TVs with DLP 1080p technology uses a chip with millions of tiny mirrors to create one of the most realistic pictures you can find on an HDTV. Many believe this chip allows for a crisper, sharper image than other technologies because it minimizes the distance between pixels used to produce an image. DLP 1080p technology boasts the highest number of pixels on a 1920 x 1080 resolution, over 2 millions, and can display up to 20 trillion colors (twice as many as other HDTVs).  While other HDTVs tend to suffer from motion blur, DLP 1080p TVs have an ultra fast 8-microsecond response time, virtually eliminating the problem. Also, unlike plasma and CRT TVs, DLPs have no way from suffering from “burn-in,” so while gaming or watching movies, you will not see an “after image” on the display.

The biggest advantage of DLP 1080p televisions (if you ask us at Best TV) is the price, especially in the struggling state of the economy. If you look at the 60″ Mitsubishi WD-60c9 (Best Buy Electronics), which costs $1,199.99, and a comparable 60″ Pioneer plasma, which costs $3,999.98, it is easy to see the cost benefit. They have nearly the same technology specs, but the DLP 1080p model is nearly 1/4 of the price. Mitsubishi has broken new ground and released a model that is a breathtaking 85 inches.

With DLP you get more size for your money, and the picture quality is not compromised with an increase in size. DLP 1080p TVs have actually become increasingly slimmer and more lightweight, weighing less than plasmas in most cases. They have a contrast ratio of up to 12:000: 1, and display deep black levels comparable to leading plasma models. Some say that DLP 1080p TVs suffer from disease called the “rainbow effect,” where shadows of colors can be seen on contrasting backgrounds. However, research has found that only 1-2% of the population would have eyes sensitive enough for this to be a problem, and only 3 out of over 920 people reported having noticed such an effect. They also consume up to 50% less energy than LCD and plasma televisions.

The Best TV bottom line is: DLP 1080p televisions are just as strong, if not stronger, than comparable LCD, plasma, or CRT models. They are great for watching any form of TV or movie, and are fantastic for gaming. They have a magnificent display with trillions of colors, and have rich black levels. They offer everything the higher end TVs have, at a fraction of the cost.

This television series (the 42″ LG 42LH90, 55″ 55FH90 are nearly identical to the 47″ in terms of picture quality, performance, etc) features the new LED-Backlight technology. Older LED models used an edge-lit approach, lining the edges of the screens with LED’s. Now, new developments have led manufacturers to move the LED’s behind the screen. These LED lamps can dim or even shut off individually to create a vibrant, rich picture quality. This technology also drastically reduces the energy consumption of the set. Also, this model is only 5 inches deep.

The LG 47LH90 is one of the highest quality TV’s on the market today, a Best TV favorite!

Estimated Cost: $2,199.95

1080i:

The “i” stands for interlaced, which means that of the 1,080 lines of resolution, the even lines appear, then the odd lines, then the even lines, etc. This all happens extremely fast, around 0.033 seconds. Although it is fast, it is not as fast as a 1080p display, which shows all of the lines at the same time. The 1080 part comes from the number of horizontal lines in the display, 1920 x 1080. 1080i and 720p are considered standard HD definition.

1080p:

This technology has the same amount of pixels as 1080i, 1920 x 1080. However, the “p” means the display is progressive, meaning all of the lines are produced at the same time, taking about 0.016 seconds to display the image (twice as fast as interlaced) . 1080p can supposedly display over 2,000,000 pixels, double the resolution of a 720p display. 1080p is commonly referred to as “ultra HD,” “full HD,” or “true HD.” This is the latest and greatest technology, and dominates the high-end TV market.

1080p obviously offers a better picture, but also comes with a much higher price. Also, 1080p technology really only applies to Blu Ray DVDs and Blu Ray video games – everything else (cable TV, regular DVDs, etc) is displayed in regular HD (720p or 1080i). In the future there will definently be more use for a 1080p set, but that will be years from now. 720p resolution offers a better picture than 1080i when it comes to viewing action movies, sports, video games, etc. This is true up until about 52″ and above, because at that point the image suffers, in which case a 1080i set would be preferred. Lets break down that information one last time:

Best TV Summary:

1080p > 1080i if using Blu Ray technology

1080i > 1080p displaying everything else

720p > 1080i on screens under 52″

1080i > 720p in screens over 52″

To clear up some questions we get here at Best TV, when talking about LED backlights, today’s televisions use one of two major versions.  The first is referred to as “local dimming.”  What this basically does is allows the backlight to dim or turn off in different areas of the screen.  Let’s not forget that black levels are the most important factor in HDTV picture quality.  The second version is called “edge lit.”  The name comes from the arrangement of LEDs along the edge of the screen, which allows for extremely thin designs.  In recent tests, the local dimming technology out performed the edge lit in terms of performance and picture quality.

If you are interested in purchasing a TV with new LED Technology, Best TV Review recommends the following Energy Star Qualified choices:

Under $1,500: 32″ Samsung UN32B6000V

1080p resolution – 120 Hz refresh rate – 4 HDMI inputs

$1,499.98 at Best Buy (follow the link under my “Affiliates” tab)

Under $2,000: 47″ LG 47LH90

1080p resolution – 240 Hz refresh rate – 4 HDMI inputs

$1,799.99 at Best Buy (follow the link under my “Affiliates” tab)

Under $2,500: 47″ LG 55LH90

1080p resolution – 240 Hz refresh rate – 4 HDMI inputs – 2 HD inputs

$2,499.99 at Best Buy (follow the link under my “Affiliates” tab)

Under $3,000:  55″ Samsung UN55B6000

1080p resolution – 120 Hz (Auto Motion Plus) – 4 HDMI inputs – Swivel Stand

$2,899.99 at Best Buy (follow the link under my “Affiliates” tab)

Over $3,000: 55″ Samsung UN55B8000

1080p resolution – 240 Hz refresh rate – 4 HDMI inputs, 2 USB ports

$3,599.98 at Best Buy (follow the link under my “Affiliates” tab)

1) Plasma TVs Do Not Last Long

This is an extremely common plasma TV myth.  When comparing plasma to LCD technology, they are pretty much dead even.  Plasmas currently have an average lifespan of around 60,000 hours (give or take a few thousand).  If you were to watch 4 hours of TV a day, the display should theoretically last over 40 years, on a medium contrast setting.  TIP: when your TV is shipped to the store or to you, it is usually set at a very high contrast level (for the showroom).  So when you open your baby up and take it out, be sure to navigate to the menu and turn down the contrast ratio.

2) Plasmas Are Expensive

In some cases, such as the largest, highest resolution top-end models.  Fortunately, technology has allowed the price of plasmas to dramatically lower in the past 10 years.  Plasma TVs have comparable costs to LCDs, and as the screen size increases the price is actually sometimes lower than an LCD with the same screen size.

3) Plasma TVs Give Off Harmful Radiation

Best TV laughs at this claim, this is about as far off as you can get.  The only trace of detectable radiation can be found up to an inch away from the screen.  CRTs (the most common household TV) give off a significantly higher amount of radiation.  The pixels are individually illuminated, so the radiation is kept within the specific pixel.  Plasma and CRTs should pose no threat to your health – they comply with the FDA guidelines for radiation emission.

4) The Higher Resolution, the Better the Picture

Save your money.  The only reason you would want to spend extra money on a TV with 1080p resolution (top-end) would be to watch Blu Ray movies or play Blu Ray games.  Watching regular TV on a 1080p TV looks no different than a 720p or even a 420p (TV is generally broadcast in 420).  Also, most movies are made for 720p resolution or lower.

5) Plasma TVs Leak Gas

Modern Plasma TVs in no way, shape, or form leak gas, or need to be refilled.  I don’t know how many times I’ve heard that in my life.  The TV’s pixels are permanently enclosed in sealed glass cells, and are filled with a harmless gas mixture.  There is no way for the gas to escape, meaning it cannot leak out and does not need to be refilled by any means.

1) LCDs Have a Viewing Angle of 160 Degrees

This is the case sometimes with high end models, but most manufacturers will boast (incorrectly) that their TV can be seen from 80 degrees each way (160 degree viewing angle), which is almost completely from the side.  Yes, you will be able to see a picture from those angles, but the actual picture will be distorted, color washed, dimmer, and have a lower contrast.  If viewing angles are vital to the set up of the room, it would be smart to consider buying a TV from one of the more expensive brands.  Sony, for example, has a reputation for having great viewing angles, up till about 70 degrees each way (140 degrees all around).

2) LCD TVs Last Forever

Extremely untrue.  Nothing lasts forever, not  expensive TVs, not expensive refrigerators, or our attention span at Best TV.  Most LCD manufacturers report their TVs last around 30,000 to 60,000 hours.  If we use our ol’ math skills, we can figure that watching 3 hours of TV each day (let’s use the 30,000 hours), your TV should last around 28 years.  If we watch an average of 8 hours of TV a day, our TV would last around 10 1/2 years.  And lastly, if we were to not move and watch 24 hours of TV a day, the TV would still last around 3 1/2 years.  While not immortal, LCD TVs will definently give you your money’s worth when it comes to longevity.

3) LCDs Are Bad to Watch Action Movies or Play Video Games on

While this may have been the case for older models, modern technology has allowed almost all current LCD TVs to have a higher response time, allowing for smoother picture quality.  A pixel’s response time is basically how long it takes for the certain pixel to refresh itself.  This is measured in milliseconds (ms), and many high end LCDs have a refresh rate under 20 ms.  Slower response times create an image that can appear to off, an effect commonly known as “trailing.”  TV technology is steadily reducing the response time for many new televisions on the market.

4) LCD Displays are Filled with Actual Liquid

It can be easy to get confused with a name like “Liquid Crystal Display,” but there is no actual liquid used to create an image.  The screens are constructed with two pieces of glass, filled with millions of tiny crystals (twisted nematic liquid crystals).  These crystals react to electric currents, and essentially untwisting at different degrees depending on the level of current received.

5) LCD TVs Suffer From Burn-In

This claim is scientifically impossible.  LCDs work by blocking light, so there is no way for a burn-in to occur.  These TVs are commonly referred to as “transmissive” displays, because the crystals themselves do not create light.  The light is actually emitted from a bulb behind the screen, and the crystals manipulate the light to different intensities.  So since the light is generated from an outside source, the images cannot be retained by the screen at all.  The bulbs can eventually burn out, and be replaced for around $200, but not the display.

• Stud Finder
• Measuring Tape
• Power Drill
• Screwdriver
• Level
• Pencil
• The Bracket

1) Selecting the right Mounting Bracket:

Most flat screen TVs do not come with a mounting bracket.  Depending on the size of your TV, these brackets can run you for around $50-$500.  If you are shopping for a TV and would like it to be mounted, be sure to keep the extra cost of the mount in mind.  If you already purchased a TV, check the manual to see which types of brackets are compatible with your specific TV.  Most flat screens will fit in a wide variety of mounts, but certain TVs require specific types of mounts.

Check your owner’s manual or TV box for the words VESA Compatible. VESA stands for Video Electrionics Standards Association, and is the organization that formulates standards for flat-screen mounting brackets (among other things). “VESA” will be followed by a number or combination of numbers that will indicate what type of VESA standard your TV is set up for (i.e VESA 50/75/100). Make sure to get a mounting bracket that matches the exact number on your TV!

Also, be sure to keep an eye out for how much weight the bracket can hold (and know how much your TV weighs)

Types of Wall Mounts:

• Flat: the cheapest, most common, and least versatile.  This mount makes the TV look like a picture hanging on the wall (see above picture)
• Tilting: these mounts allow the TV to be tilted up or down about 15-20 degrees.  This is the best type of mount for a TV that is higher up on the wall, and makes the TV stick out a few inches
• Articulating: the most versatile of the mounts.  They allow the consumer to tilt, rotate, or swivel their TV to their liking

2) Find the Studs:

It is vital to find the studs in the wall and drill directly into them to ensure that the mount (and TV) will be safe and secure hanging on the wall.  A stud is a piece of wood that serves as the interior frame of the wall.  Because they are so solid and sturdy, they are the perfect candidate to trust when it comes to putting your TVs life on the line.

• Run the stud finder over the wall until you see a light or beep (or both), indicating the location of the stud
• Mark an “X” with a pencil to remember exactly where each stud is, which is where you will drill your holes
• As a general rule, for an LCD (they are lighter) use at least 1 stud, and at least 2 studs for a plasma

3) Attaching the Mount:

After you have decided on a good location and height for the TV, it is time to install the mount.  In most cases, there are two parts to a wall mount – one that attaches to the TV and one that attaches to the wall.

TV Mount:

• The TV portion of the mounting bracket usually consists of two vertical rails that are attached to the back of the display
• The place where the rails attach to the TV are often covered up by plastic caps, so you’ll have to find them and remove the caps before you attach the rails
• If you’re going to lay the TV face down while you attach the rails, make sure that it is laying on a soft surface – otherwise you can damage your TV
• Most mounting brackets will come with special screws and washers that you can use to attach the rails to the television (using your screwdriver)

Wall Mount:

• Hold the wall mount flush against the wall at the height (and in the location) that you want the television to be
• Move the wall mount horizontally until its holes are positioned over the wall studs that you’ve previously identified. If you’re only going to be using one stud, make sure that it falls in the center of the mounting bracket
• Take your Level, and hold it up against the mounting bracket to make sure that it is perfectly level
• Use a pencil to make a clear mark in the spots where you will be drilling your holes
• Take your drill and make small pilot holes on the marks where you want your anchoring bolts to go
• Secure the mounting bracket by screwing the bolts into place with a wrench or screwdriver
• Test the mounting bracket to make sure that it is securely fastened and that it doesn’t wiggle either way

4) Mount the TV:

Now that everything is in place, it is time to attach the TV to the mount on the wall.  This may seem pretty straightforward, but keep these things in mind:

• Flat screen televisions are often heavy (depending on the size) and can be tough to lift on your own. It’s always smart to get someone to help you lift the TV and attach it to the wall mount – especially if you need to help guide the rails onto the mounting bracket
• It’s usually a good idea to attach all of the cables on the TV beforehand – that way you won’t have to poke around the back of the TV blindly after it’s already attached to the wall
• A lot of people cover up the cords with wood, which is then painted the color of the wall.  Some also feed the cords through the back of the wall, which can be quite difficult and time consuming
• Make sure that any safety locks or tabs on the mounting bracket are fully secure and functioning
• If you’re using a Tilting or Articulating wall mount, you can go ahead and adjust it further to the correct viewing angle
• If you are uneasy about setting the TV up yourself, it might be a good idea to have it professionally installed

1. Choose the Right Screen Size for your Room

Your seating distance will determine your sense of picture clarity and detail as well as the quality of the viewing experience. If all you watch are true HDTV images, then you can sit as close as twice the diagonal screen size– about 8 feet away for a 46-inch or a bit more for a 50-inch diagonal screen. But sitting that close may not be practical, because until the final conversion to all-HDTV broadcasting is completed (that’s at least 5 years away) a lot of your TV viewing may well be conventional analog TV, and those images may look fairly crummy up close. (Remember early big screen TVs?) If you watch regular non-HD TV sitting too close to a big screen, you’ll see all the flaws.

2. Flat Panel or Box

Those futuristic and very cool plasma and LCD flat panels that are only a few inches thick are appealing, but budget, screen size, and your need for optimal HDTV clarity are big factors you must consider. To get full HDTV resolution on a plasma panel means getting a 50-inch diagonal screen, and that’s expensive (about $3,000+). If you are willing to abandon the flat panel and accept a more conventional box (one that’s no more than 14 inches deep), you can get full HDTV resolution for a fraction of that amount. A 50-inch diagonal DLP rear-projection set that’s only 14 inches deep and weighs about 75 pounds would be $3,200. Also, you will still get a bright, stunningly good HD picture, minus the ultra-cool flat-panel appeal, of course. If you still like the flat panel and are willing to accept good but not true HD picture quality, you can save a lot of money on a smaller LCD or plasma display.

3. Do You Really Need HDTV Resolution?

Best TV understands how attractive (if not sexy) a flat panel TV can be. Let’s say you won’t give up on the thin flat panel display, that you simply must have it. If you are satisfied with DVD clarity– it’s called Standard Definition (480 lines).  There is also Enhanced Definition (EDTV) with 480-line progressive scanning (480p).  The picture won’t be HDTV, because the plasma screen will convert incoming HD signals to its own resolution, but DVD’s will look great, and any programs shot in HD will look a lot better than on your old analog set. And you’ll have your flat panel!

4. Wide-Screen 16:9 vs. Standard 4:3

Though the widescreen 16:9 aspect ratio (the ratio of the screen’s width to its height) is the HDTV standard, and matches most movies on DVD and HDTV programs, there are many TV series and news shows shot in the conventional, squarish TV shape of 4:3. Give some thought to the ratio of material you watch, and whether you’d prefer a digital HD 4:3 set that will display conventional TV programs full-screen, and wide-screen HD programs with black bars at the top and bottom. Remember that if you choose a wide-screen HD set, regular TV 4:3 programs will have large black bars to each side, unless you use the set’s stretch mode, which will extend the edges of the image to fill the wide screen, at the expense of sometimes considerable image distortion. Some 4:3 sets also have raster compression, a vertical compression mode that maintains HD 1080i or 720p scanning lines so you get true HD clarity. You should look for that feature in a 4:3 HD set.

5. Big-Screen Choices: Know the Virtues and Flaws

If you are set on a big HD screen (Best TV Review understands) and you don’t want the hassle of a front projector that requires a totally darkened room, then a rear-projection TV (RPTV) is a logical and in some instances, a more economical choice. Most RPTV sets will get you true HD picture resolution, and will cost much less than a 50-inch plasma flat panel. The least expensive are the big and bulky CRT rear-projection sets, available in a wide choice of screen sizes, from 40 to 80 inches diagonal, almost all in HD versions with 16:9 widescreen displays. Like direct-view HD CRT sets, rear-projection CRTs are very heavy and have considerable depth. The image looks its best in a dimly lit room, and at increasing angles, the screen typically becomes dim or darkish. Uniform brightness over a wide viewing angle is not a virtue of CRT rear-pro sets. Lifespan on average is about 7 to 10 years.

Under $300:

Tube: up to 27 inches

LCD: up to 26 inches – We suggest the 26″ Insignia NS-L26Q-10A (720p), found at Best Buy Electronics

$300-$500:

LCD: up to 37 inches – Best TV recommends the 37″ Viore LC37VF55 (1080p), and you can Find HDTVs for Less at Walmart.com

$500-$800:

LCD: up to 47″ – Our Best TV Guide suggests the 42″ Panasonic VIERA TC-L42U12 (1080p), which is in Best Buy Electronics

Plasma: up to 42″

Rear-Projection: up to 50″

$800-$1,100:

LCD: up to 47″ – Best TV Review recommends the 46″ Sony Bravia KDL46S5100 (1080p, 120 Hz), so Find HDTVs for Less at Walmart.com

Plasma: up to 50″
Rear-Projection: up to 61″

$1,100-$1,700:

LCD: up to 52″

Plasma: up to 54″ – Our suggested TV is the 54″ Panasonic VIERA TC-P54S1 (1080p, 600Hz), at Best Buy Electronics

Rear-Projection: up to 67″

$1,700-$2,700:

New LCD-LED: up to 55″ – Best TV recommends the 55″ LG 55LH90 (1080p, 240Hz), you’ll find it in Best Buy Electronics

LCD: up to 52″

Plasma: up to 58″

Rear-Projection: up to 67″

$2,700+:

LCD: up to 108″ (serious money)

Plasma: up to 103″ (loads of money) – get the $3,500 63″ Samsung PN63B550 (1080p, 600Hz) at Best Buy Electronics

Rear-Projection: up to 73″

Big Screen Plasma – Panasonic VIERA TH-58PZ800U (around $2,750)

This is the best plasma TV if you are looking to buy big. It is reported that Panasonic’s PZ800U plasma TVs  deliver some of the best images of any plasma TV available today. This TV is significant in that it earned the THX display certification, and even comes with a movie mode that automatically adjusts critical picture settings to deliver a movie theater-level viewing experience in the comfort of your own home. Reports add that colors in the THX mode are among the best and highest quality of any display using any technology, and black levels are nearly the deepest available, combine to produce first-class images. If you want a 58-inch screen, but are on a tighter budget, the Samsung PN58A550 (around $2,450) bears consideration. Blacks aren’t quite as deep, but color performance, video processing and noise reduction all add up to fine picture quality. Ease of use is another plus. Being featured on Best TV Review is also another plus.

The Good:

• Has THX mode, making picture adjustments easy
• Good black levels
• Very accurate colors
• Four HDMI inputs

The Bad:

• Only a so-so performer when THX mode is not used
• Some plasma TVs produce deeper black levels
• 24p mode introduces flicker

50 inch Plasma - Pioneer KURO PDP-5020FD (around $2,500)

While the 50-inch Pioneer KURO PDP-5020FD falls a very tiny hair short of the revered Pioneer Elite KURO PRO-111FD (around $5,000) in some ways, it delivers an image that’s nearly every bit as good for about half the price. Even those who find some misses in technical perfection say that the TVs rich colors and deep blacks — the deepest of any TV — make them largely irrelevant in the face of what everyone says is a breathtaking image. Tons of features and one of the best anti-reflective screens for a plasma TV round out its advantages. For those with a smaller budget, the 50-inch Panasonic TH-50PZ800U (around $2,050) offers black levels that nearly match those of the PDP-5020FD, with the bonus of THX certification and a special mode that recreates the experience of watching a movie in a theater. And if you aren’t too picky, the 50-inch Samsung PN50A550 (around $1,450) is an excellent value, though it does have a glare-prone screen.

The Good:

• Best black levels of any TV
• Rich colors
• Tons of features
• Great anti-reflective screen

The Bad:

• Expensive
• Color accuracy is not technically perfect
• Some common picture controls are missing

Budget 50 inch Plasma - Samsung PN50A550 (around $1,450)

Though some other highly rated plasma TVs have deeper blacks, most critics and users say that the 50-inch Samsung PN50A550 has one of the best overall pictures of any HDTV. Although the blacks are not the best available and the anti-reflective screen is a step behind the competition, those shortfalls are largely trumped by outstanding color accuracy and much better than average video processing. If you want great colors AND super-deep blacks, the Panasonic VIERA TH-50PZ800U (around $2,050) tells a compelling story. However, that THX Display certified TV is also notably more expensive. If you demand deep blacks and can live with colors that look great, but are a little less accurate, the Panasonic TH-50PZ85U (around $2,000) might be worth considering as well. A 58-inch version, the Samsung PN58A550 (around $2,450) is also available, and experts say it should perform comparably.

The Good:

• Very good overall picture quality
• Accurate colors
• Good processing with few picture flaws
• Inexpensive for a 50-inch plasma TV

The Bad:

• Black levels not as good as Panasonic or Pioneer
• Screen glare can be a problem
• Blacks sometimes wash out

42 inch Plasma – Panasonic VIERA TH-42PX80U (around $725)

While some budget plasma TVs are less expensive, the 42-inch Panasonic VIERA TH-42PX80U delivers a great picture for its price. The 720p resolution falls short of the 1080p resolution offered by more expensive plasma TVs, but it is still high resolution, and experts say that at normal seating distances, the benefits of 1080p can’t really be seen in a 42-inch screen anyway. Some picture flaws are noted, but those are more than offset by the overall quality and great black levels.  If you want the same picture quality and relative value as the TH-42PX80U but in a larger screen size, experts say that the 50-inch Panasonic VIERA TH-50PX80U (around $1,000) should perform similarly.

The Good:

• Excellent value
• Great picture quality, particularly with black levels
• Can display photos through SD card slot
• Includes features to minimize temporary image retention

The Bad:

• Doesn’t have the highest resolution (though still high-def)
• Color accuracy and noise reduction falls short of best plasma TVs
• Fewer image adjustments than competition
• Screen glare can be a problem