CNET.com.au's quick guide to TV types

By David Katzmaier, CNET.com on 28 July 2004

Tags: direct | flat | front | lcd | panel | plasma | projection | rear | tube | tv | view

Direct-view (tube) TVs Direct-view (tube) TVs
What's new with the tube.
Flat-panel TVs Flat-panel TVs
Slim is in, but plasma isn't LCD. Learn the difference.
Rear-projection TVs Rear-projection TVs
Big-screen boxes come in many flavours. Taste them all.
Front-projection TVs Projectors (Front-projection television)
Prices for projectors are way down, and the images are getting better.

Once upon a time, when only direct view TVs were around, buying a new set used to be a whole lot less of a nerve-racking experience. Now, there are all sorts of questions. Do you go wide or not? Is LCD better than plasma? And how do I make sure I'm ready for digital and high definition TV? If all the tech jargon has you confused, don't worry. Read our guide to the pros and cons of new, high-tech TVs, and you'll feel a whole lot more confident when you hit your local electronics store.

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damo
08/07/2007 10:51 AM

Can someone please tell me whether you can lay a rear projection tv down on it back or face without it getting damaged? Does it break the tv if it is layed down horizontally? Thank you

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