The current popularity of Netflix, combined with the ridiculous
prices charged by movie theaters has caused many people to consider
purchasing a big screen TV. However, determining which one to buy might
be a confusing process. A number of factors should be considered.
A TV is classified as "big screen" if it measures a minimum of 32
inches diagonally. Although price and size are important factors, the
emergence of DVDs and high definition signals has made picture quality a
primary concern. Fortunately, there are a number of technologies that
can deliver this.
One of these is called Direct-view CRT. This technology delivers some
of the best picture quality in the big screen TV market. Some say that
its high definition performance makes it as good as plasma TV.
Direct-view CRT is also the least expensive technology. A flat panel LCD
TV also provides high definition. The technology used is similar to that
of a laptop computer screen.
Plasma big screen televisions are considered top-of-the-line in terms
of picture quality. Plasma gives razor-sharp definition along with a
significantly wide viewing angle. However, there is one problem that
both flat panel LCDs and Plasma TVs share. They both have the potential
to lose brightness over time.
Keep in mind that your seating distance from the screen will
influence the picture's clarity. If you watch non-HD TV while sitting
too close to a big screen, the flaws will be greatly magnified. Some
experts say that optimal viewing distance for a big screen TV is
approximately three times the diagonal screen size. Therefore, if you
purchase a 60-inch diagonal screen, you need to be able to sit at least
15 feet away from the screen when watching programs that are not high
definition.