The Pros and Cons of HDTV Types

by Dave Donovan

Between LCD, Plasma, CRT, Rear Projection and DLP, it can be near impossible to figure out which type of high definition television to purchase. But let's be frank, for the amount of money you're going to be spending, you want to ensure that the television you purchase delivers everything you expect out of an HDTV, right? So, here are some pros and cons of these innovative televisions that can help you make a more informed purchasing decision.

LCD (Liquid Crystal Display)

Pros: One of the best features about flat panel LCD screens is that they are immune to that nasty HDTV disease, burn-in. They also offer a high-quality picture. Most commonly used in smaller-sized televisions, the LCD screen has just recently become available in larger screen configurations.

Cons: LCD screens are notoriously known for producing poor black levels. In addition, when the action moves fast on the screen, the picture can get slightly blurred. Since large sets are newer on the scene, larger LCD televisions are more expensive on an inch-by-inch comparison with other HDTV formats.

Plasma

Pros: Plasma televisions are sleek and are available in large screen sizes without a compromise in picture quality. They offer a beautifully bright display and provide excellent black levels for a crisp, clean picture.

Cons: Plasmas are very expensive and are some of the more power-hungry television formats. Plasmas are also known to be susceptible to burn-in and lower priced models tend to have a shorter than expected life.

CRT

Pros: HD CRT televisions offer exceptional value and picture quality for someone on a budget.

Cons: CRTs are susceptible to burn-in and the sets are usually bulky. These sets are the size and shape of conventional television sets, making them less sleek than other formats. In addition, the size of the screen maxes out around 40 inches.

Rear Projection

Pros: Rear Projection HDTVs are available in many different formats such as CRT, LCD and DLP. Rear Projections offer a relatively good picture at lower price points than its flat screen competitors, with the CRT being the lone exception on price.

Cons: Rear Projection HDTVs produce only average black levels and can sometimes produce a "rainbow effect" on the screen. In addition, the picture can look distorted when viewed on an angle, the set is susceptible to burn-in and they can prove to be expensive to maintain.

DLP

Pros: DLP (digital light processing) is used in many of today's popular rear projection HDTVs. They are not as expensive as other formats like Plasma or LCD and offer improved clarity over rear projection CRTs. DLP delivers exceptional colors, picture quality and they are immune to burn-in.

Cons: With DLP, the black level is not as good as what is available from some other formats. Plus, they are more expensive than CRTs and the screen can sometimes suffer from a rainbow effect.

Dave Donovan is a freelance copywriter living in Atco, N.J. An electrician for 15 years, an injury forced him to pursue his true passion - writing.