Shopping for a TV - Features Matter!

Features Matter

When shopping for a display, especially at lower budgets, features matter. The truth is that a lot of similarly-priced products on the market – at lower price points especially – will perform very similarly. As a result, shopping for features will help you distinguish a good deal – in addition to the other factors appearing in this article.

OK, so what features are important? Again, that depends on your intended use. Do you need HDMI inputs? 1080p support? Custom calibration options? Here’s a list of some things you may want to look for in a display:

• HDMI inputs (or even more than one)
• 1080p support (or native resolution)
• Advanced RGB calibration options
• 2-3 pulldown (and jaggie reduction)
• Removable speakers (flat panel)
• Programmable, backlit remote control
• ATSC and QAM tuners. These allow you to pick up free HDTV via unscrambled antenna and digital cable channels

But what features are not so important? Well, to be honest, if you aren’t planning on jumping into the niche HD-DVD market, and you don’t sit too close to your screen (projection or otherwise) then 1080p may not be very important. Right now, 1080p displays are bringing in premium pricing – as they should be. They are more expensive to manufacture and they look fantastic with the right source. 1080p is NOT, however, important for many people – especially if you are on a budget. Normally, I’d tell you to try and actually view 1080p vs. 720p at your local big box store, but I do not have the confidence that you would be seeing an accurate representation of the differences (likely they would simply skew the test so as to encourage higher spending on the 1080p models). All things being equal (and they rarely are) 1080p and 720p (or 1080i) will look nearly identical at longer viewing distances. Resolution isn’t everything, so don’t feel like you HAVE to get the latest and greatest displays.

Electronics Stores are Trying to Blind You

Walk into an average electronics store – just pick one – and you’ll be greeted to the sights of 50 direct view displays, all configured in the worst possible way. This effect has evolved over the years, but stores place their floor models in what is lovingly referred to in the industry as “torch” mode. The reason for this is simple – stores are typically lit by scores of bright fluorescent lights. How does a television compete in that kind of lighting? The same way the record industry has determined makes a “good” radio mix – crank it up. If there is a ‘Dynamic’ mode or ‘Bright’ mode they’ll engage it at the factory, knowing that the “brightest” display will appear to be the best – at least to the uninformed.

How do we combat this torturous and skewed retail assault? It’s not easy – which is why we try to do so many reviews. Your best and easiest bet is to find the Picture (or equivalent) menu and put the displays you are comparing into ‘Film’ or ‘Cinema’ modes. Look away – the effect is likely to be dramatic as the light output drops in intensity. If you plan on using the TV in a brightly lit room then keep it in this brighter mode but try other modes – and adjust the color temperature settings (if there are any) to see what happens to the picture. Check to see if the set has the following:

• RGB Gain and Cut controls (so you have the option of calibrating should you choose to)
• Color Temperature settings (without this you may be stuck with “Blue” whites)
• Storable User picture settings (so you can store ‘Day’ and ‘Night’ settings that work in your living space)
• Intelligent user controls for setup and channel programming (if applicable)

See if you can put in a reference DVD, like The Fifth Element and queue up some detailed scenes as well as darker scenes. Check for banding in shaded, gradient colored areas (look for coronas, explosions, fire or other obvious places). Look at angled lines in motion to see if there are jaggies present (if there are, go look for a ‘Film’ mode that may correct this – don’t count on the store to have the display properly configured).

If you’re shopping for front projection you’ll have a tough time auditioning all of the projectors on the market. I almost hate to say it, but our reviews may be the best source for info if you cannot schedule an audition with local dealers or installers (and please don’t use them if you aren’t planning on purchasing from them or having them install the unit in your home).