Flat Screen TV: Buyers Guides
What You Need To Know When Buying a Flat Screen TV
9:26 PM, 11/2/2009
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Why go flat screen? Flat screen TVs are not just the trend, they also give you more in terms of viewing space. Although a 20" flat screen TV may have the same measurements as the more traditional 'curved' screen TV usually found on CRTs, the flat screen gives the illusion of extended width and height. If this is your dream gadget for this year, here are a few tips you can use when choosing and buying a flat screen TV:Sometimes, flat screen is just that – flat screen.
High-end television units such as plasma TVs, HDTVs and LCD TVs all feature a flat screen. However, there are also lower-priced CRT (cathode ray tube) TVs that feature a flat screen but do not have the same features and capabilities as its more expensive cousins. Don't just think that because it's a flat screen, it's automatically a plasma or an LCD.
Thin is a good thing.
They might be banning super-thin models on the catwalk but people definitely welcome thin, flat-panel TVs with open arms. When buying a flat screen TV, look for a unit that is slimmer than the older CRTs. There are brands such as Philips, for example, that sell flat screen TVs that are thinner than usual. They may not be as thin as sleek plasmas and LCDs but they will do well in your living room or anywhere you intend to put them in your home.
Thin flat screen TVs are also easier to move and they don't occupy a lot of space. You'll thank yourself later when it's time to re-locate the unit to a better viewing area or in case you move to a smaller apartment.
Plasma or LCD?
Either one of these flat screen TVs would be a good choice, depending of course on what you want and what you expect. Budget, too, is a factor. Both are thin and offer a smooth face, although LCDs tend to be lighter. The cinematic experience is also enhanced with both, since the aspect ratio of today's units are at 16:9 – meaning, images will appear more rectangular.
To choose from either type of flat screen TV, consider the following:
Size. Plasmas tend to come in monster sizes although LCDs aren't too bad either. If you prefer size, go for plasma.
Resolution and image display. Plasmas show excellent details and sharpness, especially along the edges of the onscreen image. LCDs, on the other hand, allow you to view images unchanged even in bright conditions.
Budget. Prices are currently nearly head-to-head, so it's really up to how much your bank account will allow you to buy.
Go for picture quality.
Ultimately, a TV is made for viewing. You can't really appreciate a TV if it doesn’t count for much in the image display department. Regardless of the technology behind it, a flat screen TV isn't worth your time, effort and money if it can't deliver a decent picture.
Spend some time with your intended purchase and examine its performance. Look for differences in picture delivery, particularly in the areas where blacks contrast with white or bright colors or when a high-speed scene is being shown. How well you can tolerate a flat screen TV's performance in these areas will of course depend on your preference, patience and budget.
However, it pays to consider the kind of money you'll be shelling out for the type of viewing pleasure the TV will give you. If you're the type who looks forward to spending hours and hours on end in front of the TV, then make sure the flat screen TV you choose won't disappoint.
Visit Discount LCD TV we stock the all the latest plasma and LCD televisions from the major manufacturers at discount prices. You can find the latest reviews, specifications and advice before you by a flat screen TV
Review: Dell W3207C LCD HDTV
9:24 PM, 11/2/2009
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The Dell W3207C is a feature packed 32 inch LCD high definition that is well worth its price of $1200. It has received great scores and passed every test it has been put through thus far. The W3207C also features a beautiful design that will look good in every home.Included in its design is both an NTSC and ATSC tuner for analog and digital signals. When all signals change to digital in the near future, you won’t have to worry about getting extra connectors to still view broadcasting channels.
When viewed under a steady test of different lighting situations, the Dell W3207C passed easily. Even the brightest fluorescent did not obstruct your view on screen. Regardless of the harsh lights, it was easy to see bright and beautiful colors in varying contrast.
The Dell W3207C features a color scheme of silver and black and this makes it stand out beautifully in a way that an all black HDTV would not be able to. The TV is lifted off the floor by a base that matches the two toned color and it the base moves and turns for easy viewing and free movement.
The remote is also two toned to match the TV and its design is more reminiscent of a portable media player than a basic remote control. It also has a central control pad that is similar to the touchpad of the iPod player. Instead of soft touch control, the pad moves using four different buttons. While the remote is nice to look at, it unfortunately will not allow you to use it as a universal remote for other electronics such as a DVD player.
Even with this small fault, the remote is structured and organized to prevent confusion and to allow ease of use. When you pull up the menu on the HDTV you will find that it is as easy to use as the remote controls.
Square controls on the right side of the TV are easy to reach if not to read. You can find it difficult to see what the label reads, but a quick glance at the instructions will soon clear up any confusion involving the controls.
The only real issue that makes itself present in the Dell W3207C, concerns the audio capabilities. As you listen to what is being played, you will notice that the sound is not as exciting as you hoped it would be. In fact it is down right flat but the use of the Surround XT can give the sound a small boost. The speakers are supposed to be the very same ones placed on their previous model but the sound in the Dell W3207C seems a lot more inferior. The sound was not as clear or crisp and adjusting the audio controls did not do much to improve the sound.
The only other difference between the speakers is that you are not able to detach them like you could with the previous models. The inability to place the speakers around your media room in key locations is also a bad feature in the W3207C.
For a good HDTV at a reasonable price, this is definitely a great option. The design is beautiful, the remote is easy to use and setup is a snap. Picture quality is exquisite and you will be able to enjoy anything you choose to watch on this flat screen TV.
Visit Discount LCD TV we stock the all the latest plasma and LCD televisions from the major manufacturers at discount prices. You can find the latest reviews, specifications and advice before you by a flat screen TV
Review: Vizio VP42 LCD Television
9:14 PM, 11/2/2009
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Although this TV doesn’t have burn in protection facilities, it has an amazing image quality and the price is really affordable. This is one of the best affordable TVs with a great price. It does cost less than any product in its category; however, who would have thought that, when considering image quality, it will be on the second place. This is one of the best TVs when it comes to picture quality; a perfect choice for a picky person with a low budget.
Although the image quality is great and it couldn’t get better for this price, this HDTV actually lacks 1080i or 1080p capabilities. You might get tricked and think that it actually has 1080p even if you have a lot of experience. If this is a feature that you need to have, you will be disappointed because it’s easy to purchase this TV without being aware that it lacks this option. It is not clearly marked to alert potential buyers that the 1080 capabilities are featured in this product.
This great HDTV managed to score high with its video quality. It just looks extremely good. However, a little annoying problem was the fact that facial details were a little glossy but that’s not even noticeable. Other than that, this TV behaved very well on all the other tests and managed to impress us.
The menu is similar to the one found on the Vizio Gallevia GV42LF LCD so if you had one of those you will manage to set up this one. Otherwise, you will need to spend a little more time with your new HDTV because everything is a bit difficult to set up.
Inputs aren’t very accessible and the on screen menu can be very annoying; it has a very small text with annoying colors which make everything difficult to read. Another odd thing about this TV is the fact that as soon as you ran the setup wizard, the TV doesn’t let you run it again, so be careful with the settings you choose.
It doesn’t have many features; it has no headphone jack, no USB port so don’t think that you can listen to music or see any photos on your TV from an external source. Most HDTVs have this option but the Vizio VP42 missed it. Also when searching for channels, it might have problems finding them, even if you know it is receiving them. You will notice that it cannot really identify all the channels there.
A great big screen TV, the Vizio VP42 may be passed over by experienced users who plan to do a lot of things with their flat screens. Unfortunately, with the lack of so many key features such as a simple headphone jack, they may look elsewhere for good and affordable plasma’s and HDTV’s that have a lot more options and features.
Although you have the picture-in-picture option, you might find it very difficult to use as they forgot to put a button for it on the remote control; this is very annoying sometimes.
Like all the plasma sets out there, this one also has a problem with burn-ins. Unfortunately, the manufacturers made no features to prevent burn ins and this only happens to this plasma TV, all the other out there have some sort of burn-in protection.
A representative from Vizio, however, will make sure that you don’t worry about these things because, they say, the Vizio TV has no problems with burn-ins. Considering the very small price, you might want to take that chance and buy this amazing TV.
When it comes to remotes, the Vizio VP42’s remote isn’t the best I ever saw. It has a lot of small annoying buttons which will give you a hard time. Also, they didn’t make it programmable and there is actually no PiP button. Another disadvantage is the fact that it doesn’t glow in the dark, making things a lot harder.
Considering the disadvantages and the advantages, my conclusion is that this TV is worth buying. You will never find this quality for such a small price. It is a great option for any home, and it might prove to be a better investment than other products which are more expensive.
Visit Discount LCD TV we stock the all the latest plasma and LCD televisions from the major manufacturers at discount prices. You can find the latest reviews, specifications and advice before you by a flat screen TV
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What You Need To Know When Buying a Flat Screen TVReview: Dell W3207C LCD HDTV
Review: Vizio VP42 LCD Television