Flat Panel TV’s

 

Flat Panel Television Buyer Guide

Flat panel televisions are in demand today because of their sleek designs, compact sizes, and improved features, which include high resolution and contrast ratios. Due to their affordable prices and improved performance quality, these televisions are preferred over CRT televisions nowadays.

Choosing the best flat panel TV depends on several key features or functions. Here are some things you may want to consider before buying a flat panel television:

• Type of flat panel TV (LCD, Plasma, or OLED)
• Screen size and viewing distance
• Regular screen or wide screen
• Popular brands of flat panel TVs
• Picture in picture (PIP)
• Audio types
• Input connectors
• Broadcast format support
• Brightness
• Contrast ratio

A brief explanation of each feature will give you a better idea about performance potential.

Types of flat panel TVs

There are three popular types of flat panel TVs: Plasma TV , LCD TV, and OLED TV. Each one has its own advantages and disadvantages.

Plasma TV

Generally, plasma televisions can be confused with LCD televisions. Both LCD and plasma TVs have a slim display that is different from CRT TVs. The technology used in a plasma TV is a bit different from LCD technology.

Plasma TVs have thousands of pixels that give electrical pulses and react with natural gases to glow and produce light. This illuminates green, blue, and red phosphor in each pixel for the display of a color sequence.

Pros

• Contrast: It allows for deeper blacks, which make colors appear more vivid and ebullient.
• Viewing angle: Wider viewing angle upgrades the picture, even from the side.
• Fast-moving scenes do not produce vague images.
• Zero dead pixels: To help you read the fine print.
• There is a faster pixel response time.
• Color saturation: Displays millions of colors, producing a finer display.
• Affordable prices are available.
• Screen sizes are bigger.

Cons

• Low brightness: Plasma TVs have less brightness compared to LCD screens.
• Burn in: The traces of an image burn up on the screen if the same image remains there for a long period of time.
• Size: Plasma televisions are neither slim nor light in weight.
• Shorter life span: Plasma TVs work for 20,000-30,000 hours.
• Fragility: These are delicate TVs and require much care.

Compare Plasma TV models

LCD TV

LCD TVs use a complicated network of TFT (thin film transistors). This supplies voltage to cells filled with liquid. These cells are placed between two sheets of glass. As the electrical charge is passed, the crystals unfold to filter the white light produced by lamps placed behind the screen.

The color in LCD TVs is reproduced through subtraction, which blocks out specific color wavelengths and allows the right color to hit the screen.

Pros

• Screen size: The widest range of screen size is available. Generally, smaller sets (that range from 14 inches to 19 inches) are most common.
• Brightness/Contrast: LCD TVs are backlit and block the outside light, creating black. This makes them versatile in typical natural viewing situations.
• Viewing angle: These TVs have a wider viewing angle of 175 degrees, which means that from the center, the picture can be viewed from up to 87 degrees on either side.
• Screen thickness: LCD screens are thin and can be mounted on walls and ceilings.
• No burn in: Newer LCD technology has no problem with burn in and has good pixel quality.
• Durability: These sets weigh less, are durable, and are easy to install.

Cons

• Delay problems: In case of fast-moving action, unnecessary image blocking is observed, which may annoy the viewer.
• They are more expensive than plasma TVs.
• Color reproduction: LCDs have digital-looking images, which do not reproduce natural colors.
• LCD chips are made of many pixels and if a single pixel burns out, the entire chip has to be replaced.
• There is a lower contrast ratio.

Compare LCD TV models

OLED (organic light-emitting diode) TV

OLED is the new technology used in televisions. It includes a series of organic, thin films that are placed between two conductors. A bright light is emitted as an electrical current is switched on. The layered system used in these televisions is less than 500 nm.

It also uses a self-luminous display, in which there is no need for backlighting. It produces a thin and compact display with a wide viewing angle. It requires much less power to operate.

Pros

• Lower energy consumption: There is no need for heaters, coolers, or back light. It consumes less energy and is operated only with a USB port.
• A higher contrast supports the full visible spectrum of light.
• Broader gamut of colors: Delivers more than 16 million colors at the same time, producing amazing picture quality.
• High speed refresh rates: Each individual pixel refreshes in a nanosecond, without any flicker. It can support refresh rates up to 85 Hz.
• OLEDs are faster than CRTs and LCDs.
• Larger viewing angle: The Lambertian characteristic helps in near-eye applications as it provides accommodation for pupil movement.
• Wide operating temperature range: OLEDs are resilient in both high and low temperatures and can operate between -55°C and 130°C.

Cons

• Blue LED component: It has met a high failure rate after 3000-5000 hours.
• The manufacturing process is expensive.
• It is easily damaged by water.

Compare Oled TV models

Screen size and viewing distance

Screen size is measured diagonally across the television screen. To deliver the right picture size and the appropriate screen size, you have to take into consideration the viewing distance, along with other factors such as budget.

Screen size doesn’t only depend upon the distance between the television screen and the viewer, but also the viewing angle. This is the angle formed between the center of the screen and viewer’s eyes. This factor plays an important role when there are too many viewers in the room. Flat panel TVs generally provide a wider viewing angle for the proper display of the picture on the screen for audiences sitting on either side.

Regular screen TVs and wide screen TVs have different viewing distances, which are demonstrated in the following tables.

Regular screen TV

The screen size depends upon whether the viewer sits close to the set or farther away. For regular 4:3 televisions, the viewing distance is roughly estimated in the following chart:

Diagonal screen size	Minimum viewing distance (in ft.)	Maximum viewing distance (in ft.)
13	2.6	5.2
19	3.8	7.6
20	4	8
24	4.8	9.6
27	5.4	10.8
32	6.4	12.8
36	7.2	14.8
40	8	16

Wide screen TV

Wide screen TVs have better resolution and allow you to sit closer and experience the theater-like picture. Wide screen TVs with DVD and HDTV allow you to sit at a distance of 1.5 times the screen size or more than three times the screen size. The maximum and minimum viewing distances in 16:9 wide screen TVs are described below:

Diagonal screen size	Minimum viewing distance (in ft.)	Maximum viewing distance (in ft.)
26	3.3	6.5
30	3.8	7.6
34	4.3	8.5
42	5.3	10.5
47	5.9	11.8
50	6.3	12.5
55	6.9	12.8
60	7.5	15
65	8.1	16.2

Generally, a 36 inch screen size is best suited for CRT TVs. Flat panel TVs are available in a 70 inch screen size. Plasmas can go up to 103 inches, and rear projections up to 73 inches.

Room size is the main factor in deciding on the perfect screen size to buy. A 24 inch or small screen TV would be best for bedrooms and guest rooms. Similarly, wide screen TVs are for larger living rooms.

Some popular flat panel TV brands

• Samsung: Samsung has introduced its new series of flat panel LCD models with crystal designs, 100 Hz motion plus technology, and ultra clear panel, which provides excellent clarity, and smooth, sharp pictures. It has also incorporated firing speakers. It has a contrast ratio of 50,000:1.
• Sharp: Sharp’s latest flat panel HDTV LCD television has a contrast ratio of 2000:1, a resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels, and excellent brightness. These features are available in the TVs with screen sizes of 37, 42, 46, and 32 inches.
• Sony: New and improved models of HDTV LCD TVs have received more attention in contrast ratio and brightness, and have a higher resolution.
• Panasonic: Panasonic has introduced new technologies in both plasma and LCD models with an improved resolution of 1366 x 768 pixels and a contrast ratio of 10,000:1 in both models with aspect ratios of 4:3 and 16:9.
• Toshiba: Toshiba LCD TVs are available with a high resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels and a contrast ratio of 1500:1. These are available in various screen sizes.
• LG: LG has added a wireless audio transmitter, which enables audiences to listen to sound with an FM receiver. Many new models with good resolution and higher contrast ratios have made it popular with today’s generation.
• Philips: New models of Philips televisions have 4:3 and 16:9 aspect ratios with good resolution and contrast ratios.
• Westinghouse: Westinghouse has introduced a new series in high resolution LCD televisions in both aspect ratios of 4:3 and 16:9. They are available with good contrast ratios and in various screen sizes.

Compare Flat Panel TVs by manuacturer: Samsung TVs , Sharp TVs , Sony TVs , Panasonic TVs , Toshiba TVs, LG TVs , Philips TVs, Westinghouse TVs .

Picture in picture (PIP)

Televisions both with PIP and without PIP are available. The PIP feature displays one entire program on the screen and another in an inset window.

There are two independent signals or tuner sources. Single-tuner PIP TVs come with external tuners such as DVD, VCR, etc. PIP is used to watch one program while waiting for the other. PIP in Samsung has an ability to switch between digital and analog sources.

The PIP transition is used by sports broadcasters and big studios to show scenes from two different angles at the same time. It encloses a video clip in a box within another video and both are played at the same time. This feature can now be enjoyed in the home with flat panel televisions.

Audio types

You can experience an excellent quality of audio sound together with a great quality of video display. Generally, televisions have three types of audio sources. These are:

• Virtual surround
• Stereo
• Surround system

Virtual surround creates a perception that there are many more audio devices than are actually present.

Stereo adds audio features that are enjoyed by humans. Stereo adopters are used in televisions and separate audio signals into right and left signals. They also provide a selection of second audio types and remote volume control.

The latest technologies use the surround system. It claims to give a more realistic experience to home theaters. Surround systems are numbered 2.1, 3.1, 4.1, or 5.1. 2.1 means that there are two speakers in front right and front left. Similarly, 3.1 means there are three speakers in front, and so on with 4.1 and 5.1. It enhances the audio sound quality of your television. This system also includes sub-woofers to enhance the bass.

Input connector

Flat panel televisions should be connected to signal source devices like a DVD player, cable, or gaming console. To connect all these peripheral devices, there are input connectors that are used to transmit and receive audio and video signals. Here are some of the common input connectors used in flat panel televisions:

Radio frequency (RF)

Flat panel televisions provide at least one RF connector that receives analog signals from an antenna or cable. It is also used to connect game consoles or VCRs. It carries both audio and video signals. It is labeled “CATV,” “Antenna,” or “TV-in.”

Composite video

Composite video is an analog connector in televisions. While carrying video signals, it combines chrominance signals and luminance signals in a single channel. It increases video quality to component connectors or S-video connectors. It is labeled as “video” on televisions. It is generally yellow in color.

S-Video

S-video connectors provide a cleaner video quality, separating chrominance signals and luminance signals to avoid any interference between the two, resulting in good signal quality. It is labeled as “S-video” and has four pins.

Component Video

A component video connector has three colored jacks: blue, green, and red. It is labeled as Pb, Y, and Pr (respectively). This connector is divided into separate luminance, “Y” and two color valves, blue minus luminance, B-Y and red minus luminance, R-Y. It has higher image quality than S-video.

D-Sub

It is a 15 pin connector that connects computer monitors and carries RGB signals (red, green, blue). It is labeled as “D-Sub,” “RGB,” “VGA,” or “PC.” It can also be connected with TV set up boxes, game consoles, etc.

DVI

The Digital Visual Interface connector carries 100% digital video signals. It offers better quality than component and D-Sub connectors, as it does not require any conversion of digital video signals to analog signals.

HDMI

The High Definition Multimedia Interface connector is a new digital connector carrying uncompressed digital audio signals of 8 channels and high definition digital video channels. These signals are transferred over a single cable. It is used to connect high definition devices such as game consoles, HD DVDs, digital set up boxes, etc.

RCA

The RCA connector is used to connect digital audio devices such as loudspeakers. It consists of a central hole with a ring of metal around it. It carries SPDIF supported audio signals.

Headphone jack

This connector accepts the plug from a pair of music headphones. It is available in 2.5 mm and 3.5 mm sizes. Either size can support microphone or stereo sound.

RS-232C

This is the connector used to connect data circuit terminating equipment to data

terminal equipment.

Firewire

It is also known as IEEE 1394. It carries both audio and video signals. In televisions, it can be used to transmit output and input to compatible HDD equipment like digital video recorders and DVD recorders.

RGBHV (BNC)

RGBVH stands for red, green, blue, horizontal, vertical. It supports VGA sources like satellite receivers and video projector cables with RGBVH female adopters and BNC male adopters.

You can choose any connector that is present in both LCD TVs and devices. It is recommended that beginners choose connectors on the basis of their resolution. Composite connectors and S-video connectors support the highest resolution of 480i (interlaced) pixels.

In case of 480p (progressive) resolution, two connectors might be required. The various resolutions (supported by various connectors) are displayed in a table below:

Video connector	Supported resolution
Composite	480i
S-video	480i
Component	480i/480p/720p/1080i
D-sub	480i/480p/720p/1080i/1080p
DVI	480i/480p/720p/1080i/1080p
HDMI	480i/480p/720p/1080i/1080p

After matching a connector with its resolution, the following information will help you decide which connector to use:

Video connector	Signal type	Video quality rating
Composite	Analog	1
S-video	Analog	2
Component	Analog	3
D-sub	Analog	4
DVI	Digital	5
HDMI	Digital	5

Input connectors on televisions are to be connected to output connectors on a device and output connectors on televisions are to be connected with input connectors on a device. Input connectors are generally marked as “IN” and output connectors as “OUT.”

Broadcast format support

The broadcast format in television tells us about the signals that the television is able to receive and display. The number depicted in broadcast format shows the picture magnification and the letter depicts the way in which the image is refreshed.

The greater the number shown in this format, the better the image on a bigger screen will be. Progressive formats refresh twice the interlaced format. 480i and 480p are standard definition formats and 720p, 1080i, and 1080p are standards used for HDTV.

Generally, you can find televisions in broadcast formats of 525i, 575p, 575i, 568p, 720i, 576i, 576p, 480i, 480p, 720p, 1080p, and 1080i.

Brightness

Brightness is the measure of image sharpness produced onscreen. It is one of the major factors that are considered in the sale of televisions. Brightness is measured with the help of a contrast ratio.

CRT TVs lose brightness with age, but plasma and LCD technologies have improved this. These provide a uniform amount of brightness. The problems of varying levels of brightness, bright “hot spots,” and darkening at the edges have been overcome by new plasma and LCD technologies.

Contrast ratio

Contrast is generally confused with brightness. Whenever you view a television screen, you can always notice the difference between the blackest blacks and the whitest whites: this is what contrast ratio means. High contrast ratio displays whiter whites and blacker blacks onscreen.

A contrast ratio of 1500:1 means that a perfectly white pixel is 1500 times brighter than a perfectly black pixel. This ratio of 1500:1 is considered good; however, the contrast ratio of 2000:1 is considered excellent.

Contrast ratios are generally mentioned by the manufacturers of the brand. Higher contrast ratios give a better quality of picture.

We hope this guide will help you to choose the best television. Have a great purchase experience!