HDTV-VOOM Presents Price Guide to high definition television sets

HDTV Price Guide: What you pay, what you get

(Reprinted from March 2004 VOOM newsletter)

From the traditional cathode ray tube (CRT) display to newer technologies like plasma and DLP, today's TV market offers a wide range of options. If you're thinking of buying a new TV that can display HDTV, here's what you can expect to get for your money.

$500-$1,500
Dropping prices have brought entry-level access to HDTV down to earth. For around $500, it's possible to find a 27" direct-view CRT model that can display an HD signal - although first it must be downconverted and letterboxed to be shown on the screen.

As you move up in this price range, you can find larger, wide screen CRTs (27" - 36") as well as considerably larger rear-projection CRTs (42" - 52") that can support an HD signal. If space is a major concern, you can find a flat panel Liquid-Crystal Display (LCD) model with HD capabilities in this range - although the screen will be smaller (around 20" on the high end) and the HD signal will be downconverted significantly to match the screen's native resolution.

$1,500-$3,000
Stepping up in price, you find a field of even larger models, as well as several new technologies. Plasma screens start out at 42" on the high end of the range, although their resolution is generally much lower at this price and the HDTV signal will be downconverted considerably.

Direct-view CRTs top out at their maximum size - about 40" - in this range, with rear-projection CRTs in the 47" - 65" range. You also start to see rear-projection LCD displays in this price range, from about 40" - 45", that are less bulky than similarly-priced CRT models.

Also available on the high end of this range are the first of the rear-projection Digital Light Processing (DLP) models, measuring around 43", which integrate nearly one million microscopic mirrors to create the pixels in the display, and are also lighter and thinner than CRTs.

$3,000-$5,000
Once you get into this price range, the screens are nothing short of huge and the technology becomes even more refined. Plasmas are still around 42", but their resolution is higher in this range and HDTV images are presented more faithfully.

Rear-projection CRTs remain very large - up to 65" - and offer further improvements in picture quality and conversion techniques. On the slimmer side, rear-projection LCDs climb into the 45" - 60" range, while DLP models move up to 46" - 61" with increased sharpness and clarity.

Now that you have a general idea what your money can get you, it's time to narrow your search and step into the HDTV experience. Let's face it - HDTV is more exciting to watch than to read about. So treat yourself to a trip down the HDTV aisle!