HDTV - Ultimate Viewing Sensation

Bob Janeway asked:


Electronic store gadgets seem to sprout out of nowhere like mushrooms. Every time you read a newspaper or magazine and watch the television, you are introduced to the latest and most advanced technological breakthrough on the face of the earth. Of the many gizmos and devices available on the market, one thing that TV addicts may want to consider investing on is the HDTV or High Definition Television.

This new device is a more enhanced version of digital television, or DTV. The resolution in HDTV is more defined and you will truly have a more cinematic experience with this type of television.

However, when buying HDTV, you need to insist on an integrated system because it is complete and you do not have to think about connecting tuner or receiver. With the integrated system, all you need is a satellite or cable connection.

If you do not have enough money, you can probably consider the HDTV-capable set. This is an HDTV monitor but you will need to find or buy an external receiver to enable you to watch an HDTV show or program. It is important to note that an HDTV without this external receiver is just like an ordinary television set. You will not be able to enjoy high definition images even if the monitor is HDTV without this add-on.

By the way, an HDTV ready is not necessarily an HDTV capable screen or monitor. Before buying this type of system, carefully ask your sales clerk if the set is actually an HDTV screen. Better yet, just stick with the HDTV integrated system or the HTV-capable set.

Since there are many brands of HDTV in the market, choosing one can really be daunting. To help you out with this task, read the buying guide below to know what features of HDTV to look for:

Audio

The most common type of sound system used in HDTVs is the Dolby Digital Surround. Some manufacturers, however, use other type of audio systems. The best way to determine which brand has the best sound is to try them out.

Connector Ports

The number of connector ports of HDTV varies tremendously from one brand to another. Thus, if you are buying an HDTV, or any other television sets, you need to see if the product has all the connector ports you need.

The usual connector ports that are being used are the Composite Video, RF, A/V, RCA, Component video, VGA and HDMI.

HD Receiver/Tuner

If you do not want any fuss, you should opt for a set that has an internal HD receiver or tuner. As mentioned earlier, this is the integrated system type of HDTV set. However, if your cable or satellite provider rents out or offers free external HD receiver, then you may want to buy the much cheaper HDTV capable set.

Resolution

One of the most important features that you need to look out for when buying an HDTV is the resolution. If the resolution of the HDTV set is poor, then there is really no reason why you have to buy that set because your old television set may have better resolution.

If you want fantastic resolution, be sure to look for a set that has a vertical resolution of 1080i and 720p. Standard television usually only has a vertical resolution of 480i. By the way, the “i” here stands for interlaced, which is the type of vertical resolution being used in analog TV, while the “p” is progressive, the usual choice for digital television sets.



Steven

Oyusam asked:


Hello, I live in the Chicago land area and I have a 22″ Samsung T220HD LCD TV monitor, and it says “features a built-in full HD 1080p digital HDTV tuner”. I just did a scan of air channels on the tv, but the channels it is displaying looks normal and does not look like HD to me. I was wondering if I have to do something to receive HD signals?

Davon

Mike Chow asked:


Looking to replace your old TV? Then you may might to invest in the new HD technology. Unlike regular standard televisions, HDTV sets are much lighter, occupy less space, offer more features and provide better image quality. However, the search for a new HDTV can be a daunting one, especially for new customers who are unfamiliar with the many HDTV technologies. Hence, in this article we will examine the various types of HDTVs and their benefits.

HDTV CRT

HDTV CRT is based upon on the old Cathode Ray technology which is found in regular TVs. Some of the benefits of this technology is its proven reliability (50+ years), picture quality and low price point. However, with this technology you have to deal with bulky, heavy TV sets, screen glare problems and limited widescreen choices. The biggest wide screen you can get for a HDTV CRT is only 34-inches.

Rear Projecting HDTV

Currently there are two types of Rear Projection HDTVs. The older Rear Projection HDTV is based on the CRT technology while the newer one is based on the LCD/DLP/LCoS Projection technology. Like HDTV CRT, Rear Projection CRT offers large wide screens at a very low price point. However, you have to deal with poor picture quality from non digital signals, expensive maintenance, bulky cabinet enclosures and narrow viewing angles. The newer LCD/DLP/LCoS Projection technology offer larger screen sizes, good black levels, larger viewing angle, and great picture quality. However, with this technology you have to deal with expensive bulbs that have to be replaced every 5,000-7,000 hours.

Plasma HDTV

The Plasma HDTV is a mainstream technology for viewing high definition channels. Plasma HDTV displays offer amazing color definitions, large viewing angle, good black levels and they occupy less space. However, with this technology you have to deal with the possibility of screen burn-in problems and screen glares.

LCD Flat Panel HDTV

The LCD Flat Panel HDTV is the other mainstream technology for viewing high definition channels. LCD HDTVs offer wider range of screen sizes (7″ to 65″), greater image resolutions, are very bright, no burn-in problems and last very long (60,000+ hours). However, with this technology you have to deal with poor black levels, small viewing angle and a high entry price point.



Chase

Almighty Fish asked:


Hello, i’m looking for a HDTV for my xbox 360 to put in my room (preferably wall mountable) that is under £400 and good quality picture.
Apparently i need a HDTV to have the full Xbox experience?!

ta.

Glenn

Bryan H asked:


In the next few months I plan to buy myself a HDTV. I have been cruising different electronic stores looking for the right one. I want a pretty decent sized one. So I’m thinking about getting a projection HDTV which are relatively inexpensive compared to LCDs and Plasmas of the same size. So I was wondering are there any drawbacks to projection HDTV?

Tyler

Boinker asked:


I just want to hook the HDTV up to view video on the HDTV. Is there a way to hook both my regular monitor and HDTV at the same time?

Jakob

Jason D Adams asked:


When buying your HDTV you may want to decide on the optimum screen size that would benefit the room size you have available to you. Here are some recommended viewing distances (please note that ideal distances will depend on many different factors including signal quality.) 30 inches - recommended distance of 3.75 - 6.25 feet. 42 inches - recommended distance of 5.25 - 8.75 feet.

50 inches - recommended distance of 6.25 - 10.5 feet. 62 inches - recommended distance of 7.75 - 13 feet. 70 inches - recommended distance of 8.75 - 14.75 feet.

Another factor to look for in your HDTV comparison shopping is to be aware of the resolution the display is capable of producing. What you want to watch for is the native resolution. The minimum native resolution you should consider is 720p which is 1280×768. That is 1280 pixels horizontal and 768 pixels vertical. If you are really wanting the best picture quality you should look at resolutions of 1080p which is a native resolution of 1920×1080 pixels.

How does the HDTV display standard definition? Standard definition (non high definition) sources include regular cable signals, DVDs, some satellite signals (satellite also provides high definition content). Some HDTV displays will produce a great high definition picture but will display a poor picture when connected to a standard definition signal.

The best tool you can use when conducting your HDTV comparison is use your eyes. If possible take your favorite movie, DVD, or even ask the store clerk to show you some high definition content, preferably the type of content you plan on watching on the HDTV display. Will the HDTV be used mainly for watching movies? what type of movies? action, documentary, animation, computer generated graphics sports, or standard definition?. One thing you should take note of is that HDTVs are not calibrated for the best possible picture at the most stores, they are usually displayed with their “out of the box” default settings. Other factors you may want to take note of is the lighting of the room you plan on watching the HDTV display in verses the lighting inside the store.

Many HDTVs are available online and you are not really able to see the picture quality in person. One solution is to read the user reviews, these reviews are comments from individuals who already own the HDTV in question and have seen the picture quality in person. Some of the comments can be very useful.

There are many other factors to consider such as video processor or the microchip that the HDTV uses to process incoming signals and other more complicated factors that the normal shopper can ignore unless you are a hard core enthusiast. The bottom line for most is the best band for the buck and most shoppers can decide based on the factors mentioned in this article and from their research on the internet.



Sean

Ikki asked:


Today many people are becoming understand the terms LCD, HDTV and Plasma and for especially the recent working generation the main question is not if they will spend hard earned cash towards a HDTV of choice but when they will spend it. Plasma TV technology is getting better every year. There’s no good reason to buy last year’s model, if the new models are already out.

Knowing the essential of HDTV before you enter the electronic store means you won’t be sorry after you bring home your big new purchase. When looking for HDTV info for purchasing decisions you may feel that you will never get your head around the technical aspects of this area.

Here some tips before buy HDTV.

1. Know the difference between the main types of tv screens: CTR, LCD and Plasma and each of their advantages and disadvantages. Make sure you go with true HDTV. And absolutely make sure the set has at least one HDMI connection port that supports 1080p and supports HDCP,

2. Bigger isn’t necessarily better. Just because you can afford a monster-sized HDTV doesn’t mean you should get one.

3. Eye the viewing angle Most plasma and LCD sets look great when you’re watching straight on, but the picture may become washed-out as you move to the side, especially with LCD displays. Make sure to check for yourself (walk all the way over to one side for the shallowest viewing angle possible) before you buy.

4. 1080p or 720p? Depends on the size of the set. For HDTVs that are 40 inches or smaller, you’ll be hard-pressed to see the difference between 1080p or 720p. If we’re talking 42 inches or larger and you’ve got money to spend (lucky you), I’d recommend 1080p—you’ll pay more, but you can really see the difference, especially if you’re planning on using a Blu-ray player.

5. Know that there were major technological advances made towards the way that the tv screen manages the pixel colors to create better flowing movements. Choosing an older type may make your “new” tv age faster and you may have to replace it earlier than you might have expected to.

6. Good connections. Make sure your new HDTV has an HDMI input with HDCP support. While most HDTVs have component (red, green and blue) video inputs to connect to your cable, satellite tuner and DVD player, double check to make sure. Two or more sets means no swapping cables between cable and DVD and Xbox 360, for instance.

7. Surrounded by Sound. Now that you’re feasting your eyes on a super hi-def picture, don’t forget the sound. HDTV boasts  Cineplex-like surround sound – providing you have a receiver and speaker system to hear it. Make sure to use the “optical” or “digital audio” sound outputs from your HDTV cable or satellite or video game box when you connect to the receiver – that way you’re sure to be surround by the best possible sound around.

That’s it some tips before you go to electronic store for buy HDTV. Considering both the fact of the risk you are taking if you buy the first HDTV that you see (because you may fall in love with it), and the fact that the prices are coming down the longer you wait, then ultimately you are safer waiting but then if you never make the decision you may loose out on the experience of HDTV.



Estefan

marc a asked:


i wanna by a hdtv and i see a lot of good deals on the net but most of them are refurbished. what do i risk of buying one? is there a difference between “refurbished” and “factory renewed”?

Julius

David0018 asked:


I have a Comcast HDTV box, feeding into my Sony Bravia home theatre system via coaxial cable, then to my HDTV via component cable. However I do not get a picture this way. I know I can connect the cable box and the home theatre system via separate component inputs, but is there a way to use both without switching inputs? Thank you!

Christina