Hi-Def Rulz!!!!

 

That being said I'll give a little of my experience and let you make your own conclusion.

 

3 choices: DLP, LCD and Plasma. DLP is not a flat screen but are thin compared to older rear projection TV's. I believe that DLP has the best picture  (and the cheapest price) but runs on  a bulb that needs to be replaced much sooner than replacing LCD or Plasma. LCD is better in highly lit rooms or where sunlight may reflect off the screen. Plasma has a highly reflective surface. If you are going to double the use of your TV as a computer monitor (very popular) then Plasma is a no-no. Plasma has a better ability to reproduce black therefore better contrast which some claim is instantly a better picture. Plasma screens are very fragile, if you're planning on having hung on a wall I highly recommend having it installed professionally. LCD's are much ligher and usually don't need reinforcing in most walls, just about anyone can hang an LCD without having to worry about damaging it. LCD has a longer lifespan. LCD (at least in cheaper models) can blur when watching fast paced action (like football or auto racing, although it is less noticable in newer models. When looking at hi-def TVs ask (or look for) the display's response time measured in ms. The lower the better. Some say that Plasma can display analog (standard resolution) channels better. OLED is the newest technology and most say it is alot better than Plasma but it comes with a higher price tag. When buying they say you can get a plasma for less than a comparable size LCD.

 

Now if I haven't confused you yet I promise I will now....the screen resolution debate. To be considered hi-def the screen resolution has to be at least 720p (the p stands for pixels) There are some lower priced TVs  that are Enhanced Definition TV and they are usually 720i or interlaced, you don't want this. Most plasmas and LCD's do either 1080i or 1080p with the higher pixel count 1080p can theoretically have a more detailed picture. The caveat on this is even when  the broadcasts (OTA or over the air) go to hi-def they will be broadcasting 1080i which is the same thing that digital cable and satelite is broadcast at. When you buy a high def TV you will also want to consider an inexpensive DVD player than can "upconvert" to 1080i. I have seen the Samsung and Sony players at about $70. The reason for this is that if you watch a lot of DVD's and you use a standard def player the picture looks horrid, at least it did on mine.The next big warning is to hook up most hi-def devices you would use an HDMI cable. From some stores you can be charged up to $100 for a 6ft cable. Shop this hard because I found some at a Big Lots store for $11.

 

To give my recommendation...I would go 1080p to futureproof your purchase. There are players that can do 1080p but there is a format war (google hd-dvd vs. blu-ray) going on and no one is sure who will win and most of the players are very expensive...some still at $1000 although HD-DVD have some around $300 and Blu-Ray around $500. I did a lot of research before buying mine about 9 months ago and I chose a Sharp Aqous 37" 1080p LCD. I bought a little smaller for my bedroom and am looking for a 50" or 56" for my living room but probably won't buy one until after the new year because my wife says that my standard def 50" Mitsubishi picture is still good....lol....women, geez...lol