big game with one that will show the latest blu-ray films in all their glory all this and not become obsolete by this time next year. Looking for the right HD TV led her to do some research which she was delighted to be able to share.

Sam is a regular contributor to online shopping guide Which Deals. The site is built by a team of online shoppers sharing their experiences. Read Sams latest post on how to find the right High Definition TV for you at http://www.whichdeals.com/index.php/hd-tv-find-a-high-definition-tv-to-bring-your-entertainment-to-life/

http://www.whichdeals.com

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