The types of modern televisions and their typical classification according to certain characteristics are quite diverse. Therefore, when deciding to purchase new television equipment, many consumers are faced with difficult choices. After all, this is a complex device that is purchased for a long time, so it must have a high degree of reliability. When choosing this type of device, you want it to have an up-to-date set of necessary functions and high technical equipment in a few years. In order to choose the right model for yourself with the necessary parameters and optimal functionality, it is important to understand how the types of TVs differ from each other.
Technologies for creating images on TV
This group of televisions is divided into five types:
- kinescope;
- projection;
- plasma;
- liquid crystal;
- thin OLED.
The first three types are outdated today and are practically not found on sale, so we will not consider them.
LCD TVs
This is the most popular group among consumers. The operation of liquid crystal devices is based on the polarization of the light flux. The source of light here, unlike plasma TVs, is ordinary fluorescent lamps, or, as in LED models, light-emitting diodes. They illuminate the white sheet of the reflective screen behind the glass plate. Liquid crystals are applied to it, which form a picture under the influence of electric current.
Representatives of this group are characterized by economical energy consumption and low weight; they can be easily mounted on a wall using a bracket. In addition, LCD equipment is repairable, which characterizes them as practical devices.
The disadvantages of budget models include a delay in dynamic frames and a limited viewing angle.
The most popular LCD TVs among consumers are LED. LEDs act as illumination for the matrix. The strengths of LED screens include:
- wide range of models and choice of manufacturers;
- any diagonal solutions available today;
- absence of visible flicker and beam focusing defects;
- there are no problems with image geometry and clarity;
- They are perfect for broadcasting not only analogue channels, but also modern digital television.
OLED TVs
It is based on a matrix with organic light-emitting diodes. The picture is displayed on the screen using self-emitting diodes - no backlight is required, as in LCD technology - this is the main difference between OLED and LED. Multi-colored semiconductor devices act as independent light sources. OLED technology makes it possible to create the thinnest screens to date (several millimeters), including curved ones.
Such devices are many times superior to their predecessors. Organic LEDs allow you to obtain the highest possible level of image brightness, contrast, and color rendition. A virtually unlimited viewing angle, which is in no way inferior to plasma technology. In addition, they are much lighter, thinner and more energy efficient than plasma devices. In LCD models, OLED technology benefits from the smooth transmission of dynamic scenes and the absence of constant backlighting.
At the moment, OLED devices have a short service life of about 10 thousand hours, while LCD devices have a stated lifespan of about 60 thousand. And this despite the fact that the cost of such devices is still quite high for the average buyer.
It is worth noting that there is another type of screen promoted by Samsung - QLED. This technology involves the use of LEDs based on quantum dots. Such TVs allow you to transmit colors that are closest to reality.
Backlight options for LCD (LED) screens
The operating principle of the LCD matrix is based on its visual appearance when illuminated. Without backlighting, the crystals are not visible to the user. The quality of the backlight determines the quality of the image that the user sees: its brightness and color rendition.
The most popular solution for illuminating matrices is EDGE LED lighting, which is located around the perimeter. LEDs emit light that is reflected from the diffuser and spreads over the entire surface of the matrix. This kind of backlight does not “work out” black color well, and this is its main problem.
Edge LED and Direct LED technologies
Carpet lighting (Direct LED) occupies the entire area behind the matrix, illuminating it evenly. Through electronic control, local dimming of the matrix is possible when part of the backlight is turned off, resulting in increased contrast.
Online television
In our age of widespread Internet penetration, online television is a way to stay in the information field, even being far from home and any premises with a TV.
In addition to accessibility, the main advantage of interactive (online) television is the flexible management of subscriptions to TV channels, among which you can always choose exactly those that are of interest at the moment.
Another advantage of this type of broadcasting is that it is not tied to the time of broadcasting. The subscriber can always pause the program of interest or watch it later in the recording.
Types of television matrices
The quality of the picture on a TV screen is determined by the type of matrix on which it operates. All matrices implement different physical principles of operation.
TN+film
This type of matrix is inexpensive and is used in technology in the lower price segment. Given the poor quality characteristics, the matrix is installed in small TVs.
Recognizing this type of crystal is not difficult: TVs with this technology have a minimal viewing angle.
You can see a decent picture only by standing in front of the screen. Changing the viewing angle leads to a significant deterioration in image quality: color is distorted and contrast is reduced.
IPS
This is the favorite matrix of such manufacturers as LG and Philips. It reproduces images with excellent color reproduction. The viewing angle of such a matrix is large. Its weak point is the response time: it is slightly longer than other types, and the high black level.
In the store, this type of matrix can also be recognized visually: at a wide viewing angle, black looks like purple, this is a characteristic feature of IPS.
Difference between TN and IPS matrices
V.A.
This matrix is used by Samsung and other leading manufacturers producing modern TVs. This type of matrix has slightly weaker color rendering and halftone reproduction than IPS screens. However, a matrix of this type has a number of advantages over IPS, namely, it has a better viewing angle, brightness and contrast characteristics are also superior to IPS.
The VA matrix also has its own characteristics, by which it can be identified with the naked eye. When viewing such a TV from the side, the contrast of the image decreases, but the color rendition as a whole does not suffer; a lilac-gray haze is visible on the black pixels.
VA and IPS matrices
UVA
This type of matrix was developed and patented by Sharp specialists. The pixels of this matrix are well illuminated on the back wall (without light leakage), thanks to which the screen produces rich, deep blacks.
The contrast of such a screen is very high, the brightness also gives odds to all other matrices. At the same time, a TV based on such a matrix is energy efficient and consumes very little energy.
Advice! When buying a TV, you should pay attention to IPS, VA and UVA matrices, because... they have the best indicators of efficiency and quality.
Screen resolution
Experts divide TVs according to screen resolution into three large groups:
- SD;
- HD;
- Ultra HD.
For older CRT TVs, only standard definition television is available - SD. Since most TV channels are still broadcast in this mode, models with a resolution of 720x576 pixels and 720x480 pixels are relevant and used by a large number of users.
For such a TV, you can access premium channels in high quality using a smart card. It is issued by the provider for connection either directly to the TV, through a CAM module, or through a set-top box.
New generation TVs - LED, OLED and plasma - support high-definition and ultra-high-definition television. The most current format is HDTV (from 1280x720 pixels to 1920x1080 pixels). It is available on digital television.
For some OLED device models, the best 4K resolution available today (3840x2160 pixels); 8K (7680x4320 pixels) - Ultra HD.
It is worth noting that the future belongs to UHD TV. But currently only some TV channels broadcast in this format. Cable operators and satellite service providers are constantly expanding the list of channels transmitted in high definition.
Plasma panels
At its core, a plasma panel is a huge number of microscopic transparent capsules filled with special gases that have the unique property of glowing when electrically discharged. Each pixel of such a screen contains three capsules of different colors: red, green and blue. Depending on which of the gas cells the TV controller supplies voltage to, it will glow that color.
Advantages
Devices with a plasma panel are the most modern. They have clear contrast images, an unusually wide viewing angle and high durability. According to their design features, they are equipped with a widescreen screen, which allows you to watch movies in the highest resolution.
Flaws
Plasma has few disadvantages, and all of them are not significant for the average consumer. Thus, they consume more energy compared to their LCD counterparts. But in a modern home full of various appliances, this remains almost unnoticeable.
Another significant drawback is the high cost, due to which not everyone can afford to purchase this type of TV. The presence of additional functions (built-in Android set-top box, 3D) makes them even more expensive.
Progress in developing more advanced types of televisions does not stop to this day. New generations of laser projection technologies are already available that could soon change the landscape of television devices.
Smart TV
The concept of “smart” has already touched many areas of technology. The use of “smart” technologies significantly expands the basic capabilities of televisions, making them intuitively controllable and adaptive. Smart TVs don’t just broadcast pictures, they become an entertainment center: they work with any media content, including various applications, and connect to the Internet.
Smart TV Samsung
Smart TVs are no longer a new thing. If the first copies were available (primarily due to price) to a few, now purchasing such equipment is not a problem for a wide range of buyers.
Expansion of functionality to the “smart” level is possible thanks to a built-in computer with a specific operating system and connection to the World Wide Web. The user can go online, use application applications, online cinemas and other useful things.
The most popular smart TV options:
- surfing and access to social networks;
- online cinema opportunities;
- ability to connect to gaming applications.
SmartTVs are similar in functionality to other electronic gadgets (phones and tablets) with Internet access. On them you can use the capabilities of the Internet to search for information, communicate, and play online games.
To enjoy all these benefits, you can access the network through browsers, which is not very convenient or fast. It is more efficient to register as a client on various services: online cinemas, video hosting sites (for example, on YouTube).
Connecting to the network is possible in two ways: cable and wireless Wi-Fi connection. You can control this miracle of technology with a remote control, but it is better to connect a mouse or keyboard to it.
Cable TV
From the point of view of reaching the audience, such television occupies a niche opposite to broadcast television. Its main goal is not mass broadcasting and bringing television programs to as many viewers as possible, but diversity and meeting the needs of people with different interests.
Cable television is characterized by a variety of channels on completely different topics. Those interested in sports can watch broadcasts of various competitions. For families with children there are specialized children's and educational channels. There are TV channels that show news programs, films, music videos or entertainment programs 24 hours a day.
To connect to cable TV, you need to contact your nearest operator (often they also provide Internet services). If you live in an apartment building, then there is probably one or more companies that are ready to provide you with a paid subscription and extend the cable to the apartment.
Curved TVs
This innovative format has a number of advantages over the traditional TV version:
- the surface of the screen covered by the gaze increases;
- less influence of ambient lighting: no reflections, optical defects, glare;
- the effect of presence is created;
- improvement of viewing angle, contrast.
Such TVs look stylish, unusual, and create the effect of immersion in what is happening on the screen. However, maximum quality is available only to those who sit opposite the center of the arc. For someone sitting on the side, the line of sight will be at a certain angle from the surface of the TV. As a result, the picture will lose brightness, contrast, and color.
Therefore, in order to fully appreciate this format, it is necessary to sit opposite the central axis of the screen and not far from it, so that the TV seems to embrace the user on the sides.
