The Best TVs of 2011

Some people may need 1080p, while others may be able to save some cash and be content with their 720p set. The real difference is the number of pixels on the screen. 1080p equates to 1,920x1080 pixels, where 720p equates to 1,366x768, 1,280x720, or 1,024x768. Now it is obvious that 1080p sets will have a better quality image than the 720p when they are both given their adequate feeds... but does one really need the 1080p television? Can the difference be noticed? These are a few of several questions you should ask yourself before you choose to purchase a new television.

1. How big of TV are you purchasing?
If you are looking at a television whose screen is smaller than 50 inches it really is not needed to upgrade to the 1080p set. With the smaller screen it is much tougher to tell the difference because their is less screen space for the extra pixels to go. On 32" television sets, when put side by side (1080p and 720p) the added resolution has only a very minor impact on picture quality. CNET did a similar test and here is what they had to say...
"in our tests, we put 720p (or 768p) sets next to 1080p sets, then feed them both the same source material, whether it's 1080i or 1080p, from the highest-quality Blu-ray player. We typically watch both sets for a while, with eyes darting back and forth between the two, looking for differences in the most-detailed sections, such as hair, textures of fabric, and grassy plains. Bottom line: It's almost always very difficult to see any difference--especially from farther than 8 feet away on a 50-inch TV." (CNET Reviews)

2. What will you be using the television for...
If you want to use the screen as a computer monitor you want to have 1080p because that is the resolution on most computers. If you attempt to use a 720p monitor on your computer it will not show the entire screen... and you may have to lower the resolution on your computer to even fill up the entire monitor that you have just purchased. Furthermore, there have been reports that images that remain in place too long... such as a menu bar that one has on a computer... begin to burn the screen. There have been a much higher occurrence of burning on 720p sets than the 1080p sets.




3. Do you have a blu-ray player?
The only real way besides hooking up your computer to get true 1080p resolution is to use a blu-ray player. Blu-ray is in FULL "1080p" HD. In addition to Blu-ray players... some video games are now offered in 1080p resolution but the majority of games are in 720p.

4. How much money can you save by buying the 720p set?
At times one can save upwards of $600 by just choosing to settle for the 720p television. With this money you save you could even go purchase a smaller 1080 television for the computer room, kitchen, or even the bathroom. There is nothing better than not missing a play of the super bowl because your buddy has a nice 19" television in the bathroom.

LED is the newer techology. Although LED is officially part of the line of LCD models. The display screen is still a liquid crystal display... the difference is in LED televisions the screen is backlit with LED (light emitting diodes) lights. There are several advantages to LED back lighting:
1: Much Higher Contrast and Black Levels
2: LED's provide a more realistic color range
3: LED TV's have a fantastic viewing angle

LCD televisions tend to have a good viewing angle but when you get to far to the side, and even up and down, the colors become inverted. Meaning its almost like a photographic negative. LED televisions do not have this problem.

4: Durability

LCD televisions tend to change color over time... although this may depend on the manufacturer... LED televisions appear as though they will not have these issues. Although it may be tough to tell because there is no real history with the new technology of the LED.

5: High Energy Efficiency: LED

Although some of the newer LCD televisions have begun to surpass the standards set by Energy Star, the LED televisions blow the standards away. Even the LCD-LED edge lit televisions blow the standards out of the water. It is clear that the new technology will save you money after you purchase it.

A downside to LED is the High Cost

If you are looking to buy a LCD or LED TV... Purchasing from "the bottom" is not worth the risk.

* These reliability tiers are based on statistics of only LCD televisions. LED televisions do not have a long enough history to accurately project which company will produce the highest quality product. Although, these numbers should be pretty similar to what the LED market will be.

3D is HERE
How will it work? WIll glasses be needed? Stay tuned...