Which? buying guide: LCD & plasma TVs

 

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Constantly changing technology means that choosing a television is harder than ever. That’s why Which? tests over 100 televisions a year, to help you make the decision that’s right for you and your budget. Our experts evaluate everything, from sound output, right through to shadow detail and sudden switches from darkness to light – to give you the full picture before you buy. We even provide feedback to manufacturers, so they can do repairs and improve their standards.

Below you’ll find some useful information, shedding light on some of the things you should consider when choosing a new television.

 
 
 

High-definition television

(HDTV)

HDTV boasts roughly double the resolution of a standard-definition signal, making it more detailed and realistic. HDTV is available on Sky or Virgin for a monthly fee, or via Freesat or Freeview HD for free.To watch you'll also need a TV with integral freesat or Freeview HD receiver, or an 'HD-ready' TV and separate Sky, freesat or Freeview HD receiver box. However, not everything on the dedicated HD channels is actually recorded in HD, though more programmes are being recorded in HD
all the time.

1080i and 1080p

There are two main types of HD picture – 1080i and 1080p. HDTV is broadcast in 1080i, but high-definition Blu-ray discs are recorded in 1080p. The 1,080 horizontal lines are scanned progressively, or one after another, making the 1080p image marginally more detailed and realistic, but the difference is really quite subtle. 1080p is not broadcast because the pictures would simply take up too much space, or bandwidth.

 
 
 

Useful information

Shedding light on the things you can look out for.

 

3D TV

Some of the latest HD TVs can display picture in 3D. To watch in 3D you’ll also need a pair of 3D glasses and some 3D content. Sky and Virgin launched 3D services in 2010 that work with their current HD boxes and the latest 3D Blu-ray players can playback 3D Blu-ray movies.

3D isn’t new, but much of the technology behind the latest incarnation is. Two cameras are used to record slightly different perspectives of the same image, which are displayed on screen as a double image. Polarising or active shutter glasses filter a different image to each eye, creating the illusion of extra depth.

Internet and Smart TVs

Many new TVs can connect to the internet. Most provide access to a collection of apps, such as iPlayer and YouTube, and depending on the manufacturer access to an app store to download more. The very latest models go beyond just apps and let you surf the web. A few models have wireless internet access built-in, but most TVs need an additional dongle. They’re sold separately and usually cost around £50. TVs that bundle up apps, web surfing and access to your PC home network into one interface are commonly called Smart TVs.

Ambient light sensor

Many new TVs feature power saving ambient light sensors. If selected, the sensor will automatically adjust the brightness of the TV’s backlight, according to how dark or light the room is. In dim conditions, the most efficient sensors dramatically reduce power consumption, slashing a typical 80 Watt reading for a 40-inch TV screen in half. Plasma TVs do not feature backlights but can still have ambient light sensors. The sensor automatically adjusts the brightness of each gas cell that makes up a plasma display.

USB ports

USB ports are useful for connecting memory sticks or digital equipment to view photos on the big screen (picture quality is typically excellent). You can also playback music and digital video files, depending on the make and model of TV. Some USB ports can be connected to hard drives or memory sticks, allowing you to record or pause live TV, in the same way as a PVR.

Audio description

AD is an additional narration for visually-impaired people, that describes significant visual information, such as body language and scenery. Most new TVs with built-in digital tuners can decode audio description. The best allow you to adjust the volume independently of the main audio, listen via headphones, feature a direct AD button on the remote, or highlight programmes with AD in the EPG. A schedule of Freeview programmes with audio description can be found on the DTG website.

Voice-enhancement software

If you have problems distinguishing human voices from background noise (such as music) on your TV, voice-enhancement software could help. Many brands have developed software to boost or emphasis the human voice, such as Sony’s ‘voice-zoom’ system and LG’s ‘clear voice II’.

Automatic volume control

Adverts can sometimes seem louder than the programme you’re watching. To combat this, TV manufacturers have developed automatic volume-control (or levelling) software. Claims vary between brands, but they typically involve compressing the sound’s dynamic range to prevent adverts from sounding too loud, or they might balance sound levels between channels.

 
 
 

Screen feature

Native/screen resolution

This is the number of pixels or lines displayed on the screen. Expressed as width x height. The highest screen resolution commonly available is 1920 x 1080, which is also known as Full HD.

Aspect ratio

Virtually all LCD, LED and plasma TVs are now widescreen, with an aspect ratio of 16:9. Older televisions and some portable TVs have an aspect ratio of 4:3. Digital TV is broadcast in a widescreen format.

 
 
 

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