Direct View HDTV

Direct View TVs are the TVs we all know and are familiar with from the '80s.  They are your standard, tube type TV only now they are HDTVs or HD-Ready TVs.  Many have moved from the standard 4:3 aspect ratio to 16:9 (widescreen) in sizes up to 34 inches.  4:3 formatted TVs are available up to 40 inches.  Direct View HDTVs product excellent picture quality and reproduce black better than any other technology, however they have their limitations.  Direct View HDTVs are deep and therefore they are very heavy.  A 34 inch Direct View HDTV can weigh over 200 pounds.  Due to the weight, many manufacturers do not produce Direct View HDTVs in sizes over 36 inches.  All in all, Direct View HDTVs are relatively inexpensive, have a very long life expectancy and provide an excellent picture from virtually any angle.  If your budget is tight and your room is not large, a Direct View HDTV just may be the ticket for you.

• Pros:  Great picture, relatively inexpensive, wide viewing angles, long life expectancy
• Cons:  Heavy, bulky, limited size potential

Front Projection HDTV

If you have the right room in your house, Front Projectors are definitely the way to go.  Nothing comes as close to putting you in a movie theater-like setting as a front projector.  Screen sizes for front projection HDTVs can be over ten FEET!  Basically, the only limitation is your space.  Front projectors are easy to set up and use.  They can be mounted on a ceiling, but can even be used on a coffee table or other ad hoc placement.   Front Projectors are now more affordable than ever.  A 60" plasma might cost you $7,000 or more while a front projector can cost less than $1,500 and provide a picture twice the size and just as crisp.  Front Projectors are offered in both DLP and LCD microdisplays and are totally immune to burn-in.  If you really want to build a dedicated home theater, a Front Projector HDTV is the way to go.

• Pros:  Great value, nearly unlimited screen size, awesome picture
• Cons:  If your room is not right for it, it simply may not be an option