When Is Thin Too Thin For Your HDTV?
By Jerry Del Colliano
Thin is "in" when it comes to today's HDTVs. The latest generation of HDTVs are no longer the McDonalds-eating fat-ass televisions that they used to be. Now you can (but we highly recommend that you don't) hang an ultra-slim HDTV from a picture hook or two. These sets are also getting closer and closer to one inch thick which begs the question - when is your HDTV too thin?
If you are like a 22 year old Hollywood starlet, perhaps there is no such thing as "too thin." However, in the world of HDTVs, go try to set one of these ultra-thin HDTVs up on a wall mount. Making rigid HDMI cables fit and bend into tight spaces often makes for sloppy if not unreliable installations. Trust me, HDMI handshake issues are bad enough with today's copy-protected HD sources. The last thing you need is a bad HDMI cable that won't pass signal when you are trying to troubleshoot why your new Profile 2.0 Blu-ray player won't pass audio or video to your new, super-skinny HDTV.
If you have a full 5.1 or 7.1 surround sound system for your installation of an ultra-thin HDTV, then you have little to no concern about sound. However if you have plans to use the internal speakers in the set, then prepare to be disappointed. The laws of physics only allow for so many miracles and I can tell you the sound that comes out of these first generation flat HDTVs is about as annoying as listening to the aforementioned Hollywood starlet talk. In fact, the audio is more like listening to Charlie Brown's phone. The audio is just plain bad at this stage.
Lastly and possibly most importantly - the video on the slightly thicker and more refined sets tends to look better. There is often better "glass," better electronics, and better video scaling on the older technology sets that results in a better overall picture. Ask any video calibrator today and he/she will tell you to hunt down a Pioneer Kuro or a Panasonic Professional plasma for the best black levels, which is the foundation for a great HDTV image. I know it doesn't sizzle like the new, ultra-thin sets but in terms of ultimate performance you are going to get the most for your HD budget. That is, for now.
In many applications, aesthetics are the first and most important issue with the client, designer and even sometimes the installer. In that event - by all means would a super-thin HDTV be the answer. Also if your issue is watching TV in a room with ambient light - these ultra-thin HDTVs have brightness that rivals that of the beam of light coming out of the top of the Luxor Hotel in Las Vegas. That alone can make the buying decision for some people a no-brainer, as it solves a key issue. Who cares if your Pioneer Kuro is ISF calibrated if you are watching it in a room with the lights on full blast or the shades are up. But remember, brightness isn't everything when it comes to total video performance. You need to weigh the good looks and vibrant brightness with the needs of your specific application when you decide what HDTV to invest in. You will get a better overall picture and you might just save yourself some money for your efforts.
