The audiovisual world presents us with ample choices, and too many options can sometimes lead to confusion. Here’s a typical scenario. You’ve entered a multi-brand electronics showroom. The super sales man (SSM) greets you with his electrifying smile. You tell him that you are looking for a flat TV. The SSM says, “Yes Sir! Which Flat TV? A real flat slim conventional TV? Plasma TV? LCD TV? Full HD LCD TV? LED TV? Edge-lit LED TV? Full backlit LED TV? Full back lit HD LED TV? Full back lit full HD LED TV” Now you are totally confused and wondering which one to buy. Well, don’t worry, we are here to help clear the confusion.

While the budget is always important, the major driving factor for a buyer is usually the latest technology, impressive picture and looks. And if budget permits, one generally goes for the latest one, little realising that size, space and viewing source are equally important factors.

If you intend to buy a 21II to 29II TV and if the input source is cable with standard definition signal, and space is not a constraint, then the new generation “real flat slim conventional tube TV” is unbeatable. The viewing angle is better and the pricing is considerably lesser then an LCD/LED TV. But with the size of the screen, the imperfections magnifies. So, for large screen TVs, features such as 1080p and 120Hz/240Hz are very important. If you’re planning 40” or larger then a plasma TV is a good buy. You can get one at a price lesser than a large size LED/LCD. The only downside, however, is that many companies have stopped plasma production.

Now if you are a die-hard fan of high definition (HD) Hollywood movies or wish to go in for an HD DTH set-top box, and if you have a reasonable budget then you could go in for the 32’’ FULL HD LCD TV or a FULL BACKLIT LED TV. But do remember that LED TV is basically just a specialised form of LCD TV. It’s another thing that LED TVs are thinner and consume lesser power than an LCD TV.

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sadhwanis@vsnl.com