Comments on: Flat-panel TVs can't topple tubes--just yet
Desire for status is pushing many consumers toward pricey flat panels. But old-fashioned tube TVs still produce better pictures. 
Photo: CRTs getting skinnier
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years old. Its a replacement to anotehr WEGA that failed after
taking delivery. Sony has the shortest warranty on these WEGA
models and yet, charges +$2000US...for a tube. It weighs in
over 260lbs. It contains more heavy metals that 10 LCD TVs its
same screen size. And now, its picture quality is degrading (red
overscan, left-right fade...all issues Sony knows of and out of
warranty...+$700 to repair+$200 pickup/delivery fees...). Why
should I keep it? and how do I dispose of it?
So why buy another tube? They are heavy, generate more heat,
dangerous (this WEGA has a strap on the back or it might fall
and crush your 2 yr old...!!!) it might be cheaper but
still...it consumes more power, and what about disposal? Atleast
with LCD, you just replace the backlight. With DLP, you replace
the bulb and its like new!
Once the media starts delivering more HDTV content, and the
motherglass pricing drops, everyone will own atleast one form of
LCD flatscreen (PC, TV or media center..).
The heavy metal thing, is a bummer though. I would figure if I treated the CRT as I would a flourescent tube and trade it in at the vender for a newer tube, life would be much simpler and I wouldn't have to worry aboout all those free radicals beings released into the environment. I might even think I could do it myself.
And Two year olds arent supposed to be that close to the TV.
Although, we do have the same concerns when it comes to high energy outputs associated with the larger plasma and LCD screens. What ever happend to that low power-comsuming touch screen display. Is the active-matrix screen dead?
years old. Its a replacement to anotehr WEGA that failed after
taking delivery. Sony has the shortest warranty on these WEGA
models and yet, charges +$2000US...for a tube. It weighs in
over 260lbs. It contains more heavy metals that 10 LCD TVs its
same screen size. And now, its picture quality is degrading (red
overscan, left-right fade...all issues Sony knows of and out of
warranty...+$700 to repair+$200 pickup/delivery fees...). Why
should I keep it? and how do I dispose of it?
So why buy another tube? They are heavy, generate more heat,
dangerous (this WEGA has a strap on the back or it might fall
and crush your 2 yr old...!!!) it might be cheaper but
still...it consumes more power, and what about disposal? Atleast
with LCD, you just replace the backlight. With DLP, you replace
the bulb and its like new!
Once the media starts delivering more HDTV content, and the
motherglass pricing drops, everyone will own atleast one form of
LCD flatscreen (PC, TV or media center..).
The heavy metal thing, is a bummer though. I would figure if I treated the CRT as I would a flourescent tube and trade it in at the vender for a newer tube, life would be much simpler and I wouldn't have to worry aboout all those free radicals beings released into the environment. I might even think I could do it myself.
And Two year olds arent supposed to be that close to the TV.
Although, we do have the same concerns when it comes to high energy outputs associated with the larger plasma and LCD screens. What ever happend to that low power-comsuming touch screen display. Is the active-matrix screen dead?
Of course if the article focused on price v.s. quality, there would be some substance there since many people can not afford an LCD TV or Plasma Flat panel tv at more than 1000 dollar a piece. A 300 dollar CRT is much more attractive. But the subtitle clearly states that CRTs have a clearer picture? That is fuzzy to me and not supported by the body any objective measurement, assesment or reviews.
Try playing a fast-paced game like Halo on a CRT, then on a plasma set. You'll definitely notice the slower refresh rates on the plasma versus the CRT.
Also in the article, I don't think it once mentions that a standard definition CRT has better picture quality than a high definition LCD or plasma monitor. Where did you read that?
* I mention LCD and CRT because that is what I know most about. From what I have read, plasma monitors have the same weaknesses.
Of course if the article focused on price v.s. quality, there would be some substance there since many people can not afford an LCD TV or Plasma Flat panel tv at more than 1000 dollar a piece. A 300 dollar CRT is much more attractive. But the subtitle clearly states that CRTs have a clearer picture? That is fuzzy to me and not supported by the body any objective measurement, assesment or reviews.
Try playing a fast-paced game like Halo on a CRT, then on a plasma set. You'll definitely notice the slower refresh rates on the plasma versus the CRT.
Also in the article, I don't think it once mentions that a standard definition CRT has better picture quality than a high definition LCD or plasma monitor. Where did you read that?
* I mention LCD and CRT because that is what I know most about. From what I have read, plasma monitors have the same weaknesses.
This isn't even remotely true. My aging LCD's here on my computer refresh at 72Hz. Even the highest quality HDTV format refreshes at only 60Hz.
This isn't even remotely true. My aging LCD's here on my computer refresh at 72Hz. Even the highest quality HDTV format refreshes at only 60Hz.
Although the article was published months ago, thats along time when it comes to emerging technology like LCD's.
http://www.pcreview.co.uk/article-4500.php
Aesthetics: LCD monitors are aesthetically very pleasing to the eye being slim and stylish. There is no comparison with the CRT here. The current breed of LCD monitors has excellent colour combinations, and neat looking control panels. The weight of the LCD monitors is roughly 6-8 lbs for 15 inch models and slightly more for the 17 inch ones. Since it is very light it can be handled very comfortably even by a lady. Some manufacturers have come up with an outboard power supply thus reducing the thickness of the panel which now can be had at less than an inch!
Angle of view: Although the CRT monitors lead the way in this department, the viewing angle on LCD monitors is getting wider and wider and current models offer over 160 degrees. For all practical purposes that is more than sufficient for any user. Therefore the angle of view is not a major concern anymore as it used to be when LCD monitors initially emerged in the marketplace.
Colour Purity: This is where the CRT monitors take a clear advantage. However the best LCD monitors are very good and for an average user the difference is hardly noticeable in side by side comparison. The difference can vary from slight to significant depending on the quality of the LCD monitor used in comparison.
Contrast: Traditionally the CRT monitors always had better contrast and LCD monitors were lagging behind. Recently some of the best LCD monitors have come very close and according to some they match what the CRT is capable of in terms of contrast. This aspect of the monitor helps in correct tonal characteristics in low light situations. A high contrast monitor is likely to produce black as black rather than dark grey. High contrast is most important for gaming and movie playback.
Dead Pixels: What are Dead Pixels? Dead Pixels are simply pixels on the LCD monitors that do not function. Dead Pixels are not repairable hence they stay there for good. Dead Pixels can easily be identified in programs with white background; you can spot them in the same place every time you switch on your system. In the early days the issue of dead pixels on LCD monitors was a big one confronting most of the manufacturers, however, the manufacturing practices have greatly improved over time and dead pixel issue is very much controlled based on the experience gained. Still many manufacturers themselves are confused as to the Warranty Policies they need to enact for replacement of those monitors with dead pixels. The top manufacturers have no problem replacing the monitor within the warranty period. So when shopping for an LCD monitor check the dead pixel policy indicated in the warranty. Also check for dead pixels once you install it in your system. If you spot a dead pixel within the warranty period get a replacement.
Energy Requirements: LCD monitors are extremely economical when it comes to power consumption. Their consumption is in the region of 25 -50 watts compared to CRT which consume like 60-80 watts for a 15 inch model to almost 70 to 150 for 17 and 19 inch models.
Image Brightness: LCD Monitors win hands down in this department. They offer almost twice the brightness compared to the CRT monitor. If you use the system in a brightly lit room or with plenty of sunshine coming through the window LCD is the best choice.
Magnetic Interference: Again the CRT looses out in this department too. LCD monitors are not affected by the magnetic interference at all. Many of the LCD monitors come with stereo speakers built-in and need not be shielded for magnetic interference. Shielding the speakers makes them very costly, thus the savings can be either passed on to the consumer or spent by manufacturer elsewhere in a more effective way.
Response Time: As mentioned in the beginning of this article the response time of the LCD monitor is crucial for the gamers and movie buffs. Response time refers to updating of the pixel colours. Ghosting or trailing effects start to become evident when the response time slows down to 20 ms. One should definitely look for monitors offering 16ms or even 12 ms response time. We may even see monitors in near future with response times in single digits!
Screen Flicker: One of the most annoying things on the CRT monitor which we all had to suffer was the flickering effect, in other words the low refresh rates. This contributed towards headaches which users experienced on a daily basis. This aspect was also responsible for lower productivity. CRT does not have an advantage when it comes to the flickering effect. By default windows always sets the refresh rate at 60 Hz, until you install your monitor and it detects the configuration file and sets the refresh rate based on factory setting of the monitor in question. The VESA standard states that the minimum refresh rate to avoid eye strain is 72 Hz. Some of the good CRT monitors can go much higher. Ideally a refresh rate of 85 Hz should be OK for most people using 17 inch monitors. Due to difference in technology the LCD Monitors are clear winners as refresh rate is not an issue with them. Normally you get a choice of two different refresh rates on the LCD monitor but it is best to go with the recommendations of the manufacturer.
Conclusion
The final word...
A quality LCD monitor nowadays is very much affordable, you certainly get your moneys worth, unlike a couple of years back when the prices were still on the higher side and the quality was nothing to write home about.
The CRT was king in all the departments. Maybe Not anymore!
First, I am replacing a 1988 circa 27'JVC, and until a few minutes ago, thought I would replace it with an LCD, mostly due to the burn-in problem.
I wanted to go to around 40" screen, but the manufacturer I chose only offers it on 37"(really 42"), which looks squashed, or 43"(really 49.5") which is monstrous for the location I need to put it, and the special stand it takes is out of the question.
The salespeople I have spoken with indicate that niether the LCD OR Plasma have more than 3 years life in them, due to bulbs going out... and hence the attractiveness and value of their "extended warranty".
The tv is intended to be out primary tv, and since I am medically retired, stays on 16+ hours per day.
Will I truly see the difference in sharpness while I am watching the History Channel, if I am no "fuzzies" afficianado? Will I truly see a problem with the refresh rate if I decide to play "Battlefield Vietnam" on my PC using it?
And why is there no intermediate size among LCD screens between 37" and 43", with the smaller one costing MORE?
Although the article was published months ago, thats along time when it comes to emerging technology like LCD's.
http://www.pcreview.co.uk/article-4500.php
Aesthetics: LCD monitors are aesthetically very pleasing to the eye being slim and stylish. There is no comparison with the CRT here. The current breed of LCD monitors has excellent colour combinations, and neat looking control panels. The weight of the LCD monitors is roughly 6-8 lbs for 15 inch models and slightly more for the 17 inch ones. Since it is very light it can be handled very comfortably even by a lady. Some manufacturers have come up with an outboard power supply thus reducing the thickness of the panel which now can be had at less than an inch!
Angle of view: Although the CRT monitors lead the way in this department, the viewing angle on LCD monitors is getting wider and wider and current models offer over 160 degrees. For all practical purposes that is more than sufficient for any user. Therefore the angle of view is not a major concern anymore as it used to be when LCD monitors initially emerged in the marketplace.
Colour Purity: This is where the CRT monitors take a clear advantage. However the best LCD monitors are very good and for an average user the difference is hardly noticeable in side by side comparison. The difference can vary from slight to significant depending on the quality of the LCD monitor used in comparison.
Contrast: Traditionally the CRT monitors always had better contrast and LCD monitors were lagging behind. Recently some of the best LCD monitors have come very close and according to some they match what the CRT is capable of in terms of contrast. This aspect of the monitor helps in correct tonal characteristics in low light situations. A high contrast monitor is likely to produce black as black rather than dark grey. High contrast is most important for gaming and movie playback.
Dead Pixels: What are Dead Pixels? Dead Pixels are simply pixels on the LCD monitors that do not function. Dead Pixels are not repairable hence they stay there for good. Dead Pixels can easily be identified in programs with white background; you can spot them in the same place every time you switch on your system. In the early days the issue of dead pixels on LCD monitors was a big one confronting most of the manufacturers, however, the manufacturing practices have greatly improved over time and dead pixel issue is very much controlled based on the experience gained. Still many manufacturers themselves are confused as to the Warranty Policies they need to enact for replacement of those monitors with dead pixels. The top manufacturers have no problem replacing the monitor within the warranty period. So when shopping for an LCD monitor check the dead pixel policy indicated in the warranty. Also check for dead pixels once you install it in your system. If you spot a dead pixel within the warranty period get a replacement.
Energy Requirements: LCD monitors are extremely economical when it comes to power consumption. Their consumption is in the region of 25 -50 watts compared to CRT which consume like 60-80 watts for a 15 inch model to almost 70 to 150 for 17 and 19 inch models.
Image Brightness: LCD Monitors win hands down in this department. They offer almost twice the brightness compared to the CRT monitor. If you use the system in a brightly lit room or with plenty of sunshine coming through the window LCD is the best choice.
Magnetic Interference: Again the CRT looses out in this department too. LCD monitors are not affected by the magnetic interference at all. Many of the LCD monitors come with stereo speakers built-in and need not be shielded for magnetic interference. Shielding the speakers makes them very costly, thus the savings can be either passed on to the consumer or spent by manufacturer elsewhere in a more effective way.
Response Time: As mentioned in the beginning of this article the response time of the LCD monitor is crucial for the gamers and movie buffs. Response time refers to updating of the pixel colours. Ghosting or trailing effects start to become evident when the response time slows down to 20 ms. One should definitely look for monitors offering 16ms or even 12 ms response time. We may even see monitors in near future with response times in single digits!
Screen Flicker: One of the most annoying things on the CRT monitor which we all had to suffer was the flickering effect, in other words the low refresh rates. This contributed towards headaches which users experienced on a daily basis. This aspect was also responsible for lower productivity. CRT does not have an advantage when it comes to the flickering effect. By default windows always sets the refresh rate at 60 Hz, until you install your monitor and it detects the configuration file and sets the refresh rate based on factory setting of the monitor in question. The VESA standard states that the minimum refresh rate to avoid eye strain is 72 Hz. Some of the good CRT monitors can go much higher. Ideally a refresh rate of 85 Hz should be OK for most people using 17 inch monitors. Due to difference in technology the LCD Monitors are clear winners as refresh rate is not an issue with them. Normally you get a choice of two different refresh rates on the LCD monitor but it is best to go with the recommendations of the manufacturer.
Conclusion
The final word...
A quality LCD monitor nowadays is very much affordable, you certainly get your moneys worth, unlike a couple of years back when the prices were still on the higher side and the quality was nothing to write home about.
The CRT was king in all the departments. Maybe Not anymore!
First, I am replacing a 1988 circa 27'JVC, and until a few minutes ago, thought I would replace it with an LCD, mostly due to the burn-in problem.
I wanted to go to around 40" screen, but the manufacturer I chose only offers it on 37"(really 42"), which looks squashed, or 43"(really 49.5") which is monstrous for the location I need to put it, and the special stand it takes is out of the question.
The salespeople I have spoken with indicate that niether the LCD OR Plasma have more than 3 years life in them, due to bulbs going out... and hence the attractiveness and value of their "extended warranty".
The tv is intended to be out primary tv, and since I am medically retired, stays on 16+ hours per day.
Will I truly see the difference in sharpness while I am watching the History Channel, if I am no "fuzzies" afficianado? Will I truly see a problem with the refresh rate if I decide to play "Battlefield Vietnam" on my PC using it?
And why is there no intermediate size among LCD screens between 37" and 43", with the smaller one costing MORE?
I have studied the pictures of hundreds of CRT/LCD/Plasma TVs and monitors. CRT is hands down the king of motion picture quality. The only thing that can beat it is well produced chemical based film.
Reasons:
1. CRT has far more accurate color reproduction and natural color and gray scales than LCD or Pasma which 'stratify' or show obvious digital seperations in a smooth color band.
2. CRT reproduces motion better than any other technology. This is a big one for me.
3. CRT softens pixelation while retaining clarity.
I find Plasmas and especially LCDs to be unwatchable. I mock my friends that buy them!
- I can't believe you flat screen people...
- by 139_IQ January 2, 2007 1:04 PM PST
- Come on, this is truly unbelievable. Here we are - in the FUTURE - we have awesome knowledge of the universe and technology, and there are people that actually believe a plasma or LCD has as good or better picture than a CRT. You must be kidding!!
- Like this Reply to this comment
-
(52 Comments)I have studied the pictures of hundreds of CRT/LCD/Plasma TVs and monitors. CRT is hands down the king of motion picture quality. The only thing that can beat it is well produced chemical based film.
Reasons:
1. CRT has far more accurate color reproduction and natural color and gray scales than LCD or Pasma which 'stratify' or show obvious digital seperations in a smooth color band.
2. CRT reproduces motion better than any other technology. This is a big one for me.
3. CRT softens pixelation while retaining clarity.
I find Plasmas and especially LCDs to be unwatchable. I mock my friends that buy them!