Thoughts On Buying A High Definition TV
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By :
Steve Wilson
Submitted
2007-07-20 15:13:55 |
High Definition Television, or HDTV, is raising the quality of home entertainment. HDTV signals deliver images that are some four times sharper and more detailed than those currently available with analogue and digital broadcasting. There are two types of HDTV available, 1080i and 720p, both on 16:9 widescreen formats. The first type refers to 1080 lines, which is 504 lines more than the maximum previously available using the PAL system. The 720p format shows 720 rows.
When it comes to watching HDTV, the type of hardware you choose is important. There are a number of factors to take into consideration, the main points being resolution, size, widescreen effect, display and picture inset.
The best way to receive HD is through a HDMI, or High Definition Multi-media Interface, port. This must support HD content protocol. Even high-resolution sets that are not fitted with HDMI slots can still receive HD pictures if they have a good analogue-supported set-top.
Watch out, though for “HD compatible” units, which may not have a resolution that is high enough to support true HD.
Resolution
It goes without saying that the higher the resolution, the better the quality of picture you receive. While all HD units have high resolutions, the numbers vary with each model. Standard resolutions have already been set in some televisions and you should ensure that you check the values when picking out your HD set.
Size
For a more realistic cinematic experience, it is better to have a bigger screen. When it comes to HDTV, this is even more important. HDTV sets in any case are made big, so it may be worth checking out the dimensions of your room or living area so you can select a unit that fits the environment.
Widescreen
HDTV is best suited to widescreen units. The very concept of HD means that it is made to accommodate widescreen viewing and give users a greater theatrical experience. In addition, more television programmes are being filmed in widescreen format, so it may be worth your while investing in this feature. As an example, the LG 50PC1DA, High Definition Digital Plasma TV allows you to view the screen from up to a 160 degree angle.
Display
You can choose the larger and bulkier Cathode Ray Tube (CRT) screens or flat panel displays. Although when it comes to rich colours and rapidly moving pictures, CRT units have historically provided better quality, flat panel plasma and LCD technology is rapidly catching up. The advantage of flat panel screens is that they take up far less space. The main choice factor for both types is that they should be compatible with HD formats.
Inset picture
HDTV allows for an interactive experience by being able to have a smaller screen inset into your main picture. In some television sets, you could be watching two channels on one screen, via picture-on-picture> For example, the Hitachi 42PD6700 High Definition Digital Plasma TV offers this facility.
Conclusion
HDTV takes home entertainment to the next level and is being received with the same enthusiasm as colour TV was decades ago. With a working knowledge of the main selection criteria for an HDTV unit, you can have more confidence when buying what is still a very new technology. |
Author Resource:-
Steve Wilson is a freelance writer specialising in consumer electronics, financial and business subjects.
For buyers guides on a HDTV, have a look at CompareStorePrices, the UK`s largest independently owned price comparison site. CompareStorePrices also has a range of discount vouchers and exclusive offers.
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