So what else is there to consider when looking at the range of TVs on offer? If we discount the CRT (cathode ray tube) as obsolescent technology, there are currently several competing technologies.
Plasma displays: These were really the first of the new technologies to become a widescreen standard. Think of the display as being made from millions of tiny fluorescent tubes. These are the pixels or PICture ELements. Each pixel contains three coloured phosphors, red, blue and green, which are illuminated by passing electrical currents through the pixel. If you take a close look at a plasma screen you will see the three primary colours. Typically these have the highest power consumption of all the technologies.
LCD displays: In simple terms these utilise tiny crystals which can be twisted with electrical currents. A back-light is directed through them and the amount of light that passes through is determined by the amount of twist or polarisation. LCDs work by colour subtraction and for this reason, LCD displays do not generally give as much contrast as plasmas because there is always a small amount of light that is transmitted by the crystal. Plasmas generally have deeper blacks.
There is a little widespread confusion about the difference between LED TVs and OLED TVs.
LED TVs: Contrary to what many people think, these are still LCD displays but the back-lighting is performed by LEDs rather than the cold cathode fluorescent lamps of ordinary LCD TVs. The main advantage is thinner TVs and a lower power consumption but as they are the newer technology they are currently more expensive.
OLED stands for 'organic light emitting diode'. These emit their own light and so do not need back-lighting - hence they give deeper blacks than an LCD or LED TV, but currently their projected lifetime is very short. This newest technology also comes at a very high cost, but when it is perfected, expect to see TV displays that you can roll up in a tube!
Plasma TVs have the deepest blacks but modern LCD technology is now not that far behind. Remember that plasmas have the highest power consumption. The newer LED models are looking good - very thin, better blacks than a standard LCD and the cost is coming down every day. Response time always used to be a big problem with the crystal displays - another area where the plasma won hands down - but again, the LCDs and LEDs are closing the gap. The crystal displays have a longer lifetime than most plasmas and of course, plasmas are more prone to 'burn-in' where the image becomes permanently etched on the display. With care however this is not something that most plasma users would experience.
There is no substitute for sitting in front of a TV and checking it for yourself. Only if the viewing meets your expectations will you be assured that you have the best widescreen for your own needs.
Robert J. Conley is a freelance writer with degrees in both Science and Engineering. He writes about a range of subjects involving aspects of science and design. Visit Best Widescreen to find out more about the best widescreen TVs.
