Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Personally, the cost of LCD is better than Plasma.
Technically, LCD display lighting is simpler being panel backlighting, thus less power supply demands. Response time (picture persistence) is better with Plasma.
Look at the screen from around 1 metre. Chose a screen that is the size required with the least amount of individual picture elements visible - smaller pixel size or higher number of pixels for a particular screen size.
View and view again the various types.
If in doubt, wait! OLED is around the corner along with another LASER system.
Excess picture tube wear can be diagnosed by the customer.
Before failure how was the colour?
Was there a dominant hue? If not then the chances of a worn out tube are very low.
The main criteria is the picture TUBE. Provided the tube is OK ....more than
likely, yes. A good CRT (cathode ray tube) supplies very fast response times along
with superior contrast and may last for 5-10 years allowing time for the
alternatives to be developed further or newer better technologies to be completed.
In most cases the following symptons apply:
Electronic circuitry is generally similar throughout the various makes and models.
Thus reliability is usually the
same. The main difference is features, ie: teletext/stereo/flat screen.
Spare parts can be an issue, best to stay with well know brands.
PLASMA screens, LCD, REAR PROJECTION and PROJECTORS are fast replacing the
conventional picture TUBE. For the actual screen size PLASMA is still too costly,
REAR PROJECTION has good size but such a big box, whilst PROJECTORS can
provide a HUGE screen with a discrete ceiling mounted box. There are pros and
cons for each system. When considering screen size, cost, and bulkiness
overall a PROJECTOR is in front, in our opinion.
There is a catch: Manufacturers print disclaimers regarding dead pixels.
A screen element can either blackout or whiteout, although each element is
small a faulty pixel is most annoying. REAR PROJECTION is immune!
More soon!
TV circuit board, note damage left hand side.
Last update: 23rd April 2007
By Rod Mitchell