LCD Television

[Ironcat]

Okay, if everybody doesn't already know this, the next couple weeks will be a prime time for buying your new big screen TV.
All the big electronics stores will have to get rid of whatever they didn't sell before the Superbowl. Rent to own businesses will also have lots of stock as people typically rent big screens for a month and then return them after the big game.

I have decided that an LCD TV best suits my needs and viewing habits but I am trying to figure out the difference between an LCD television and an LCD Projection TV.

Anyone? Anyone? Beuhler?

[Dem Pyros]

LCD projection takes an LCD screen and projects it. LCD is just the LCD, no projection.

[Airbozo]

the lcd projection tv will be thicker as well, since they need mirrors to make it work. If you are going for the projection tv, just go for the dlp projection tv. In side by side comparison it looked better (but I am unsure of the downside).

[Dem Pyros]

the lcd projection tv will be thicker as well, since they need mirrors to make it work. If you are going for the projection tv, just go for the dlp projection tv. In side by side comparison it looked better (but I am unsure of the downside).The downside is possible rainbow effects (streaks of rainbows sometimes going across the screen from the spinning color wheel)

[Redundant]

On a projection LCD, there is a light bulb that will have to be replaced like in a regular projector...

[Airbozo]

On a projection LCD, there is a light bulb that will have to be replaced like in a regular projector...

This is the same on lcd _non_ projection tv's but I think they last longer than the projection ones since they are fluorescent. I bought a samsung lcd 42" and was told that the half life of the bulbs are ~10 years (similar to most models). If this worries you buy a Sharp lcd tv since they are the only models I know of that it is easy for the consumer to replace the bulbs. But hey we are all modders here just looking for a reason to tear the back off our lcd tv's...

[blue73]

The downside is possible rainbow effects (streaks of rainbows sometimes going across the screen from the spinning color wheel)

Yeah the dreaded rainbow effect. Though many manufacturers have gotten round this, kind of, bye adding extra colour panels to the wheels and reducing somewhat the effect. Another issue used to be the chicken wire effect. Where the LCD matrix could be seen. Though I'm pretty sure they're rid of that now.

If space is an issue but You don't mind having a screen then a projector is always the better option for movies and big screen gaming. You just need a smaller "TV" for wachin the telly. Then if space isn't an issue a RPTV is next,LCD or DLP, they vary according to manufacturer but You can get some very good HD images from these sets, SD isn't too shabby either. Check out some reviews at any of the Home Cinema magazine websites. Then it's on to the flat panels.. And this is where it gets murkey. So I'm not going to say any is better than the other. Not because I'm a coward, but because I think it's a purely personal thing.
On spec Plasma would seem to be "better" than LCD. But in practice this is never a given. All I can say about these two technologies is try them out, if possible, in an enviroment similar to Your own. Mess about with them and only part with large amounts of money when You are absolutley sure. But I guess thet goes without saying.

Never buy anything based on what You see or hear in a shop. 9 times out of 10 there contrast and other settings are cranked up so high to counter the instore lighting that after installing it at home it looks, well.. turd for choice of a better word.

Take Your time, be patient and don't let Your wallet or purse do the talkin and it will be less painful in the end.

Happy shopping. Oh and post some pics when You decide on what You're getting. Peace..:up:

[Ironcat]

DLP is definitely cheapest and yes on paper the plasma sets do seem better but here are MY reasons for getting LCD... no, not a projection, just an LCD(and before anyone argues my reasons, I have done lots of research, done the rental thing with all 3 types of sets, and personally know and frequently visit people with all 3 types)...

1. Plasma (while it offers a darker black on black and greater contrast) has a definitely "darker" picture than LCD. The room for this set is well lit and I need the "brightness" that an LCD offers.
2. The room for this set has windows on 2 walls and opens into a well lit kitchen area, plasma sets show reflections and LCD sets don't. If you have ever watched TV in a sunny room, you know how bad this can be.
3. Plasma sets are distinctly heavier than an LCD and while I hope my kids never get crushed by the set I do NOT plan on anchoring to the wall, they have a better chance of living through an LCD crushing.
4. Heat. Plasma sets generate a lot of heat. More than I want or need in my well lit sunny living room in South Florida.
5. DLP (and other projection types) have user replaceable bulbs. Some may last longer but in general a DLP bulb should last you 2 to 3 years... at around $200 a bulb, this means every 5 years, the price of my TV just went up 500 bucks.

[Redundant]

There are quite a few new LCD TVs that use LEDs instead if CCFLs. Also these have "spot dimming" (or something like that) where they can turn off certain LEDs to achieve higher contrast. Also, as we all know, the LEDs will last longer than the LCD itself. The only heat coming from these TVs will be from the power supply. (the LED LCDs will also use less power)
Recently Engadget has had a few posts on these kinds of LCDs so it might be worth it to check it out.