Direct-View (CRT or Tube TVs)
Of all the technologies capable of high-definition display, direct-view HDTVs and monitors most closely resemble the familiar analog TVs of old. They're built on the same fundamental design principles as your analog set, but with improved technology for enhanced performance. Unfortunately, like analog tube TVs, they are inherently bulky and heavy, creating serious impracticalities relating to the manufacture, shipping and storage of large-screen models. As a result, the largest screen size currently available in direct-view HDTVs is 40".
Strengths
CRT (cathode-ray tube) technology excels in a number of important areas. First, it is capable of reproducing deeper, darker blacks than any other display technology, rendering images of excellent contrast and realism. It is bright enough to be viewed in a fully-lit room, and the picture's superb color characteristics remain intact regardless of viewing angle. And since there's only one light source (the CRT itself), direct-view TVs don't require periodic convergence adjustments to retain their chromatic integrity, the way some projection TVs do.
Considerations
Their aforementioned bulk and weight make larger direct-view sets difficult to accommodate in crowded rooms, and a real challenge to move. Their traditionally curved screen surfaces reflect glare from ambient light in the viewing area, but the emergence of perfectly flat picture tubes (virtually every late-model HDTV set has one) has significantly improved their performance in this area.
The Bottom Line
Direct-view HDTVs offer excellent performance at a relatively low cost. If you can afford the space, and don't require an exceptionally large screen, a direct-view model may be a good choice.
Direct-View (CRT or Tube TVs)
Of all the technologies capable of high-definition display, direct-view HDTVs and monitors most closely resemble the familiar analog TVs of old. They're built on the same fundamental design principles as your analog set, but with improved technology for enhanced performance. Unfortunately, like analog tube TVs, they are inherently bulky and heavy, creating serious impracticalities relating to the manufacture, shipping and storage of large-screen models. As a result, the largest screen size currently available in direct-view HDTVs is 40".
Strengths
CRT (cathode-ray tube) technology excels in a number of important areas. First, it is capable of reproducing deeper, darker blacks than any other display technology, rendering images of excellent contrast and realism. It is bright enough to be viewed in a fully-lit room, and the picture's superb color characteristics remain intact regardless of viewing angle. And since there's only one light source (the CRT itself), direct-view TVs don't require periodic convergence adjustments to retain their chromatic integrity, the way some projection TVs do.
Considerations
Their aforementioned bulk and weight make larger direct-view sets difficult to accommodate in crowded rooms, and a real challenge to move. Their traditionally curved screen surfaces reflect glare from ambient light in the viewing area, but the emergence of perfectly flat picture tubes (virtually every late-model HDTV set has one) has significantly improved their performance in this area.
The Bottom Line
Direct-view HDTVs offer excellent performance at a relatively low cost. If you can afford the space, and don't require an exceptionally large screen, a direct-view model may be a good choice.