HDTV choices
HDTVs are available in a variety
of types and sizes utilizing various
technologies. The two most popular
are LCD and plasma. But rear-projection HDTVs and projectors, popular
for sets 60 inches and larger, are also
worth considering for their features
and value.
P lasma and LCD. Plasma and LCD
T Vs both offer fantastic images, created
b y two different technologies. Plasma
m odels use a process involving elec-
t rically excited inert gases (known as
“ plasma”) to create the images. LCDs
u se liquid crystals to create the images.
The general rule of thumb has been that smaller HDTVs have been LCD,
w hile larger models have been plasma. This is changing, as LCDs are getting
l arger and plasma TVs smaller. It makes doing your homework even more
i mportant before buying.
One rap on LCDs is that fast-moving images might not be as sharp as they
w ould be on a traditional picture-tube television or a plasma HDTV. New tech-
n ologies have helped improve LCD performance, however. Sets with 120 Hz
r efresh rates create new images twice as often as traditional LCD sets, which
m akes moving images much smoother.
A plasma set can look better than an LCD set if you can darken the room,
but an LCD set has an advantage in a well-lit room or one that has windows
that let in light during the day. This light can cause glare on the TV.
Some buyers are concerned about short life and “burn-in” on plasma
displays. These were problems with early plasma models, but not anymore.
Rear-projection HDTVs. Rear-projection HDTVs use microchips and a bright
light source to create the image. The thumbnail-size microchips can use
DLP, LCD or LCoS technologies.
Vizio Inc., headquartered in Irvine, California,
is America’s fastest-growing flat-panel
HDTV company. Vizio’s award-winning LCD
and plasma HDTVs provide customers with
advanced technology at the most affordable
value. Value-added Vizio HDTVs are avail-
able nationally at Costco. For more informa-
tion, please call 1-888-VIZIOCE or visit
www.vizio.com.
Plasmas and
LCDs are thin
and light
enough to be
mounted on
a wall. Both
offer excellent
images.
TIPS & TRICKS
WHAT SIZE SCREEN SHOULD YOU GET?
Everyone wants a big screen, but many people go larger. Some examples for 1080p sets:
have a hard time figuring out how big the • 8 feet away, 64-inch screen
screen should be. The short answer is “bigger • 6 feet away, 48-inch screen
than you might think.” Think about a movie
screen at your local cinema. You don’t sit way However, the best tool is your own eyes. When
in the back so the screen looks small; you researching HDTVs, stand back and see what
probably sit in the middle so it fills a large looks best to you. Another tip is to tape an
portion of your field of view. You want the outline of the HDTV on your wall at home with
same effect with your HDTV. easy-peel painter’s tape to get an idea of the
set’s dimension.
Here’s a good rule of thumb to calculate a
minimum viewing distance: For sets with 720p TIP SPONSORED BY
resolution, divide the distance (in inches) that
you are going to sit from the HDTV by 2. 5. For
