Most of the Plasma TV manufacturers claim their product lifespan to be around 50,000-60,000 hours. This comes to around 20 years.
However, even if we consider 30,000 hours, then considering the average TV viewing hours in an American household, which amounts to about 8-9 hours daily, a Plasma TV can work without any flaws for at least 10 years. And after that, the TV loses 50% of its brightness, similar to any standard TV.
HDTVs are manufactured in many sizes, ranging from 13 inches to 85 inches. There are many leading TV companies that manufacture HDTVs. Samsung, Sony, Panasonic, Toshiba, RCA, Sharp, JVC, Pioneer, Mitsubishi, and Magnavox are some of the big names that boast of producing at least one type of HDTV sets.
Saturday, March 24, 2012
HDTVs based On Screen Width
Before shopping for HDTV, one has to decide between a wide screen TV and a normal size TV. HDTVs with a wide screen have a display ratio of 16:9, while the normal ones have a ratio of 4:3.
The image seen in a normal sized TV is mainly square shaped. But the image appearing in wide screen TV appears to be in rectangular form. Wide screen HDTV is akin to the screens used in movie halls and
DVDs.
It is also the customary configuration for HDTV signals. Wide screen TVs are gaining popularity rapidly. The production of 4:3 format screens is about to be scrapped.
TV manufacturers are all set to concentrate on wide screen TVs now. You have to note that Plasma TVs and LCDs are available only in wide screen formats.
The image seen in a normal sized TV is mainly square shaped. But the image appearing in wide screen TV appears to be in rectangular form. Wide screen HDTV is akin to the screens used in movie halls and
DVDs.
It is also the customary configuration for HDTV signals. Wide screen TVs are gaining popularity rapidly. The production of 4:3 format screens is about to be scrapped.
TV manufacturers are all set to concentrate on wide screen TVs now. You have to note that Plasma TVs and LCDs are available only in wide screen formats.
DLP Technology
DLP technology is also winning the hearts of many buyers. A wide range of HDTV sets with DLP technology are available in the market. Their picture quality differs with the price and the company that manufactures it.
However, DLP technology comes with one minor hitch. A few buyers have reported to come across short stripes of color on their TV screens, especially while viewing bright pictures or images of black fields.
However, the manufacturers are in the process of upgrading this technology in order to overcome such minor pitfalls. One should be able to have access to the advanced versions by 2007.
However, DLP technology comes with one minor hitch. A few buyers have reported to come across short stripes of color on their TV screens, especially while viewing bright pictures or images of black fields.
However, the manufacturers are in the process of upgrading this technology in order to overcome such minor pitfalls. One should be able to have access to the advanced versions by 2007.
Plasma TV and LCD Technology
As far as LCD TVs and Plasma TVs are concerned, the technologies provide the benefit of a compact structure. Many new versions of TVs are only a few inches thick and weigh just a fraction of the older versions.
The flat LCD TVs with a screen size less than 37 inches are a favorite among the buyers. They are classy and can be placed anywhere. They prove to be a worthwhile substitute for a standard medium-sized television set.
Buyers who wish to stick to the old-fashioned rear projection technology also have an array of options to choose from. However, it is good to skip the tube based rear projection technology now, as micro-display technology is in vogue. Once the angle is adjusted, it provides a sharp picture. CRT based rear projection technology is soon going to become a thing of the past.
While buying a Plasma TV, one should be fully aware of the rewards as well as the shortcomings of the technology, compared to other types of HDTV. One of the things to be careful about Plasma TV is the risk of burn-in. However, this problem has been overstated by some people. In fact, many users of Plasma TV, who watch television for about 7-8 hours daily, have not found anything serious about this burn-in problem.
The probability of burn-in is the highest in the initial 100 hours of use. To avoid burn-in, one should keep the TV at low contrast, not more than 50%, and refrain from displaying still images or letterbox bars on the TV screen for several hours continuously.
Once 100 hours of usage is over, Plasma TV becomes long lasting, just like any other standard television. A number of plasma TVs come with burn-in-reduction features, such as pixel orbiting and screensavers. Some of them are programmed with defense mechanisms. For example, if burn-in takes place, the screen goes all white.
The flat LCD TVs with a screen size less than 37 inches are a favorite among the buyers. They are classy and can be placed anywhere. They prove to be a worthwhile substitute for a standard medium-sized television set.
Buyers who wish to stick to the old-fashioned rear projection technology also have an array of options to choose from. However, it is good to skip the tube based rear projection technology now, as micro-display technology is in vogue. Once the angle is adjusted, it provides a sharp picture. CRT based rear projection technology is soon going to become a thing of the past.
While buying a Plasma TV, one should be fully aware of the rewards as well as the shortcomings of the technology, compared to other types of HDTV. One of the things to be careful about Plasma TV is the risk of burn-in. However, this problem has been overstated by some people. In fact, many users of Plasma TV, who watch television for about 7-8 hours daily, have not found anything serious about this burn-in problem.
The probability of burn-in is the highest in the initial 100 hours of use. To avoid burn-in, one should keep the TV at low contrast, not more than 50%, and refrain from displaying still images or letterbox bars on the TV screen for several hours continuously.
Once 100 hours of usage is over, Plasma TV becomes long lasting, just like any other standard television. A number of plasma TVs come with burn-in-reduction features, such as pixel orbiting and screensavers. Some of them are programmed with defense mechanisms. For example, if burn-in takes place, the screen goes all white.
Types of HDTV Sets
The types of HDTV are categorized on the basis of technology, the screen width, and the requirement of either a HDTV tuner or an independent unit. While buying a HDTV, you have to consider these aspects carefully. Let us have a look at each of them separately.
Types of HDTVs Based On Technology
The most popular type is direct view HDTV that uses standard Cathode Ray Tube (CRT) and rear projection technology, similar to the standard TVs. However, this technology is going to get obsolete sooner or later. New advanced technologies are going to take over in the near future.
These technologies are cost-saving and loaded with extra features, such as, transmitting clearer and brighter images. The standard TVs stand no chance in competing with this new version, as they are burdened with the production costs and size restrictions.
The biggest direct view HDTV comes with a screen width of 36 inches. Besides this, the rear projection technology is shadowed with problems of screen burn in, convergence, and obscurity of image during brightness or at an angle.
The entertainment world has received a breakthrough with the introduction of amazing TV technologies like Plasma TVs, LCoS (Liquid Crystal on Silicon), LCD (liquid crystal displays), and DLP (Digital Light Processor) rear-projection units. Before a decade, one could have never imagined a television that could be hung on the wall! But Plasma TV has made this possible too.
Although each of these technologies displays their own advantages and disadvantages, they come with the promise of a better picture
quality. The HDTV’s installed with the advanced technologies are, in no case, inferior to the older versions of HDTV.
Types of HDTVs Based On Technology
The most popular type is direct view HDTV that uses standard Cathode Ray Tube (CRT) and rear projection technology, similar to the standard TVs. However, this technology is going to get obsolete sooner or later. New advanced technologies are going to take over in the near future.
These technologies are cost-saving and loaded with extra features, such as, transmitting clearer and brighter images. The standard TVs stand no chance in competing with this new version, as they are burdened with the production costs and size restrictions.
The biggest direct view HDTV comes with a screen width of 36 inches. Besides this, the rear projection technology is shadowed with problems of screen burn in, convergence, and obscurity of image during brightness or at an angle.
The entertainment world has received a breakthrough with the introduction of amazing TV technologies like Plasma TVs, LCoS (Liquid Crystal on Silicon), LCD (liquid crystal displays), and DLP (Digital Light Processor) rear-projection units. Before a decade, one could have never imagined a television that could be hung on the wall! But Plasma TV has made this possible too.
Although each of these technologies displays their own advantages and disadvantages, they come with the promise of a better picture
quality. The HDTV’s installed with the advanced technologies are, in no case, inferior to the older versions of HDTV.
Bandwidth Limitations
HDTV means a bandwidth of 18 MHz. Therefore, if you decide to move on to HDTV there is a problem, since the current terrestrial channel allocations are limited to 6 MHz only.
This way there are three options available to terrestrial broadcast. First, to change the channel allocation system from 6 MHz to 20 Mhz; second, to compress the HDTV signal to fit inside the 6 MHz; and third, to allocate multiple channels for the HDTV signal. Out of the three options, only the third one allows compatibility.
HDTV: Myths and Realities
There are so many things to consider before buying a HDTV, given the significant amount of confusions it has created. Most of them are simply myths. We have tried to cover some common concerns regarding HDTV.
Myth: DTV is the same as HDTV
Reality: No. DTV is just another term for Digital TV. DTV is a technology, in which signal is broadcast or received digitally. HDTV is one type of DTV transmission. Where DTV improves picture and sound over analog signals, HDTV offers the highest resolution picture and sound, all digitally.
Myth: Digital cable is the same as HDTV
Reality: No. Digital cable is just an improvement of picture and sound quality over regular analog cable, but in no way it is of high definition.
Myth: Non-HDTV programs cannot be viewed in HDTV
Reality: It is not completely true. You can watch non-HDTV programs on HDTV, but picture quality will suffer a little. Black and gray bars may appear on the left and right side of the screen to set the image in 4:3 aspect ratio.
Myth: We need to fiddle with a switch or wire when changing from satellite to antenna signal.
Reality: The HDTV automatically detects a HDTV station, whether it is being received via antenna or satellite. You just have to use the remote control to change channels.
Myth: All Digital TVs are HDTV compatible
Reality: No, this is not true. Not all Digital TVs are HDTV compatible.
Myth: The quality of HDTV varies with satellite, cable, and antenna
Reality: Quality of picture remains the same irrespective of whether you are receiving signals through antenna, cable or satellite.
This way there are three options available to terrestrial broadcast. First, to change the channel allocation system from 6 MHz to 20 Mhz; second, to compress the HDTV signal to fit inside the 6 MHz; and third, to allocate multiple channels for the HDTV signal. Out of the three options, only the third one allows compatibility.
HDTV: Myths and Realities
There are so many things to consider before buying a HDTV, given the significant amount of confusions it has created. Most of them are simply myths. We have tried to cover some common concerns regarding HDTV.
Myth: DTV is the same as HDTV
Reality: No. DTV is just another term for Digital TV. DTV is a technology, in which signal is broadcast or received digitally. HDTV is one type of DTV transmission. Where DTV improves picture and sound over analog signals, HDTV offers the highest resolution picture and sound, all digitally.
Myth: Digital cable is the same as HDTV
Reality: No. Digital cable is just an improvement of picture and sound quality over regular analog cable, but in no way it is of high definition.
Myth: Non-HDTV programs cannot be viewed in HDTV
Reality: It is not completely true. You can watch non-HDTV programs on HDTV, but picture quality will suffer a little. Black and gray bars may appear on the left and right side of the screen to set the image in 4:3 aspect ratio.
Myth: We need to fiddle with a switch or wire when changing from satellite to antenna signal.
Reality: The HDTV automatically detects a HDTV station, whether it is being received via antenna or satellite. You just have to use the remote control to change channels.
Myth: All Digital TVs are HDTV compatible
Reality: No, this is not true. Not all Digital TVs are HDTV compatible.
Myth: The quality of HDTV varies with satellite, cable, and antenna
Reality: Quality of picture remains the same irrespective of whether you are receiving signals through antenna, cable or satellite.
Issues with HDTV
Distribution
There are two kinds of advocates for HDTV systems. One who feel that HDTV will ultimately be successful outside the conventional channels. Others who feel HDTV is capable and it must use the existing conventional channels.
However, there are two options available to cable TV companies. Either they can continue to broadcast conventional NTSC by installing 20 MHz MUSE-type HDTV systems, or they can go with the digital grand aliens systems.
This leads to two interesting possibilities of two different HDTV standards – one for terrestrial broadcast and other for cable broadcast.
There are two kinds of advocates for HDTV systems. One who feel that HDTV will ultimately be successful outside the conventional channels. Others who feel HDTV is capable and it must use the existing conventional channels.
However, there are two options available to cable TV companies. Either they can continue to broadcast conventional NTSC by installing 20 MHz MUSE-type HDTV systems, or they can go with the digital grand aliens systems.
This leads to two interesting possibilities of two different HDTV standards – one for terrestrial broadcast and other for cable broadcast.
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