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Basic Types of Televisions
Tubes, flat panel, and projection
By Matthew Torres Matthew Torres Writer Texas State University-San Marcos Former Lifewire writer Matthew Torres is a journalist who writes about television technology, consumer support articles, and TV-related news. lifewire's editorial guidelines Updated on September 11, 2020 Tweet Share Email Tweet Share Email TV & Displays Samsung Projectors Antennas HDMI & Connections Remote Controls From tubes to plasma, there are more television models on store shelves than covers of magazines. Before exploring analog versus digital, SDTV, HDTV, and EDTV, look at the types of televisions in today's consumer market. Direct View
Also known as tube television, this is the closest thing to the one baby boomers watched as kids. A cathode-ray tube, which is a specialized vacuum tube, powers it. CRTs come in all shapes and sizes up to about 40 inches. They feature an excellent picture from all angles, the best black level, and a significantly lower price than other TVs. Despite their bulky, heavy build, tube televisions are long-lasting and acclaimed for keeping a good picture throughout its lifespan, which can be decades. Matthias Tunger / Getty Images Digital Light Processing
Texas Instruments invented Digital Light Processing in 1987. Named for its ability to process light digitally with the aid of an optical semiconductor called a Digital Micromirror Device, more than 1 million mirrors form the DMD chip. The size of each mirror is less than one-fifth the width of a human hair. Currently, more than fifty manufacturers produce at least one model of a DLP television. DLP's come in rear and front projection. They are not susceptible to burn-in, but some people do notice a glitch called Rainbow Effect. An Overview of TV Technologies Projector How-Tos, Help & Tips Liquid Crystal Display
Whether it's a flat panel or rear projection, there are a ton of choices on the market for Liquid Crystal Display televisions. Flat-panel displays are by far the most popular LCD television because of their thin, lightweight construction, which is convenient for people who want to use their LCD as a TV and computer monitor. LCDs are not susceptible to burn-in. LCDs with slow response times can show a ghosting effect, while other LCDs display a screen door effect. It is essential to see the LCD monitor before buying to see if the screen meets your needs. Guide to LCD TVs Plasma Display Panels
Plasma is associated with high-end home electronics. All plasma televisions come in a flat panel variety. Most are in the 40-inch to 49-inch range or larger. They are competitively priced against LCD flat-panel televisions and feature a stunning picture that puts you in the middle of the action. Plasmas weigh more than LCDs, but nothing added supports couldn't manage. They are susceptible to burn-in, but despite rumors to the contrary, the gasses that power the picture are not refillable. While they are too young to measure accurately, plasma televisions should last anywhere from 10 to 20 years. What Is HDCP, HDMI, and DVI? Was this page helpful? Thanks for letting us know! Get the Latest Tech News Delivered Every Day Subscribe Tell us why! Other Not enough details Hard to understand Submit More from Lifewire The Difference Between an LCD TV and a Plasma TV What Is a Rear Projection TV? What to Look for When Buying a Projector How to Fix Screen Burn on Any Screen Plasma vs. OLED What Is a Sub-field Drive on a Plasma TV? LED LCD Backlights: What You Should Know LCD TV vs LED TV: What You Need To Know The 10 Best Products from CES 1967 - Present What's an LCD? (Liquid Crystal Display) What's The Difference? LED vs. LCD TVs How to Fix Vizio TV Black Screen of Death LCD Image Persistence What Is MicroLED? What Is a Liquid Retina Display? QLED vs. OLED Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. Cookies Settings Accept All Cookies