CRT (Cathode Ray Tube)
These are the direct-view TVs whos technology has been around for years consisting of one large CRT tube coated on the front with phosphors. In addition, the rear-projection model of the CRT TV use three tubes - one each for red, blue & green.
THE PROS:
The CRT offers the best black level and contrast of all video technologies. It's got a clean look and no frills approach. And the rear-projection CRT TV's are a real bargain right now.
THE CONS:
In general, the rear-projection CRT TVs are not very bright, so you need to place the TV in a darker environment to get the best picture quality. If are you aren't looking "head on" to the TV, the picture becomes quality gets bad. Plus the three tubes need to be converged (or realigned) occasionally.
PDP (Plasma Display Panel)
These TVs are for viewers who appreciate a larger screen size from 32 to 80 inches. The TVs are ultra slim and take up minimal room.
THE PROS:
You get a nice, bright picture when viewing the TV off angle from the center. Some plasmas offer much better contract than LCD TVs, though they are not usually as good at the CRT.
THE CONS:
Unfortunatley, these sets can suffer from burn-in when a static image is left on the screen for an long period of time. However, manufacturers are aware of this and most newer plasma models include features to make the risk of this happening minimal.
LCD (Liquid Crystal Display)
Just like the plasma, the LCD TV is also rather thin. Plus, it's light enough to be wall-mounted with the right equipment. The most common sizes of LCDs range from 13 to 50 inches, but are getting larger as the technology is refined.
THE PROS:
LCD TVs have the advantage of not suffering from burn in, like their plasma counterparts. Plus, more of these types of TVs are available in 1,080p resolution than plasma TVs to take the best advantage of the high definition signal.
THE CONS:
Unfortunatley, some LCDs have poor off-axis viewing if you find yourself off centered from the middle of the TV. Currently, LCDs tend to cost more than the equivalent-sized plasma and don't have as good contrast as plasma and CRT.
DLP (Digital Light Processing)
The DLP rear-projection TVs are quickly replacing CRT as the best thing for big screens. Plus, they becoming quite common for front projection systems as well. In DLP projectors, the image is created by microscopically small mirrors laid out in a matrix on a semiconductor chip.
THE PROS:
The DLP technology allows for a very slim and lightweight design. New chip designs since it's introduction in 1987 allow for good contrast and brightness. And we have found that DLP TVs and projectors aren't suspectible to screen burn.
THE CONS:
After a few years, the lamp in the DLP TV will need to be replaced which can cost a few bucks, plus a service call. And some folks have reported seeing rainbow color artifacts. This visual artifact is best described as brief flashes of perceived red, blue, and green "shadows" observed most often when the projected content features bright/white objects on a mostly dark/black background (the scrolling end credits of many movies being a common example).
LCoS (Liquid Crystal on Silicone)
The LCoS or LCOS is a "micro-projection" or "micro-display" TV that is a reflective technology similar to DLP projectors; however, it uses liquid crystals instead of individual mirrors. Like DLP, LCoS TVs are available in rear-projection and front-projection formats.
THE PROS:
Just like DLP, the LCoS rear-projection units are much slimmer than the traditonal CRTs. They don't use a color wheel, so there's no risk of rainbow artifacts. And, they can be rather bright with a high contrast level.
THE CONS:
The downside is that the lamp will likely have to be replaced after a few years, like the DLP which can be a bit pricey if your own a limited budget.
