Top 10 HDTV queriesThere're recurring instances where we've received identical queries from our readers regarding HDTVs and which to purchase. So we thought it might be a good idea to list out the most-asked ones in topic form, to share with the rest of you. Feel free to submit more queries via Ask CNET Asia if you have further question. You may also like to recount your experiences and feedback with fellow A/V buffs here by contributing in the Talkback section below.
1. Which type of HDTV is better: LCD or plasma?As long as LCD panels employ some kind of backlighting, their plasma counterparts will always have an edge over them in terms of black level and native contrast. This is because plasmas can moderate screen brightness at the pixel level, though LED-backlit LCDs enhanced by local dimming functions have closed the gap noticeably in recent years.Another point to note is that for 42-inch and smaller HDTVs, LCDs offer higher resolution up to 1,366 x 768 pixels compared with plasmas' usual 1,024 x 768 pixels. 2. Which HDTV do you recommend as the best?"Best" is quite subjective and mostly depends on the individual's requirements such as good picture quality, aesthetics and value for money. For consumers where budget is not an issue, the mid- to-higher-end models featuring enhanced A/V processing and functions should be a good start. As for bargain hunters, the entry-level sets are hardly shabby, considering their price and performance ratio, though you should lower your expectations on design and appearance.3. Which is the screen size to get for my room?The screen size should be determined by the viewing distance between the TV and your seating position a.k.a. sweet point, not the room size. As a rough guide, this should be one to two times the screen length. You can also watch programs closer to the TV without the potential image pixelation found on higher-resolution full-HD models. However, having to tilt your head to follow the onscreen action close-up could result in some neck strain.Refer to our HDTV Buying Guide for more information regarding TV and room sizes. 4. Why are there two contrast ratio ratings?There're two contrast measurements commonly used by HDTV manufacturers: Native (ANSI) and dynamic (full on/full off). The former is a more accurate yardstick of a display's performance for real-world content, calculated via a black-and-white checkered test pattern. The latter usually provides an inflated rating by measuring the peak level in ideal conditions such as a fully darkened test room.It's worth noting that there's no industry standard for determining dynamic contrast ratio, so you should use the figure strictly for general reference. Having said that, many vendors have stopped providing native contrast ratios in their product literature. 5. What are the differences between full-HD and HD-ready panels?Full-HD refers to a resolution of 1,920 x 1,080 pixels, while HD-ready is anything between 1,280 x 720 and the former. Some benefits of a higher pixel density include better image details and less jaggies, though other factors such as playback materials and screen sizes will also determine the overall picture quality. Generally, full-HD displays should deliver the best bang-for-your-buck in rendering Blu-ray movies (especially for animation) and HD games, as well as providing sharper visuals on the 46-inch and larger models due to their finer dot pitch.Tags: Plasma, TV, animation, Sony Corp., Pixel |
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