Choosing a big screen

If you go into any medium to large electrical or computer store, you are bound to see some big screens on offer. There are a whole range of different types and prices making it difficult to immediately point out the perfect set. The three main types of large TVs are flat panel, rear projection and front projection. CRT’s generally do not go any larger than 40” due to their sheer weight and depth.

As no two large screen lovers have the same environment where they intend setting up their large TV, there are many things to consider before choosing a set. For example while a front projection system is relatively cheap and can produce a huge image, it would not be suitable in a brightly lit environment unless it is only used at night.

Both rear projection and flat panel TV sets do well for all sorts of viewing whether checking up the news and weather, watching full movies or playing games on. If considering a front projection system it may be worth getting a small television also. The light bulb in a projector and some rear projection sets gets the most wear & tear during its warming up and cooling of stage, but in this case it would be better to watch short events such as the weather forecast or doing a quick channel check on the small TV set before powering up the projector.

Here is a general guide to each type of TV and what each of the different specifications stands for. I would certainly recommend reading online reviews such as across forums before making the purchase as sometimes manufacturer’s will ‘tweak’ something to exaggerate a specification.