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TV Comparison Chart
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Use this chart as you shop for a new television. Compare the features and specifications of a few different models. You can find the information you need to complete the chart by either looking for television specifications on manufacturers’ websites or while you are shopping. Use the chart to think about which television set is best for you. If you want to compare more than two models, simply print out another chart.
| Specification | Example of what you might see | Significance | Model A | Model B | Model C |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Does it have the right features and connections to get the television signal you want? | |||||
| Tuner | ATSC (digital) NTSC (analog) Integrated | An ATSC (digital) tuner is required to pick up digital television over-the-air with an antenna. An integrated tuner can function as both a digital and analog tuner. | |||
| Connections | HDMI: Single input |
Only HDMI and Component connections carry HD video. |
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Component: 3 inputs labelled Y, Pb, Pr or coloured blue, green and red |
A component connection will require an additional connection for audio. |
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S-Video:Connector contains four pins |
S-Video or Composite connections carry SDTV video. S-video connection carries video data on two separate signals, resulting in a clearer image than a composite video connection which carries all of the data together. |
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Composite Video: A signal input, often yellow |
You need to ensure there are a sufficient number of connections for the equipment you wish to connect (e.g. DVD player, game consoles, etc.). | ||||
| How big??? | |||||
| Screen size | 32", 46", 50" | Choose a size that is suitable to your room. You want to be able to sit at least 1.5 times the size of the screen away from the set. | |||
| Physical size | 29.5'' x 46.5'' x 4.3'' | Make sure it will fit where you want to place it. Look for three measurements: Size of the television, size when on a stand and size of the TV box – important if you plan on self delivery. | |||
| Weight | 26.6kg | Ensure the weight can be supported by the wall mount or furniture you will use to support the television. | |||
| Viewing angle | 178° * 178° | A higher number is better so that you can see the TV from various angles in the room. Check both horizontal and vertical angles. | |||
| The Picture | |||||
| Display type | LCD, Plasma | Refer to "What Should I Know if I am Buying a New Television" for more information. | |||
| Resolution | 720p, 1080i, 1080p |
Refers to the number of horizontal lines scanned per frame. A higher number means more pixels per frame which results in a sharper image. "i" and "p" refer to the television's scanning system. |
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"i" stands for interlace |
Interlace scans only every other line per frame of an image. |
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"p" stands for progressive |
Progressive scans all horizontal lines per frame, resulting in more pixels per image. This is less of an issue on smaller screens, especially those under 50". |
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| 1280 x 720 1920 x 1080 |
The two numbers multiplied indicate the native resolution of the screen or the maximum number of pixels that will be displayed.
Also note that most HDTV signals only come in at 720p or 1080i. Only a small number of programs are offered in the highest resolution of 1080p, such as Blu Ray DVDs. |
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| Contrast ratio | 10,000:1 | The ability to show the range of dark to bright pixels. A higher first number is better. | |||
| Response time | 8ms | How fast the screen can change the picture, 8 milliseconds (ms) is good, 4 ms is better. This is more of an issue with LCD screens as they get larger. | |||
| Frame rate (or Refresh Rate) | 60Hz, 120Hz or 240Hz | The amount of times the picture is re-drawn each second. A higher number is better – especially if you will be watching rapid motion programs, such as sports, action movies or video games. | |||
| Brightness | 500 cd/m2 or nits | Usually given in candelas per square metre or nits. More is better here if your television is in a brightly lit area. | |||
| Sound Quality | |||||
| Input | Usually two inputs for stereo | If you are using a connection other than HDMI, you will require a separate connection for sound. | |||
| Amplifier | 10w | A higher number of watts is better, especially if the TV will be in a large room. | |||
| Speakers | Most TV sets have two speakers which provide stereo sound. Listen to the TV set in the store to judge quality. If you want to have full surround sound you will have to purchase additional speakers and a home theatre receiver (amplifier). | ||||
| Warranty | |||||
| Extended Warranty | Most televisions have a good reputation for reliability. Would the cost of repairs cost more than the warranty? | ||||
For more information on buying a new television, please refer to What should I know if I am buying a new television?
