A TV screen is made up of small picture elements known as pixels. Each pixel constitutes three closely spaced dot colors – red, blue and green.
Combined together on the TV’s phosphor screen, and when viewed from a distance, the colors are seen as one.
The pixels in the analog system are slightly taller than their width while in HDTV they are 4.5 times smaller, spaced closer, and square in shape.
This enables HDTV to display 4.5 times more detail than analog television.
Saturday, March 24, 2012
Why Wide Screen Display Is Better?
The simple reason is that the wider view is closer to the human vision. Our vision is optimized within a 30-degree field, and beyond 30-degree there is no visible benefit. The central area of this field provides us the best view, but the peripheral vision is better at detecting motion. Where the 4:3 aspect ratio of analog television allows us only a 10-degree field of vision, HDTV allows us a complete 30-degree.
Note: Do not confuse the aspect ratio with the screen size. The screen size is the diagonal measurement. HDTV comes in multiple sizes, but the aspect ratio is always 16:9.
Resolution
HDTV comes in two different resolutions – 1080i and 720p. The ‘i’ in 1080i means interlaced, and the ‘p’ in 720p means progressive. In both the resolutions, every second consists of 60 frames of video.
Progressive Resolution
Progressive resolution puts 60 full frames on the screen every second. The 720p video resolution is 1280 X 720 pixels, which gives 921,600 total pixels.
Interlaced Resolution
Unlike progressive resolution, interlaced resolution puts half and half, 30 frames of odd lines and 30 frames of even lines, on the screen every second. Some people complain that it causes flickers on screen.
However, the fact is you see the complete image on your TV screen two times more often, which results in smoother motion, and the flickers, if at all they exist are not visible.
The 1080i video resolution is 1920 X 1080, which gives whopping 2,073,000 pixels.
Note: Do not confuse the aspect ratio with the screen size. The screen size is the diagonal measurement. HDTV comes in multiple sizes, but the aspect ratio is always 16:9.
Resolution
HDTV comes in two different resolutions – 1080i and 720p. The ‘i’ in 1080i means interlaced, and the ‘p’ in 720p means progressive. In both the resolutions, every second consists of 60 frames of video.
Progressive Resolution
Progressive resolution puts 60 full frames on the screen every second. The 720p video resolution is 1280 X 720 pixels, which gives 921,600 total pixels.
Interlaced Resolution
Unlike progressive resolution, interlaced resolution puts half and half, 30 frames of odd lines and 30 frames of even lines, on the screen every second. Some people complain that it causes flickers on screen.
However, the fact is you see the complete image on your TV screen two times more often, which results in smoother motion, and the flickers, if at all they exist are not visible.
The 1080i video resolution is 1920 X 1080, which gives whopping 2,073,000 pixels.
HDTV Display Systems
Pictures in HDTV look sharper and clearer than that of regular TVs. The quality of the high definition broadcast signal is such that the images you see life like images.
This incredible picture quality makes you feel as if you are on the soccer field, when you are watching a soccer match. If you are watching a movie on your HDTV, you would feel like you are sitting in the front seat of a movie theatre.
Wide Screen
The hallmark of a HDTV is its rectangular wide screen and the high resolution of display. The way the picture is transmitted and displayed on the screen depends upon its aspect ratio.
The aspect ratio is the width to height ratio of a TV monitor or its program format. In comparison to the 4:3 aspect ratio of the old analog TV, which has a square appearance, the wide screen of HDTV has a 16:9 viewing aspect ratio. This makes the real difference that why the later leads to a better visual and acoustic enjoyment of watching television.
This incredible picture quality makes you feel as if you are on the soccer field, when you are watching a soccer match. If you are watching a movie on your HDTV, you would feel like you are sitting in the front seat of a movie theatre.
Wide Screen
The hallmark of a HDTV is its rectangular wide screen and the high resolution of display. The way the picture is transmitted and displayed on the screen depends upon its aspect ratio.
The aspect ratio is the width to height ratio of a TV monitor or its program format. In comparison to the 4:3 aspect ratio of the old analog TV, which has a square appearance, the wide screen of HDTV has a 16:9 viewing aspect ratio. This makes the real difference that why the later leads to a better visual and acoustic enjoyment of watching television.
Which Is Better For Fast Moving Actions?
A common belief is that Plasma TVs are better than LCD TVs in this regard. This is even true indeed. When you watch an action on LCD TV, for example, a football player moving down the field, the edges of his body might look somewhat fuzzy. You might find some jagged and blocky lines instead of a clean one, which is not the case with a Plasma TV.
Burn-in Effect
One of the biggest potential negatives with Plasma TVs is the ‘Burn-in’ effect. This is where LCD HDTVs have a definite edge over the Plasma HDTV. LCD panels do not suffer from ‘Burn-in’ effect. ‘Burn-in’ happens when an image stays on the screen for an extended period and then image literally burns in the screen. It means that even when the image is not present, you can still see a faint trace of the image on the TV screen. Hence, for video gamers and sports lovers, LCD HDTV is definitely a better choice than the Plasma TV.
Life Span
In general, the life span of both LCD and Plasma HDTVs is good. With time and technology, it is getting better indeed. Still, LCD HDTVs have an edge over Plasma versions when it comes to life span because their light source can be replaced, but once a plasma TV gets faded image, you cannot replace it.
However, replacing bulbs on an LCD can cost you as much as a few thousand dollars. If we believe what manufacturers claim, then both LCD and Plasma TV last at least 30,000 hours before any noticeable depreciation in the image quality.
Hence, if you watch television 10 hours a day, you would not have any problem for the next eight years, and if you watch television just for 4 hours a day, you would get over 20 years of viewing before seeing any depreciation.
Overall Picture Quality
This is perhaps the most important area of consideration while choosing between Plasma and LCD HDTVs. Picture quality rather depends on your personal taste. Both of the TVs have their own qualities. Choice is yours.
Color
A common belief is that LCD TVs produce sharper pictures with more realistic colors. The truth is somewhat different. In Plasma HDTV you will find realistic and a wider range of colors. LCD TVs give you a vibrant, primary colors type of feel. Plasma TVs give subtler, warmer pastels, but perhaps more accurate. However, at the end of the day, it all depends on your personal taste.
Brightness
LCD TVs tend to be brighter and more colorful while plasma TVs tend to be warmer with more accurate color reproduction. However, most people believe that LCD HDTVs perform better in bright-light condition than the Plasma HDTVs.
Black Levels
Plasma TV has the ability to produce deep black colors. Dark color on LCD TV is a somewhat complicated process. Instead of deep black, LCD TVs produce dark gray. When you become used to the set’s color, this goes unnoticed. Still, technically, Plasma scores an edge in this regard.
Prices
Plasma TVs have established something of a better reputation than LCD TVs. Even when it comes to price, they are less expensive. LCD technology is new, and after a few years they may be available at lower prices and with better features than Plasma TVs. However, in the present scenario, Plasma HDTV has a definite edge over LCD TVs.
Technologies are changing rapidly, but for now, it is still true that for sizes of 40-inch and above, Plasma HDTVs offer a less expensive and a better resolution, while for screen sizes less than 40-inch LCD HDTV is better.
Burn-in Effect
One of the biggest potential negatives with Plasma TVs is the ‘Burn-in’ effect. This is where LCD HDTVs have a definite edge over the Plasma HDTV. LCD panels do not suffer from ‘Burn-in’ effect. ‘Burn-in’ happens when an image stays on the screen for an extended period and then image literally burns in the screen. It means that even when the image is not present, you can still see a faint trace of the image on the TV screen. Hence, for video gamers and sports lovers, LCD HDTV is definitely a better choice than the Plasma TV.
Life Span
In general, the life span of both LCD and Plasma HDTVs is good. With time and technology, it is getting better indeed. Still, LCD HDTVs have an edge over Plasma versions when it comes to life span because their light source can be replaced, but once a plasma TV gets faded image, you cannot replace it.
However, replacing bulbs on an LCD can cost you as much as a few thousand dollars. If we believe what manufacturers claim, then both LCD and Plasma TV last at least 30,000 hours before any noticeable depreciation in the image quality.
Hence, if you watch television 10 hours a day, you would not have any problem for the next eight years, and if you watch television just for 4 hours a day, you would get over 20 years of viewing before seeing any depreciation.
Overall Picture Quality
This is perhaps the most important area of consideration while choosing between Plasma and LCD HDTVs. Picture quality rather depends on your personal taste. Both of the TVs have their own qualities. Choice is yours.
Color
A common belief is that LCD TVs produce sharper pictures with more realistic colors. The truth is somewhat different. In Plasma HDTV you will find realistic and a wider range of colors. LCD TVs give you a vibrant, primary colors type of feel. Plasma TVs give subtler, warmer pastels, but perhaps more accurate. However, at the end of the day, it all depends on your personal taste.
Brightness
LCD TVs tend to be brighter and more colorful while plasma TVs tend to be warmer with more accurate color reproduction. However, most people believe that LCD HDTVs perform better in bright-light condition than the Plasma HDTVs.
Black Levels
Plasma TV has the ability to produce deep black colors. Dark color on LCD TV is a somewhat complicated process. Instead of deep black, LCD TVs produce dark gray. When you become used to the set’s color, this goes unnoticed. Still, technically, Plasma scores an edge in this regard.
Prices
Plasma TVs have established something of a better reputation than LCD TVs. Even when it comes to price, they are less expensive. LCD technology is new, and after a few years they may be available at lower prices and with better features than Plasma TVs. However, in the present scenario, Plasma HDTV has a definite edge over LCD TVs.
Technologies are changing rapidly, but for now, it is still true that for sizes of 40-inch and above, Plasma HDTVs offer a less expensive and a better resolution, while for screen sizes less than 40-inch LCD HDTV is better.
How do the two technologies work?
Plasma HDTV
Phosphor, a chemical compound, is the heart of a Plasma HDTV. The light you see on a plasma screen is caused by these phosphors. Each pixel in a Plasma HDTV is made up of three types of phosphors, red, blue, and green. When beams of electrons strike with these phosphors, they emit light. The amount of light depends upon the intensity of the electron beams.
LCD HDTV
Where phosphors play a major role in the technology of Plasma HDTVs, in LCD HDTVs, it is crystals. Crystals, in the form of liquid, is sandwiched between transparent panels. There is a bright florescent light behind these panels. The sandwiched crystals are
instructed to either let the light pass or not. Color filters are also used, which determine the color.
Does size matter?
Since both Plasma and LCD TVs are large screen televisions, size does not matter that much. However, if you consider viewing area by size, Plasma TVs have always been a good choice. Again, you can find more varieties of Plasma TVs in comparison to LCD TVs. On the other hand, if by size you mean the size of your bank account, it matters indeed. For the same size, Plasma TVs are normally less expensive.
Viewing Angle
The viewing angle is the feature that determines how far off to the side you can sit from the TV and still see the picture clearly. It is very important to consider the viewing angle because not all of your family members can sit literally in front of the TV. When it comes to viewing angle, Plasma TV has a definite edge over LCDs. Some LCD-manufacturers claim that the 170-degree field of vision offered by them allows accurate viewing. That is not true at all. You may be able to see what is happening at that angle, but it is not the same as sitting more directly head on.
Issues with Plasma and LCD HDTVs
There are certain issues with both Plasma and LCD HDTVs. The following details will help you understand them.
Problems with the Dead Pixels
There are certain problems with pixels in both the televisions. Sometimes pixel is always ON. For example, it lit up when the
screen is black. Sometimes the pixel is always OFF. For example, it looks black when it should have color.
You must buy your HDTV from reputed manufacturers, because in that case there are lesser possibilities of such problems. Again, if you face any such problem, reputed manufacturers take care of it.
Phosphor, a chemical compound, is the heart of a Plasma HDTV. The light you see on a plasma screen is caused by these phosphors. Each pixel in a Plasma HDTV is made up of three types of phosphors, red, blue, and green. When beams of electrons strike with these phosphors, they emit light. The amount of light depends upon the intensity of the electron beams.
LCD HDTV
Where phosphors play a major role in the technology of Plasma HDTVs, in LCD HDTVs, it is crystals. Crystals, in the form of liquid, is sandwiched between transparent panels. There is a bright florescent light behind these panels. The sandwiched crystals are
instructed to either let the light pass or not. Color filters are also used, which determine the color.
Does size matter?
Since both Plasma and LCD TVs are large screen televisions, size does not matter that much. However, if you consider viewing area by size, Plasma TVs have always been a good choice. Again, you can find more varieties of Plasma TVs in comparison to LCD TVs. On the other hand, if by size you mean the size of your bank account, it matters indeed. For the same size, Plasma TVs are normally less expensive.
Viewing Angle
The viewing angle is the feature that determines how far off to the side you can sit from the TV and still see the picture clearly. It is very important to consider the viewing angle because not all of your family members can sit literally in front of the TV. When it comes to viewing angle, Plasma TV has a definite edge over LCDs. Some LCD-manufacturers claim that the 170-degree field of vision offered by them allows accurate viewing. That is not true at all. You may be able to see what is happening at that angle, but it is not the same as sitting more directly head on.
Issues with Plasma and LCD HDTVs
There are certain issues with both Plasma and LCD HDTVs. The following details will help you understand them.
Problems with the Dead Pixels
There are certain problems with pixels in both the televisions. Sometimes pixel is always ON. For example, it lit up when the
screen is black. Sometimes the pixel is always OFF. For example, it looks black when it should have color.
You must buy your HDTV from reputed manufacturers, because in that case there are lesser possibilities of such problems. Again, if you face any such problem, reputed manufacturers take care of it.
LCD HDTV Or Plasma HDTV
If you are looking for a flat-screen, slim and classic HDTV, you have two choices, LCD HDTV and Plasma HDTV. A few years ago, it was an easy task to make a decision.
If you wanted a 40-inch or bigger flat screen, the only available option was Plasma HDTV, otherwise you should have chosen LCD.
However, things have changed now with the improved technology of LCD HDTVs. Now, to decide which one is better is not an easy task. Both the versions of HDTVs have their benefits and disadvantages.
Therefore, each one is better in certain circumstances. The following details will certainly help you to choose one that best suits your requirements. After you have gone through all these details, you will have a better idea of which HDTV is right for you.
If you wanted a 40-inch or bigger flat screen, the only available option was Plasma HDTV, otherwise you should have chosen LCD.
However, things have changed now with the improved technology of LCD HDTVs. Now, to decide which one is better is not an easy task. Both the versions of HDTVs have their benefits and disadvantages.
Therefore, each one is better in certain circumstances. The following details will certainly help you to choose one that best suits your requirements. After you have gone through all these details, you will have a better idea of which HDTV is right for you.
Amplifiers and Antenna Rotors
Amplifiers can remarkably enhance the reception. However, the opposite can happen too. An ill-assorted amplifier can worsen the reception. Besides this, trees, high-rise buildings, undulating topography, or the presence of some electronic waves can interfere with the reception.
Moreover, a number of local stations transmit the digital HDTV signals at considerably reduced wavelengths. This becomes difficult for even the superior quality antenna to catch the signals from far away places.
An Antenna Rotor facilitates the exact positioning of the antenna. If there is more than one transmitting tower situated in various directions in the premises of your location, the use of an antenna rotor becomes even more important.
If you want to shop for an Antenna Rotor, prefer the newly designed ones. They come with the benefit of a digital controller, which can be held in the hands. This one is a good buy.
Verify and Then Buy
Remember; buy only when you are sure of the product. If any doubt ruffles your mind, do not ignore it. Do not hesitate to inquire about the product. If you are not convinced with the information, check out some other shop. A fully aware customer will never regret his or her investment in the purchased product.
Moreover, a number of local stations transmit the digital HDTV signals at considerably reduced wavelengths. This becomes difficult for even the superior quality antenna to catch the signals from far away places.
An Antenna Rotor facilitates the exact positioning of the antenna. If there is more than one transmitting tower situated in various directions in the premises of your location, the use of an antenna rotor becomes even more important.
If you want to shop for an Antenna Rotor, prefer the newly designed ones. They come with the benefit of a digital controller, which can be held in the hands. This one is a good buy.
Verify and Then Buy
Remember; buy only when you are sure of the product. If any doubt ruffles your mind, do not ignore it. Do not hesitate to inquire about the product. If you are not convinced with the information, check out some other shop. A fully aware customer will never regret his or her investment in the purchased product.
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