The least expensive--and most common--type of jumbo TV is a rear-projection set. Some projection sets have three cathode-ray describe tubes (CRTs), smaller versions of the tubes used in satisfactory se...
The least expensive--and most common--type of jumbo TV is a rear-projection set. Some projection sets have three cathode-ray picture tubes (CRTs), smaller versions of the tubes used in within acceptable limits sets. The images from those little tubes are projected onto the assist of a 42- to 70-plus-inch screen, so the reveal rear-projection TV. Microdisplay sets use liquid-crystal display (LCD), digital well-ventilated management (DLP), or liquid crystal upon silicon (LCoS) technology in area of CRTs. These TVs are slimmer, lighter, and more costly than comparable CRT-based sets. More of them are appearing in stores, and their prices are starting to drop.
WHAT'S AVAILABLE
Major brands include Hitachi, Mitsubishi, Panasonic, Philips, RCA, Samsung, Sony, and Toshiba.
The smallest sets, measuring just about 42 inches diagonally, offer and no-one else a few more inches of screen than a usual 36-inch set. Rear-projection sets considering 50- to 60-inch screens are the best sellers. The largest of these TVs have screens measuring 70 inches or more. save in mind that a set bearing in mind a 57-inch screen could be overwhelming in a modest-sized room. CRT-based sets are floor-standing units more or less 24 to 30 inches deep that receive occurring roughly 8 square feet of floor space. They weigh practically 200 pounds and are mounted on wheels. Microdisplay models may require a stand. Most are more or less 15 to 20 inches deep and weigh about 100 pounds.
Most rear-projection sets now upon the shout out are digital (HD-capable) sets, but there may yet be a few analog models. Both types can take regular TV signals, but HD-capable sets can best display the sophisticated images you get from DVD players and from HD sources (antenna, satellite, digital cable, or digital-video players/recorders). HD-capable sets generally cost a few hundred dollars more than comparably sized analog models. Most have a wide-screen 16:9 aspect ratio that resembles a movie-theater screen.
Within the HD category, there are three types of TV sets.
HD-ready sets. as a consequence called HDTV monitors, these sets can display standard-definition analog programs (which nevertheless account for most non-prime-time TV broadcasts) on their own. To display digital programs, they require a digital tuner to decode those broadcasts. If youre getting your HD programming from cable or satellite, your digital cable box or satellite heir has the seize digital decoder built in. all you have to attain is connect your HD-ready TV to the box and youre all set. Cable companies raid a little rental proceed for digital or HD-capable boxes. To receive HD via satellite, you infatuation an HD beneficiary and special dish antenna(e). Together, these cost just about $300, but you may be nimble to acquire them from the satellite company at little or no raid as allocation of a promotion.
You can with acquire digital broadcasts, including HD, higher than the air, via an antenna. To realize so, youll have to buy a digital tuner called an ATSC (Advanced Television Systems Committee) tuner--the external box costs a few hundred dollars. However, theres no charge for help as there is following cable or satellite. Some satellite receivers after that allow a built-in ATSC digital tuner. To get digital programming via antenna, you must be fairly close to a transmitter, taking into consideration an unobstructed view. in imitation of digital signals, youll either have a clear, strong signal or none at all.
Integrated HDTV sets. with called HDTVs, these have the ATSC digital tuner built in, which enables them to decode any digital signals, including HD, taking into account no additional equipment subsequently used gone a roof antenna. You may be nimble to get the major networks HD offerings transmitted greater than the freshen in your area, but not the premium channels open upon satellite and cable. To get HD via cable or satellite, integrated sets require an HD-capable cable box, CableCard, or satellite receiver--the built-in digital tuner unaccompanied works for off-air digital broadcasts.
Starting in July of 2005, all supplementary TVs once 36-inch or larger screens --a category covering not quite every projection TVs--were required to have a built-in digital tuner to agree with a running ruling.
Digital-Cable-Ready (DCR) sets. Some new integrated models, called digital-cable-ready (DCR) or plug-and-play sets, can get digital-cable programming without using a set-top box. For HD and premium cable programming--and possibly for any digital programming--you must improve a CableCard into a slot on the set. You usually have to pay a few dollars a month to rent the card from the cable company. Current DCR TVs are not interactive, in view of that even in the same way as a CableCard in the slot they cant find the money for features such as an interactive program guide, video upon demand, or pay-per-view ordering via remote. Second-generation DCR TVs and CableCards should be here soon, and theyre traditional to have two-way capability, allowing for interactive features. Integrated sets typically cost more than HD-ready sets, once digital-cable-ready models costing the most.
IMPORTANT FEATURES
Virtually every projection TVs have the features that are now welcome on regular 27-inch and larger TVs, plus some features that arent so common--such as dual-tuner picture-in-picture (PIP) or a variant side-by-side characterize mode.
Most TVs have several types of inputs that handle shifting levels of quality. An antenna/cable, VHF/UHF or radio frequency (RF), input is the most basic connection, and it can be used following approaching any video source. A composite-video input will meet the expense of you slightly improved portray character and is often used like a VCR or regular cable box. An S-video input lets you take on advantage of the still-better picture vibes from a digital-cable box, a satellite-dish system, a DVD player, or a digital camcorder. A component-video input offers later quality, making this a fine unorthodox for progressive-scan DVD players, high-definition satellite receivers, and HD digital-cable boxes that have the corresponding output. Most HDTVs have DVI or HDMI inputs, which come up with the money for a high-quality digital attachment to devices such as DVD players, digital-cable boxes, and satellite receivers. DVI signals carry unaided video; HDMI signals carry audio and video upon one cable. The digital-to-digital connection may ensure optimal portray quality. These connections permit the content providers to direct your deed to cd clear programming. Many sets have more than one of a fixed type of input. Having two or three S-video or component-video inputs is a plus. For a camcorder or video game, front-panel A/V inputs are helpful.
Audio outputs let you take up a TVs audio signal to a receiver or to self-powered speakers. Integrated digital TVs as a consequence insert a Dolby Digital audio output for surround hermetic (available from some digital broadcasts). An automatic volume leveler compensates for the jarring volume jumps that often accompany commercials or changes in channel.
Auto convergence provides a one-touch adjustment to automatically align the three CRTs images to form an accurate picture. Its much more convenient than reference book convergence, which can require time-consuming adjustments. calendar convergence does permit finer control, though. The best bet is a set that has both calendar and automatic convergence. (Convergence is not critical on LCD, DLP, or LCoS models.)
Stretch and zoom modes upon wide-screen sets will money up front or compress an image to bigger occupy the screen shape. This helps to shorten the dark bands that can appear above, below, or on the sides of the image if you watch content thats not formatted for 16:9 screens. (The characterize may be misused or cut off a bit in the process of stretching and zooming.) Those bars make the describe slightly smaller. upon CRT sets (but not LCD, LCoS, or DLP models), the bars can leave burn in ghosted images on the screen higher than time, as can any images left on the screen for long periods--say from a increase ticker.
If you watch many movies, look for a film mode feature upon HD sets. This feature is as well as called 3:2 pulldown compensation or brand-specific names such as CineMotion. This can create upsetting images that were converted from film to video look less jerky, following less jaggedness in the region of the edges.
HOW TO CHOOSE
Here are some points to adjudicate in choosing a rear-projection TV:
Consider spread previously settling upon screen size. Most rear-projection TVs have screens measuring 42 to 65 inches. You might be tempted by the biggest screens, which can span as much as 70 inches or more, but admit a breath--and some measurements--first. Figure out how much floor impression you can spare, and plot to view the TV from roughly 7 to 9 feet away for optimal picture quality.
Weigh depth and price in choosing a display type. bearing in mind you know how much room you have, judge whether size or price is more important. CRT-based sets are floor-standing models next deep cabinets mounted upon casters. Some endure up as much tone as an armchair or loveseat. Most microdisplays are tabletop units. You buy a stand separately for a few hundred dollars or more. Would you prefer to keep maintenance subsequently a bulkier CRT set or spend more for a slimmer microdisplay?
Consider reliability. CRT technology has been used in rear-projection TVs for years and has generally been quite reliable. Note, though, that any pattern left upon a CRT screen for long periods--such as a deposit ticker or video game--can burn into the tubes of a CRT-based model, producing a long-lasting ghosted image upon the screen. Most warranties dont lid burn-in. This problem doesnt action other types of rear-projection TVs. Microdisplay technologies are newer and havent usual a track folder for long-term reliability, but theyre not vulnerable to screen burn-in. They may require lamp replacement, however, which can cost a few hundred dollars. Factor these considerations into your decision.
Focus upon picture quality. Its a tiny harder to locate summit describe environment in rear-projection TVs than in plasma TVs, therefore youll have to be choosy. The best sets can focus on unconditionally fine characterize feel when HD content and fine describe environment for DVDs and regular TV programming. Microdisplays are likely to meet the expense of augmented describe character than CRT-based models. Within the microdisplay category, we havent found that any one projection technology was consistently augmented than another.
Check the viewing angle. Some supplementary models display a augmented image from off-center than older sets did--a must if a TV will be watched by several people at once. Some sets have wider viewing angles than others. previously buying one, see how the portray looks if you step off to the side or shape happening and down. past some, youll look a dimmer, somewhat washed-out image as your viewing viewpoint angles away, particularly in a vertical direction.
Expect good sound quality. Many people attach big-screen TVs to an audio system to present surround sound, thus the setting of the TVs speakers may not be an issue. It may reassure you to know that about all the sets weve tested recently produced excellent sound. Thats largely because projection sets have better speakers than direct-view TVs and bigger cabinets once complex acoustical properties.
Consider installation. Because rear-projection sets are floor-standing units, installation is easier than like front-projection systems or wall-mounted plasma TVs. Still, rear-projection sets are larger and may be somewhat harder to set stirring than regular TVs, appropriately find having a professional install your TV.
Weigh the merits of an elongated warranty. though elongated warranties arent worthwhile for most products, they may be for high-priced devices using further technologies. Because microdisplay TVs are expensive items that havent yet usual a track wedding album for reliability, check into the cost of a further plan. find out whether in-home assist is covered and whether a replacement is provided if a set cant be repaired.
Copyright 2002-2006 Consumers bond of U.S., Inc.
For the latest instruction on this and many additional products and services, visit www.ConsumerReports.org.
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