Cheap HDTV: The options

When looking to buy a cheap HDTV LCD you may first want to consider all three of the different types of HDTV screens available. You can buy a HDTV projector, HD-ready plasma TV or a HDTV LCD TV . When choosing a cheap HDTV you need to consider what size screen you need, and when thinking about HDTV projectors remember that you can't watch it in daylight (unless you have a cinema style room to devote to it).

Although a HDTV projector may provide the best quality picture, it's not the cheap option with prices starting at about £800 (going much higher). Another thing to consider when buying your HDTV projector is that installation can be complex, and expensive bulbs will need to be replaced in the future. If you have a large budget you may consider buying a purpose-built HDTV projection screen, for example Toshiba offer a 75 inch wall-mountable projector screen for around L394.

Plasma-HDTV TV (HD-Ready Plasma TV) screens cost between £1000 and £4,000, with screen sizes ranging between 42-50 inches. HD-Ready Plasma HDTV TV screens are more practical in smaller rooms, can be mounted above your fireplace and can be watched in the daylight. HDTV LCD screens, are equally flat and stylish, and are usually cheaper than plasma HDTV TV screens, with prices ranging from L800 (for 14 inch screens) to £3,000, for screens up to 40 inches.

Setting up your LCD HDTV home cinema

A decent HDTV home cinema set-up requires a surround-sound system, consisting of five standard speakers and a sub-woofer. As with your regular home stereo system, prices range from as little as a few hundred pounds to thousands. Something to consider when researching LCD HDTV's is, should I be buying a HDTV LCD screen right now? The answer to this yes, as Sky has just launched a high-definition TV service, and the BBC has HD broadcasts planned for the coming months. It's also worth noting that the next generation of DVD's and video games will be in HD.

About HDTV technology

HDTV, High definition, or HD-ready, is the industry standard that ensures a TV screen can properly receive and display high-definition pictures when connected with a HD source. Soon all paid-for TV services will probably be HD so buying a HDTV LCD or plasma screen TV ensures that you will be able to connect to future HD sources. HD-TV provides a sharper, clearer image that the standard broadcasts but you need an HD-compatible plasma or HD-ready LCD screen to view HD pictures so as long as you buy a plasma or LCD with the HD-ready sign, you will be ok to receive HDTV pictures. If you are unsure about choosing your new HDTV read our LCD vs Plasma page.