HDTV Types, A TV Technician's Comprehensive Look at Each HDTV Type

The world is changing and so is the face of every television set in the world. The advent of the big screen projection TV gave birth to many new ideas including the HDTV types we see today. Now that the big screen projection TV is no longer in production, our modern TV types are: DLP projection, LCD, LED and Plasma. Let’s discuss each one in more depth:

DLP projection HDTV: DLP (which stands for digital light processing) projection HDTVs are equipped with what is called an “optic block” or “light engine” which processes the light coming from a very bright lamp that is user changeable on most models (although there are some precautions you must take while doing this). After being processed, the light is beamed onto a large mirror located in the back of the television set and the image is projected onto the screen that the user is watching.

The bottom line when it comes to DLP projection is the question of space. They cannot be hung on the wall like an LCD, LED or plasma. If you don’t mind using a stand and have the space for the screen size you wish, then DLP projection can be a solution that produces a good picture. However, there exists a serious downside to DLP projection that needs to be considered before making the decision to buy. Learn what it is in reviews of HDTV.

LCD HDTV: LCD HDTVs do not have a lamp. Instead, the light source is florescent bulbs located behind and inside the screen display. The way an LCD HDTV functions is entirely driven by circuit boards. There are no mirrors or projection of the image. The display screen contains all necessary components to create the picture. If you have a modern laptop computer or LCD monitor for your desktop, then you are already familiar with the type of image quality that LCD HDTVs can have.

LCD HDTVs are thin enough to fit just about anywhere. They come with a base for sitting on a table or stand. There are many different types of mounting brackets for hanging them on a wall as well. Four things make LCDs a good bet when deciding to buy. Price, power, heat and versatility. Learn how and why in reviews of HDTV.

LED HDTV: LED HDTVs are much like LCD HDTVs. Most of the difference is the type of lighting used to illuminate the screen. Instead of florescent bulbs, LEDs use (can you guess?) LED lights. The benefits of LED lighting is brighter light with less power consumption.

Because LED HDTVs are the thinnest of all the HDTV types and are capable of hanging on a wall or sitting on a stand, they are the most versatile. Combine these factors with only slightly higher prices (and in some cases, the same price) than LED HDTVs and we have an HDTV types winner!

Plasma HDTV: Plasma HDTVs use a gas called “plasma” for illuminating the screen. The result is a very bright, clear, vivid and crisp looking picture. Similar to LCD and LED HDTVs, all operations in a Plasma HDTV are completely circuit board driven. Plasma HDTVs can be hung on the wall or sit on a stand or table.

Although plasma HDTVs are getting thinner, traditionally they have been the thickest and heaviest of the thinner screen HDTV types. Sure, plasma HDTVs have a superb picture but there are factors that could make their purchase undesirable. Learn what they are in my reviews of HDTV.

Now that you know the types of HDTV that are on today’s market, how do you make a decision on what’s best for you? That’s a question best answered by my HDTV buying guide.

HDTV Types, A TV Technician's Comprehensive Look at Each HDTV Type

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