57U

There are several different ways to display HD images (Types of HDTVs).

Comparison of Display Types:

Each type of HDTV has advantages and disadvantages.
Here is a short list for each display type:


CRT-based RPTVs (now almost non-existent)

Advantages:

Least expensive per inch (available in sizes 40" - 80")
Easily repairable
Excellent colour rendition, including blacks
"Known quantity" for many years

Disadvantages:

Requires initial and periodic convergence and setup
Large, "ugly" black box (typically) (takes up floor space)
Susceptible to burn in, if not properly set up, operated.

There are no CRT-based RPTVs that can natively display 720P. If the TV accepts 720P it gets converted to 1080i or 480P, depending on the set.


Direct View HDTVs (Tube TVs) (also not many left)

Advantages:

Smaller size for some smaller rooms/entertainment centers (maximum size 34" in widescreen)
No need for convergence.
Better vertical viewing angle than RPTVs

Disadvantages:

If tube goes bad, repair cost is exorbitant - equivalent to cost of new TV
Horizontal resolution typically 700-1000 lines max (100-400 lines less than RPTVs depending on model)
Can burn in if not properly set up, operated.
Very heavy in the larger sizes.

There are no "consumer" Direct View TVs that can natively display 720P. If the TV accepts 720P it gets converted to 1080i or 480P, depending on the set.


LCD-based RPTVs(Few now available)

Advantages:

Light/compact for its screen size
High resolution - 720P (actually typically 768/788P) (720P is considered by many to be superior to 1080i, hence the higher price for these sets)
No need for convergence.
Not susceptible to burn in. Under severe commercial service (same channel 24/7), greyscale degradation has been encountered, but not under normal home use.

Disadvantages:

Periodic lamp replacement - about 2 years - ~$200-$400.
Doesn't display blacks as well as CRTs.


DLP-based RPTVs

Advantages:

Light/compact for its screen size
High resolution - 720P, Some 1080P now available
No need for convergence.
No possibility of burn in

Disadvantages:

Periodic lamp replacement - about 2 years - ~$200-$400.
May have "rainbow" effect.


Plasma

Advantages:

Thin, can hang on the wall
Available in sizes to 63"(Very expensive larger units have been announced recently)
Excellent resolution (768P typical, but 1080P is becoming more common)

Disadvantages:

Some more expensive units are better at blacks than the inexpensive ones
Susceptible to burn in if not properly set up, operated.
Some have difficulty with multiple inputs

Be careful - inexpensive plasma displays may be 480P only.


Flat Panel LCDs

Advantages:

Thin, light, can hang on the wall
Excellent resolution (768P typical, 1080P becoming more common)

Disadvantages:

More expensive than other displays
Only available in "smaller" sizes at this time
Doesn't display blacks as well as CRTs, plasmas, although they're better than they were a couple of years ago.

Be careful - inexpensive small flat panel displays may be 480P only.


Projection

Advantages:

Large, variable screen size
Compact unit
Excellent viewing angles

Disadvantages:

Typically need dedicated, darkened "home theater"
Lamp life (LCD/DLP) - about 2 years - ~$200-$400.
Be extremely careful when buying regarding resolution.


LCoS-based RPTVs

Advantages:

High resolution - 768P or 1080P, depending on model/price
No need for convergence.
Good colour and blacks.

Disadvantages:

Only a couple of manufacturers and being phased out.



Dead Pixels: Any fixed pixel display (LCD, DLP, Plasma, etc) has the potential to have dead pixels. This is a "disadvantage" of these displays, although I have not heard a significant number of complaints regarding this issue.


OLED

Organic Light Emitting Diodes - possibly the future of flat panel displays
Have make inroads into PDAs, cellphones, digital cameras, etc.

Advantages:

Can be made into a flexible thin display.

Disadvantages:

Not yet available for TVs
Largest size to date - 20", proven only in small displays - 4" or less
Concerns regarding long term viability of actual OLED system (display fades quickly)

There are new technologies on the horizon, like SED, which will be added to this FAQ once consumer TVs come to market. SED production is scheduled to start in 2006, with full production in 2007.


Holodecks

In your dreams


See the following site for additional information on projection TVs.

http://electronics.howstuffworks.com/projection-tv.htm


Please send me a PM if you have any comments or suggestions.

__________________
57U - Toronto, Rogers Cable, SA8300HD, 500GB HDD & Hitachi 61UWX10B HDTV, Yamaha RX-V1 A/V Receiver, Martin Logan Speakers. Photos --> 57U's HT

SA8300HD, 250GB HDD & KDL40W3000 (Upstairs)

Please don't PM me with questions that can (and should) be asked in the forum, thanks. Personal Question? Fire away.