HDTV Scan Rate: Interlaced vs. Progressive
An HDTV's scan rate is either Interlaced (720i or 1080i) or Progressive (720p or 1080p). Most of the HDTVs today have a progressive scan video as it provides a smoother and clearer image than interlaced video, especially for fast motion. You can spot an interlaced set by noticing blinking lines that's going to put strain on your eyes after time. While progressive pictures have less jagged picture edges that's easier on the eyes.
Pixels: Difference between 720 and 1080
Every HDTV is defined by its resolution (width x pixel height). The whole screen of a 720 (720 x 1280) HDTV has 921,600 pixels per frame; while a 1080 (1080 x 1920) has 2,073,600 pixels per frame. The 1080 HDTV set is always better, since more pixels show a more detailed picture. The actual size in inches of an HDTV isn't directly related to its resolution. Typically, the difference in detail isn't noticeable to the naked eye in smaller HDTVs under 40".
LCD vs. LED: What makes an LED worth the higher price tag?
To be clear from the start, LCD HDTV and LED HDTV looks the same.
Altec lansing life jacket xl or Light - Emitting Diode is just an improved version of LCD with LED backlighting and a super thin screen size. An impression that an LED HDTV screen is powered by LED lights is false.
LEDs are more expensive generally because, its power usage is lesser; it has a longer lifetime and a faster response time. In terms of color, contrast and lighting, LED HDTV has no real improvement compared to LCD HDTV. Viewing angles are the same however, in many cases; LEDs have uniform displaying brightness difficulties across an image than LCDs.
Plasma HDTV: Color via illuminated gas
Plasma HDTVs are one of the oldest technologies which use thousands of tiny phosphor-coated cells filled with charged plasma to create a display. It's been criticized for screen burnout issues and ghosting.
However, plasma technology today has greatly advanced. Plasma HDTVs today are better than LCD HDTVs for the following reason:
Better color spectrum and viewing angle
Darker black/brighter white rendition
Superior response time
Highest refresh rate reaching 600Hz (5x the refresh rate of an LCD)
A Plasma HDTV has a more fluid display than LCD and LED screens with a staggering refresh rate however; it is far less energy efficient.
3D is a Feature not a Design
It's clearly not an alternative to LCD, LED or Plasma but an added feature for them. Stereoscopic 3DTVs use either a battery-powered glasses that synchs with an IR emitter device or disposable glasses you usually find in theaters. Aside from the need of glasses, you'll have to buy a Blu-Ray player to watch your favorite movies.
A new 3D technology is currently being worked on called "Autostereoscopic 3D" which won't require glasses anymore. There's no exact date for its release, though. Let's wait and see!
Summary of HDTV features to check:
HDTV Size
DTV Ready (no external device needed to receive digital TV signals)
Resolution
Refresh Rate
LCD vs. LED
LCD/LED vs. Plasma
3D or no 3D?
TIP: Compare prices online and read product reviews to get a heads up of your HDTV choice.