DLP vs LCD vs Plasma

An HDTV is a high price item, so making sure you buy the right TV should be a decision you take seriously. Choosing the right television for your home can be downright confusing if you don't know the differences between the DLP vs LCD vs Plasma and what each type of television has to offer. This article is meant to help you discover some of the key differences in each type of television to help you decide what TV will be right for your home.

The first thing you'll need to decide is where you'll be putting your television. If you're thinking that you want your television on the wall, then the DLP is not the television to consider. While lighter weight than the CRT rear projection televisions, DLPs are not meant to be hung on the wall with a typical 14-18" depth, but are extremely lightweight. LCD and plasma televisions are very thin, under 6" deep, which make them the perfect option for the wall.

Another thing you'll want to think about is how much you watch television and how long you want to keep your television. The LCD and plasma television last around 60,000 hours, but once they start to go, they lose about 50% of their brightness and contrast, making it very unenjoyable to watch TV. The DLP, on the other hand, lasts about the same amount of time before the bulb goes, which can be replaced for around $250.

If you're worried about the infamous rainbow effect of the DLP television, don't be. With the newer models of the DLP televisions, there are faster color wheels in them, meaning that you won't notice any rainbow effect.

The DLP has some performance advantages as well. This includes the deepest black levels of any projection TV with a 1280 x720 native resolution making the picture crisp, clear, and extremely sharp - especially when it shows its full 720 pixels in full bloom HD. The LCD has made leeway in recent years though, being almost as crisp as the DLP, although once the size of the LCD hits over 42", the price skyrockets where the DLP is much more affordable.

Comparing the Plasma Televesion

As far as plasma televisions go, there's always the risk of burn-in, although newer models have built in features that greatly reduce this risk. You can also try to avoid this entirely by keeping the contrast set at 50% or less during the first 100 hours of viewing, which is when most burned-in images occur. Also, try not to watch shows with static images. This includes the logos that stay on the bottom of the television screen during the entire program.

On the other hand, plasma has the highest contrast of all the TVs with the lowest pricing at larger sizing. The LCD is the winner in televisions' price per square inch under 48", after that, opt for a plasma if you're insitant on a flat-screen. WIth a plasma, you will get the blackest blacks out there which is due to the lack of light illuminating the screen as with the LCD and DLP. While the plasma's resolution will not be as good as other types of televisions when the going gets large-screen, it is still a favorite because of how little it costs per square inch when compared to the other flat-screen option, the LCD.

If you're going for size and quality, then the DLP is the way to go. It has awesome, clear pictures with a price that is easily affordable. The problem with LCDs is that once they start getting larger than 42", the prices get astronomical, and they can get a bit blurry with fast motion gaming and sports depending on the model.

In a bright room with lots of windows, rule the plasma television out. LCDs will maintain the best contrast levels and brightness in a bright room, while plasmas are best in dark rooms. DLPs handle the brightness fairly well, but the LCD wins the race.

Comparing LCD HDTVs

With LCDs, there are more 1080p models than with plasma which is a must-have if you're a high-def junkie. Keep in mind though, that there are tons of DLP versions with 1080p that are less expensive than anything in a LCD model of the same size.

If you're looking for cheap pricing on all sizes of DLP, LCD, or plasma TVS, try looking online at sites like Amazon.com. Visit Amazon.com now to see their inventory of extremely affordable televisions. In the battle of the DLP vs LCD vs plasma television, make sure you read the reviews on Amazon as well. They have hundreds of product reviews you will find useful in your quest for the perfect TV. My advice would be to find a television with at least four stars and over five reviews. The truth is, there is no better experience than watching your favorite sports on a beautiful, new big-screen TV.