How to choose the best HDTV for your Ps3, Xbox 360 or Wii game consoles
Uninformed consumers expect every digital TV to deliver a clearer, sharper picture compared to their analog counterparts. This expectation has also extended to your favorite game console. While some makes and models of HDTVs will meet this expectation, others may disappoint gamers looking for that great gaming experience.
Manufacturers of high-definition televisions (HDTVs) provide detailed specifications on their models as part of advertising and promotional campaigns. However, most consumers don’t fully understand what these specs really mean and why they matter when making their decision on which HDTV to buy for gaming.
The most important thing to understand is that HDTV was designed for broadcast television and not for game consoles. Game console manufacturers are constantly adapting or redesigning their game consoles to match the standards set for broadcast and high-definition digital displays. Some of the higher priced HDTV brands offer direct game console modes that are bundled with popular game consoles.
This article provides a brief education on the 5 key factors to consider when looking for an HDTV to play video games. This will help you make an informed decision without the confusion surrounding gaming with Sony Play Station 3 (PS3), Microsoft XBox 360, or Nintendo Wii.
1. Larger HDTV screen sizes are better for gaming
The larger the screen, the easier it is to see details in graphics used in games. The games seem to be more realistic with larger screens. If your HDTV screen is not large enough, you may see a black band at the top, bottom, or sides of the picture to make the game fit on the screen. Consider HDTV screens that are larger than 24 inches (60 cm) in size.
2. LCD screens are better than plasma screens for gaming
Plasma HDTV screens can suffer from “burn-in” from constantly playing the same video games. Image burn-in occurs when static images are left to display on a plasma screen for very long periods. This is the case for some video games that do not have changing backgrounds. Liquid crystal display (LCD) HDTV screens like those used for computer monitors do not suffer from burn-in problems.
3. Higher scan resolutions are better for gaming
HD TV manufacturers use two different scanning mechanisms to produce an image on an HDTV screen. One mechanism is an “interlaced raster scan” and the other is a “progressive scan”. A progressive scan will display all the horizontal lines that make up each image frame in sequence. Compared to an interlaced scan, all the odd horizontal lines are displayed first and then alternately the even horizontal lines in the image change back to the odd lines in quick succession.
A standard definition television (SDTV) uses 525 (US NTSC) or 625 (Europe PAL) horizontal lines and is also known as “480i resolution” for US NTSC and “576i resolution” for PAL, where the “i” stands for 1080p scan. interlaced plot. . Interlaced video produces annoying flickering that blurs details in video images. Flicker can be reduced with special filtering called smoothing, but this tends to reduce the clarity of the image. HDTV is displayed at resolutions of 720i or even 1080i.
Progressive scan produces sharper, sharper images without flickering compared to interlaced scanning for the same image frame rate. High-definition images are displayed at resolutions of 720p, 1080p, 1440p, or 2160p, where the “p” stands for progressive scan. Progressive scan HDTVs are typically more expensive than lower resolution HDTV models. The typical resolution of an LCD computer monitor will start at 720p and can support higher resolutions.
4. Higher refresh rates are better for gaming
Picture Frame Refresh Rate is a measure (in Hertz or Hz) of how many times per second each picture frame on a video display is updated. In general, the higher the refresh rate, the faster the display can respond to changing pixel colors, reducing and in some cases eliminating image blur and judder when viewing moving action scenes fast, like live football.
LCD screens that have a high response time (in milliseconds or ms) are often not suitable for playing fast-paced computer games. A response time of less than 15 ms is considered sufficient for most games, since the human eye cannot perceive changes faster than about 10 ms. Manufacturers of branded LCD HDTVs are producing models with 120Hz refresh rates and 4ms pixel response rates, which is suitable for gaming consoles.
5. HDTV with game mode is better for gaming
More recently, some HDTV manufacturers have recognized that consumers also want to use their HDTVs to play fast-action online and console games. This has led to the development of a “games mode” to give you instant feedback with the game controller. The principle behind the game mode is to optimize the TV’s reaction time and picture quality to closely match higher resolution 1080p video game consoles, such as the PS3, to give the player more realism.
What you need to know about popular game consoles
The Nintendo Wii only supports up to 480p resolution, so you don’t need an HDTV to use this game console. The XBox 360 game console supports 720p and 1080i resolutions, so it can be used with an HDTV. The PS3 supports 480i, 480p, 720p, 1080i, and 1080p resolutions, making it a versatile game console that can be used with a wider range of HDTV screen resolutions.
recommendations
When shopping for an HDTV for game consoles, look for at least a 24-inch (60cm) LCD screen that supports 720p and 1080p, offers at least a 100Hz refresh rate, and has a game mode. As with all technology, you basically get what you pay for. But as digital HDTVs continue to drop in price, it’s worth looking for HDTV models that also support game consoles like the PS3 and XBox 360. Be sure to change the settings on both your HDTV and your game console. compatible with HD resolutions to experience the best that these technologies have to offer.