Choosing Which HTPC TV

November 17, 2008 · Filed Under Televisions

Ok well you want to buy a TV for your HTPC to connect up to, but which one? Here we go through the different types of TVs available, and outline which is best for use with your HTPC.

Well there are two types of TV technology I am going to cover today, and that is LCD and Plasma TVs. Why LCD’s and Plasma’s? Because these are the nice, sexy looking flat screen TVs. If you are going to buy a new TV, you are going to buy a nice looking new one right? (if you are going to hook up your HTPC to a big backed CRT, I’m going to assume that is because you already own it).

I would advise on buying a screen rather than a projector. Unless you have the money for a really good projector, you can get a lot nicer picture from an LCD or Plasma TV. Also with a projector you really need the right room setup to get the full quality picture.

So which should you choose, LCD or Plasma? Well Plasma’s have a nicer colour and picture quality, especially if you are watching action movies or sports. However Plasma TV’s take up more power, and are susceptible to burn-in (when the picture burns in onto the screen). The risk of burn-in is getting less and less with time, with newer model plasma’s having better anti burn-in technology.

LCD’s on the other hand can be a better option for a lot of people. LCD’s picture quality is not as good as Plasma, although there is new technology which improves this all the time. Howevere LCD’s can be viewed in a brighter room, making them more suitable for well lit up rooms.

Also if you are going to be doing a lot of computer applications using your HTPC on your TV, an LCD is probably a better option. LCD is the same technology standard computer screens use, so computer applications just look better on it.

It really is personal preference. Go into the store and take a look at both, and buy the one you like the colour of better. Personally I have a Plasma, as I just love the type of picture it produces in comparison to LCDs. I am perfectly happy with the picture it produces using a PC. But I do have friends that swear by their LCD TV and they are also very nice