HD TV Reviews

Next Gen Televisions: Time to Get a Flatscreen?

If you’re one of the Flintstones, you may still be using an old-fashioned curved-screen television. It’s time to switch up to one of the new flat-screen televisions, don’t you think?

All types of flat-screen televisions – from LCD display televisions to plasma TVs and projector units, are superior to old screens in a variety of ways. They don’t lose definition when seen from the edges, making those least-desired seats in your living room perfectly acceptable. They also have significantly better resolution than old-style televisions. You may still be able to make out the pixels when you sit close, but because flat screen television sets use digital technology instead of less-accurate analog, they have a much superior picture, either in still frames or motion. And they are designed to work well with all the latest technology, from blu-ray to HDTV.

Up until recently, flat-screen sets have been on the expensive side, and a lot of people who needed a new set were waiting until the prices came down a little. Well – it’s time. Small LCD TVs cost what an old-fashioned television would cost, if you could still find them, and even the large screens are often under a thousand dollars.

Before you buy, though, you need to understand a little bit about these new technologies.

LCD TVs use a liquid crystal display (LCD). Watches using this technology in monochrome have been around for decades, but only in the last ten years have researchers figured out how to create good-quality color liquid crystal that is reliable and long-lasting. An LCD TV has a nice thin appearance, and is basically a layer of liquid crystals sandwiched between transparent layers, with a backlight behind everything. The light shines through the liquid crystals, which have been polarized to show up in the different colors for your display – and there’s your television. LCD TVs, when kept dim, use very little electricity, making them great for a darkened TV room. And they are among the cheapest flat-screen televisions you can buy.

LCD TVs do have a couple of drawbacks: first, older models are subject to “ghosting”, where a dim image of a previously-displayed picture can be seen through the new picture; for this reason, it’s wiser to buy LCD TVs new. They may also not be the best choice for a fast-paced game, as they often have a lag time that can mess you up. Blacks aren’t always as sharp and dark as you might like, another reason to view in a darkened room. And if you mistreat it, you can wind up with “dead” pixels, where nothing will display because that segment of LCD has been destroyed. In most new LCD TVs, though, these problems are minimal or nonexistent.

Plasma TVs are also flat-screen televisions, but work very differently from LCD TVs and have a very different set of strengths and weaknesses. While you can lay an LCD TV on its back – carefully – without ruining it, a plasma television can be destroyed if it is laid flat. That’s because instead of liquid crystals, it uses an inert gas sandwiched between two pieces of glass to create its display. Seals more easily come loose when the plasma TV is laid flat, allowing the gas to escape right then or over time.

Provided you care for it well and mount it properly, your plasma TV will function well for years. Unlike LCD TVs, plasma TVs display blacks very well (one selling point) and most will also work great for fast-refreshing games. Plasma TVs are often advertised as having the most realistic, highest-resolution, best-contrast display of all televisions, and this is probably true in almost every situation. Drawbacks include the expense – plasma TVs are not economical to make in small sizes, so you’ll have to buy a large one – and the relative fragility of these televisions.

Both plasma and LCD TVs usually need good wall mounts. The last thing you want to do with your high-def TVs is install them, only to have them fall down a couple of weeks later! Quality wall mounts for HDTVs should include very good hardware, preferably made by the same manufacturer that produced the television, and excellent directions so you can easily put it up yourself. If you are at all worried that you will not install it right, it may be wise to have someone install it for you.

DLP TVs are the third major set of television displays in use today. These are also called rear-projection televisions, and while they are significantly cheaper than either LCD or plasma TVs, they also are larger and bulkier (though not as bulky as projection TVs were in the past) and have a somewhat less impressive display. Still, for most uses DLP TVs do fine, and because the light source in a DLP TV is usually replaceable by the consumer, they have a much, much longer lifespan.

Very similar to DLP TVs are projector units. These gadgets are often small enough to carry by hand, but can project a movie-screen-size picture if they have a high enough resolution. Similar in appearance to an old-fashioned slide projector, projector units are a great choice for a small area, for someone who needs a portable large television, or for someone who wants a television without having an obvious television.

Your Home Theater

Plasma TVs, LCD TVs, DLP TVs, and projector units are all high-def TVs, as long as they have the appropriate tuner. Once you have them set up, you need to think about other components of your home theater. After all, what’s a large-screen television if you have to sit in your old uncomfortable couch to watch it?

Your first thoughts should be for electronics to enhance your viewing experience: good surround-sound speakers for a great theater experience, and universal remote controls to sit in comfort as you control everything in your environment yourself.

Once you have your electronics in line, go for the last thing on your list: theatre furniture. Your home experience, with comfortable chairs that don’t fold up when you stand up, can be superior to one at the local movie house. Look for spacious, durable seats that can handle spills as well as roomy cup holders and somewhere to put snacks, remotes, and anything else you habitually keep close while you’re watching your favorite flicks.

About the Author

SNS Designs, Inc. owns a number of websites. They carry wide
selection of
High Def TV
,
LCD TV
,
Plasma TV
. They offer the most popular in home theatre and a number of televisions that range from Sony, Pioneer to LG that everyone can afford.

13 Inch Naxa 12 Volt AC/DC 1080i HDTV LCD DVD Combo with ATSC Digital TV Tuner

Western Digital WD TV Live Streaming Media Player – WDBHG70000NBK-HESN $129.99 The Western Digital WD TV Live Streaming Media Player features built-in Wi-Fi and intuitive navigation menus for a beautifully simple entertainment experience that is easy to set up, easy to use….

Logitech S220 2.1 Speaker System with Subwoofer $20.95 Ported subwoofer for rich full bassWired control pod with microphone and headphone jacksPlug-and-play simplicity; easily connect to PC MP3 or CD playerGlossy black satellite speakers and control pod in a sleek contemporary design17-watt RMS 34-watt total peak power3-year limited warrantyIncludes wired remote control and all necessary cables…

Advanced HD Port ready LCD Projector,1080i Resolution HDMI input,Playstation, Xbox, DVD, cable/satellite tv $200.94 Advanced HD Port ready LCD Projector,1080i Resolution HDMI input,Playstation, Xbox, DVD, cable/satellite…

Digital Prism ATSC-710 7 Portable Handheld LCD TV with Built in ATSC/NTSC Tuner (Black) $45.00 Portable/Handheld Television with LCD Technology Displays Resolutions up to 480i Includes Remote Control, Antenna, AV Cable, Car Adapter, AC Adapter ATSC/NTSC Built-In Built-In Stereo Speakers, Great Value For a Great Picture, Great Detail for Video…

PowerQ POWERHD-100 Indoor Portable Pop-Up Digital HDTV Antenna – Get FREE TV Broadcasts! $24.99 The PowerHD-100 is the first truly portable digital TV antenna that enables you to receive free off air digital broadcast stations in your area. Receive both high definition (HDTV) and standard definition (SDTV) digital programming using your existing digital TV, analog TV with converter box, or USB/PC TV tuner and laptop computer. It is a unique product in its compactness (6.5 x 2.2 x1.5 inches) …

Toshiba Portege R835-P55X Laptop with Intel Core i5-2410M 2.30 GHz processor, 4GB DDR3 1333MHz memory, 640GB HDD, 13.3 widescreen with Intel Wireless Display Technology, DVD-SuperMulti drive, HDMI output port, Windows 7 Home Premium (64-bit) $1,299.00 HDMI port – Scale up your gaming, movies and music on a home theater – with full 1080p high-definition video, and amazingly immersive surround sound. USB Sleep-and-Charge – Power up your smart phone and other favorite portable electronic devices, even when your Toshiba is asleep or off. Touch pad with Multi-touch – Enjoy the ability to pinch, swipe, rotate or scroll through images on the display s…

VideoSecu Portable Adjustable DVD CD Player Mount for Car Headrest- Black Color MDC20 M25 $9.40 The VideoSecu DVD mount is designed for mounting portable DVD player to the car headrest. Mount the DVD player to the back of the front seat, for the passengers in the back seat to view. Adjustable arms fits different size DVD player up to 10 inch wide, and is compatible with most cars. The adjustable tilt function provides comfortable viewing angle and reduce screen glare. This mount bracket is…

RCA AMP1450R Digital Amplifier for Indoor Antenna $13.56 Enhances performance of all passive antenna brandsOptimizes signal for best possible receptionPreserves signal purity with extremely low-noise (ELN) circuitryEngineered specifically for UHF/VHF digital signalsUpgrades passive antennas to CEA approved amplified antennasEasy coax connectionDesigned to match RCA Flat Series antennas…

Sunforce 11240 1000 Watt Pure Sine Wave Inverter with Remote Control $191.73 The Sunforce 1000 Watt pure-sine inverter converts 12V DC to 110V AC of pure-sine wave power. Operates pumps, mini motors and appliances that won’t run on modified sine wave inverters. An ideal choice for sensitive electronics. Power Supply: 12V DC, Continuous Watts: 1,000, Surge Watts: 2,000, Surge Amps: 16, AC Outlets (qty.): (2) 110V, DC Outlets (qty.): 1, LED Indicators: Yes, Modified Sine Wav…

PROFESSIONAL 6 ft Canon HF S20 RFD Mini HDMI to HDMI cable! (Up to 800HZ, 1.4, 1.3b, 1.3c, Type A to C) $15.99 Premium 10 ft Canon HF S20 RFD Mini HDMI cable! This type A to C digital cable supports 600Hz and all 1.3 standards. Higher Speed: HDMI 1.4 increases its single-link bandwidth to 600 MHz (10.2 Gbps) to support the demands of future HD display devices, such as higher resolutions beyond 1080p, 3D, and 4K. The Deep Color and high frame rates. In addition, built into the HDMI 1.4 specificati…

LG 32-Inch 720p 60Hz LCD HDTV – 32LK330 $229.99 Move into the entertainment experience you’ve been waiting for with the LK330 LCD HDTV. Everything looks crisper, more vibrant, and more colorful on an HDTV. It’s about time your entertainment stepped up to meet your expectations.

VIZIO 32-Inch 720p LCD HDTV – E321VL $204.99 Vizio LCD HDTV features full 720p high-definition resolution with RazorLED backlighting for brilliant color and contrast in a razor thin design that’s less than 1.62″ thin. This sleek HDTV delivers superior audio using SRS TruVolume and SRS TruSurround HD audio for advanced virtual surround sound, and has 2 HDMI ports to connect up to 2 HDMI devices to your HDTV.

LG 32-inch LED Backlit HDTV – 32LV3400 $279.99 LG’s LED display technology makes the LG 32LV3400 32″ Class Widescreen LED Backlit HDTV beautifully slim with a picture to match, and all in stunning High Definition. The LG 32LV3400 32″ Class Widescreen LED Backlit HDTV can also achieve a dynamic contrast ratio of 1,000,000:1 so you get the deepest black and the brightest white imaginable. It’s nice to get what you want.

Vizio 42-inch 1080p LCD HDTV – E422VL $428.99 The VIZIO 42″ LCD 1080p 120Hz HDTV, E422VL with VIZIO Internet Apps puts the best of the web right on your TV screen. With built-in Wi-Fi (802.11n) for easy set-up, this HDTV also boasts 1080p Full HD and 120Hz refresh rate to deliver superior picture and audio quality at an amazing value, all while exceeding ENERGY STAR 5.3 Guidelines to reduce energy consumption.

Vizio 47-inch LCD HDTV 1080p – E470VLE $489.99 High definition entertainment has never been so amazing – or affordable. The 47″ class LCD HDTV delivers 1080p Full HD for incredible color and contrast, and striking 100,000:1 dynamic contrast ratio for truly deep blacks and brighter whites.

VIZIO E320VA 32-Inch 720p LCD HDTV $225.99 VIZIO’s E320VA 32-Inch LCD HDTV delivers superior picture and audio quality at an amazing value. Includes SRS TruVolume and SRS TruSurround HD audio for advanced virtual surround sound and four HDMI ports to connect up to four HDMI devices to your TV. Exceeds Energy Star 4.0 guidelines to reduce energy consumption.

VIZIO 32-inch 3D LCD HDTV – E3D320VX $379.99 Bring that intense 3D movie experience home with VIZIO’s 32” Theater 3D-inch LCD HDTV with VIZIO Internet Apps. You’ll enjoy the same crystal-clear, flicker-free 3D you get in the theater with similar lightweight glasses that are comfortable and significantly more affordable than heavier 3D glasses that need batteries or recharging. 2D content is stunning as well.

VIZIO 32-Inch LED LCD HDTV Black – E320VP $279.99 The VIZIO E320VP 32″ Class (31.51 inch diagonal) edge lit RazorLED LCD HDTV is brilliant in color, rich in detail and deep in contrast – all in a razor thin design that is less than 1.34″ in profile. This immaculate beauty offers razor sharp clarity and delivers a 100,000:1 dynamic contrast ratio for deeper blacks and brighter whites. Owners also enjoy ultimate connectivity with two high HDMI inputs.

SANYO 31.5 LCD 720p 60Hz HDTV – DP32640 $221.99 This Sanyo LCD HDTV features the latest technology for the digital age. This Digital Clear QAM tuner is capable of receiving unscrambled digital cable. Sporting a high gloss black finish, it will virtually disappear when the lights are dimmed. You will enjoy HDMI, Component Video, Composite Video and audio inputs, with plenty of options for DVD, VCR, cable, satellite and external antenna hookups.

Vizio 42-inch LED LCD HDTV 1080p – M420SV $526.99 Inch by spectacular inch, the 42″ Edge Lit Razor LED LCD HDTV with VIZIO Internet Apps delivers the ultimate Full HD experience and premium online entertainment in a razor-thin design. 1080p Full HD and 200,000 to 1 Dynamic Contrast Ratio render every image with amazing clarity, color and contrast, while its 120Hz refresh rate supplies smooth, super-sharp viewing for fast-action sports and movies

VIZIO E470VL 47-Inch 120 Hz 1080p LCD HDTV Black $559.99 VIZIO’s E470VL 47-Inch LCD HDTV delivers full 1080p HD picture quality and superior audio quality at an amazing value. This flat screen LCD HDTV Includes 120Hz refresh rate, SRS TruVolume and SRS TruSurround HD audio for advanced virtual surround sound and three HDMI ports to connect up to three HDMI devices to your TV. Exceeds Energy Star 4.0 guidelines to reduce energy consumption.

Vizio 42-inch 1080p 120Hz 3D LCD HDTV – E3D420VX $499.99 Bring that intense 3D movie experience home with VIZIO’s 42″ Theater 3D LCD HDTV with VIZIO Internet Apps. You’ll enjoy the same crystal-clear, flicker-free 3D you get in the theater with similar lightweight glasses that are comfortable and significantly more affordable than heavier 3D glasses that need batteries or recharging.

VIZIO 19-inch Edge Lit Razor LCD HDTV – E190VA $109.99 VIZIO’s 19-inch class (18.5 inches viewable) E190VA features edge-lit LED backlighting, for brilliant color and contrast in an ultra-thin design. Add SRS audio technologies for virtual surround sound, a 20,000:1 Dynamic Contrast Ratio for deeper blacks and brighter whites, two HDMI ports, JPG photo viewing via USB, and an energy-efficient ambient light sensor, and you’ve got a smaller display that’s as smart as it is sleek.

Vizio 26-Inch 1080p LCD TV – E260MV $199.99 The E260MV 26″ Class (26 inch diagonal) Edge Lit Razor LED LCD HDTV is brilliant in color, rich in detail and deep in contrast – all in a razor thin design that is 1” in profile. This immaculate beauty offers full 1080p high definition resolution for crystal clear images and razor sharp clarity and delivers a 20,000:1 dynamic contrast ratio for deeper blacks and brighter whites. This RazorLED LCD HDTV also includes touch sensitive controls that illuminate when your hand draws near and fade away once you’re done.

Vizio 37-Inch 1080p LCD TV – E371VL $307.99 VIZIO’s 37-inch E371VL delivers 1080p Full HD picture quality, solid audio performance, and plenty of value. This flatscreen LCD HDTV features SRS audio technologies for virtual surround sound, a 100,000:1 Dynamic Contrast Ratio for deeper blacks and brighter whites, and two HDMI ports for connecting your HD sources. This display also exceeds ENERGY STAR 4.1 guidelines, and utilizes built-in ambient light sensing technology to adjust backlight levels according to the ambient lighting conditions.

Vizio 42-inch 1080p LCD – E420VT $529.99 As impressive as it is thin, the 42″ Edge Lit Razor LED LCD HDTV proves Full HD doesn’t have to carry a premium price tag. 1080p Full HD resolution with Razor LED backlighting provides brilliant color, contrast and clarity, while a striking 100,000 to 1 dynamic contrast ratio supplies truly deep blacks and brighter whites.

Philips 7 TFT-LCD Portable DVD Player with Built-In HDTV Tuner $89.99 The HDTV tuner built into this Philips PET749/37 portable DVD player lets you watch your favorite free-to-air digital TV shows when you’re not enjoying your favorite DVD, SVCD or VCD movie, jamming to a mix CD or viewing digital photos on its 7″ screen.

Projecta Pico 30 Portable Projector Screen $79.99 This projector screen features a lightweight design for easy portability and a viewing area the size of a 30″ diagonal HDTV.

Terk Omnidirectional Indoor Digital HDTV Antenna $53.99 Enjoy enhanced HDTV reception with this flat antenna that blends into your HDTV system.

Terk Omnidirectional Amplified Indoor Digital HDTV Antenna $90.99 This flat-panel antenna is designed to be optimized for HDTV signal reception with a sleek design that blends into your HDTV system.

NEC Display NP-U300X-WK1 3D Ready DLP Projector – 720p – HDTV – 4:3 $1363.71 Minimize distractions and maximize the impact of your presentations with the NEC U300X, a portable projector that delivers an ultra short throw distance solution for education (including interactive whiteboards) and corporate applications. With its ability to be mounted to the wall above the screen, this model completely eliminates shadows and glare typically found with standard projection systems. Additional features for the 3D Ready U300X include DLP and DLP Link technologies from Texas Instruments and wide connectivity (HDMI and dual computer inputs).

RCA Indoor Off-Air HDTV Antenna $10.99 This high-performance indoor antenna reduces static and increases the beauty of the TV you receive over the air, including HDTV signals.

Insignia 50 Class – LCD – 1080p – 60Hz – HDTV $649.99 Experience stunning high-definition visuals with this Insignia LCD HDTV that features 1080p resolution for arresting picture quality. Two 10W speakers deliver brilliant audio.

Dynex 32 Class – LCD – 720p – 60Hz – HDTV $289.99 Enjoy your favorite movies or video games with this Dynex LCD HDTV that supports signals up to 720p to provide high-definition images with stunning visual quality.

Coby 15 Class – LED – 720p – 60Hz – HDTV $99.99 This HDTV features an ultraslim profile for optimal placement and an HDMI digital connection that delivers up to 720p high-definition images for a clear, vibrant display.

Samsung 40 Class – LCD – 1080p – 120Hz – HDTV $699.99 Enjoy video games, movies and more with this Samsung LN40D630M3 HDTV that features Touch of Color technology and full 1080p resolution for exceptional detail and picture clarity.

ViewSonic 32 Class – LED – 720p – 60Hz – HDTV $649.99 This ViewSonic VT3205LED HDTV features LED technology for brilliant image clarity and reduced power consumption. Advanced image processing ensures crisp video performance.

Westinghouse 22 Class – LED – 1080p – 60Hz – HDTV $179.99 Experience your favorite shows and movies on this Westinghouse LD-2240 22″ HDTV that features edge-lit LED technology and 1080p resolution for excellent image sharpness and clarity.

Antennas Direct Outdoor Multidirectional HDTV Antenna $119.99 This powerful multidirectional HDTV antenna lets you receive over-the-air high-definition signals and features up to a 15.8dB gain for improved reception.

Insignia 32 Class / 720p / 60Hz / LCD HDTV $359.99 This LCD HDTV supports signals with 720p resolution for stunning image clarity. The PC video input lets you connect the TV to your computer for viewing high-resolution images.

Insignia 32 Class – LED – 720p – 60Hz – HDTV $399.99 This Insignia LED-LCD HDTV features two 8W speakers and SRS TruSurround HD technology for a simulated surround sound experience. The 9 ms response time eliminates motion blur during fast-action scenes.

Insignia 24 Class – LED – 1080p – 60Hz – HDTV $249.99 This LED HDTV features 170 horizontal and 160 vertical viewing angles, so you can see the TV screen from several different areas in your room. The full 1080p resolution ensures stunning image quality.

Insignia 32 Class / LCD / 720p / 60Hz / HDTV $269.99 Enjoy your favorite TV shows and more with this Insignia 32″ LCD HDTV that features a 4000:1 dynamic contrast ratio for detailed images. The 8.5 ms response time reduces blurring during fast-action scenes.

Insignia 32 Class / LCD / 1080p / 60Hz / HDTV $279.99 This Insignia 32″ LCD HDTV features an 8.5 ms response time for reduced blurring during fast-action scenes. The 8000:1 dynamic contrast ratio and 1080p resolution deliver clear, detailed images.

Haier 32 Class / LCD / 720p / 60Hz / HDTV $299.99 Take your home theater to the next level with this Haier L32D1120 HDTV that features 2 HDMI inputs for connecting multiple components. Built-in speakers provide immersive sound.

Insignia 55 Class – LCD – 1080p – 120Hz – HDTV $799.99 Enjoy movies, gaming and more with this Insignia LCD HDTV that features 1080p resolution for arresting visuals with intense detail and stunning clarity. Three HDMI inputs allow simple connection to high-definition components.

Insignia 37 Class – LCD – 1080p – 60Hz – HDTV $499.99 This Insignia LCD HDTV features full 1080p resolution for exceptional image quality. The 8 ms response time eliminates blurring during fast-paced action scenes to ensure crisp, well-defined images.

Insignia 42 Class – LCD – 1080p – 120Hz – HDTV $449.99 Watch your favorite TV shows, movies and more with this 42″ Insignia LCD HDTV that features 1080p resolution for crisp visuals with intense detail. Three HDMI outputs allow flexible connection to high-definition components.

Toshiba 32 Class – LED – 720p – 60Hz – HDTV $429.99 This 32″ Toshiba 32SL410U LED HDTV supports stunning images up to 720p and features DynaLight technology for a bright display. Two HDMI inputs allow flexible connectivity.

Toshiba 24 Class / LED / 1080p / 60Hz / HDTV $249.99 Watch your favorite movies in stunning clarity with this Toshiba 24L4200U 24″ LED HDTV that features 1080p resolution for an arresting viewing experience. Two HDMI inputs allow flexible connection to high-definition components.

Sharp 46 Class / LCD / 1080p / 60Hz / HDTV $629.99 Enjoy your favorite TV shows, movies and sporting events with this Sharp LC-46SV50U 46″ LCD HDTV that features 1080p resolution for clear, detailed images. Two 10W speakers with virtual surround sound deliver a lush soundscape.

Toshiba 50 Class / LED / 1080p / 120Hz / HDTV $999.99 This Toshiba 50L5200U LED HDTV features Dynamic Picture Mode that enhances color, brightness and contrast for clear, detailed images. The ClearFrame 120Hz refresh rate reduces blurring during fast-action scenes.

Toshiba 32 Class / LED / 720p / 60Hz / HDTV $349.99 View movies and games in stunning clarity with this Toshiba 32L4200U 32″ LED HDTV that features 720p resolution for high-definition images. DynaLight backlight control delivers rich, deep blacks and intense detail for lifelike visuals.

Sharp 42 Class – LCD – 1080p – 60Hz – HDTV $479.99 Enjoy your favorite movies, TV shows and more in stunning detail with this Sharp LC-42SV50U LCD HDTV that features 1080p resolution for clear images and two 10W speakers for a lush soundscape.

Sharp 26 Class – LCD – 1080p – 60Hz – HDTV $269.99 This Sharp 26″ LCD HDTV features full 1080p resolution, plus a high brightness level and contrast ratio, so you can watch your favorite movies, TV shows and more in stunning high-definition.

TCL 32 Class – LED – 720p – 60Hz – HDTV $299.99 Enjoy your favorite movies, TV shows and more with this TCL HDTV that features a 100,000:1 dynamic contrast ratio and 300 cd/m brightness for clear, detailed images. MTS Stereo technology delivers stunning audio.

TCL 43 Class – LED – 1080p – 60Hz – HDTV $499.99 This TCL LED HDTV features a 100,000:1 dynamic contrast ratio for stunning images when watching your favorite TV shows, movies and more. MTS Stereo technology provides detailed audio.

TCL 39 Class – LED – 1080p – 60Hz – HDTV $449.99 Enjoy clear, detailed images with this TCL LED HDTV that features a 100,000:1 dynamic contrast ratio and 1080p resolution. MTS Stereo technology offers stunning audio.