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HDTV Buying Guide
So what's all the big hype about HDTV? Unlike analog TV, HDTV uses digital signals. HDTV creates a clearer, sharper image that doen't look as pixelated. In addition, as the prices of HDTVs come down the incentive for existing TV channels to switch over to HD programming becomes all the more necessary. The FCC plans to deactivate analog bandwidth in favor of an all-digital system, possibly as soon as 2009 or 2010. If you're thinking about buying a new TV, HDTV might be the way to go - otherwise, in a few years you may need to purchase extra gear to convert digital signals to something your analog TV can understand.
| Major HDTV Brands:
Top Rated HDTVs by ZDNet:
1080p HDTV model rated by C-Net: |
Here are a few things you should know about HDTVs in general. - CRTs,
 plasmas, LCDs, and Rear-Projection TVs all come in HDTV formats.
- HDTV is broadcast in 16:9 as widescreen.
- Analog TV is broadcast in 4:3, the standard "square" TV shape.
- Most large HDTVs come with built-in tuners. These are labeled as integrated HDTVs.
- Not all HDTVs come with built-in tuners or speakers. Such models without integrated tuners are called "HD-ready" (with or without speakers). That means that they can receive digitally broadcast programming once you buy an additional tuner. Satellite over HD-ready TV requires a special receiver or cable box.
- Digital-cable-ready TVs are another type of HDTV that allow for both broadcast and satellite reception via an antenna or through un-encrypted digital signals, which eliminates the need for a cable box. Cable cards are needed though on some models if you want premium cable programming. The problem with using cable cards though is that they interfere with interactive program guides and other features available on most HDTVs.
- EDTVs (enhanced definition TVs) are another option on the market and are slightly cheaper than HDTV models. While the lower price may seem like a nice incentive, in the long run it's not really worth saving a few hundred dollars. The picture quality is definitely not comparable to that of an HDTV.
Resolution- HDTV is all about better resolution, but not all HDTVs have the same resolution.
- Resolution is usually expressed with a single number, which actually corresponds to the vertical resolution.
- Vertical resolution is how many horizontal lines of information can appear on the screen.
- This number is usually followed by a letter, p or i, which describes how lines are scanned, or "painted," on the screen.
- "i" refers to "interlaced scanning" - this means that the odd-numbered lines are "painted" first, then the even-numbered lines are filled in.
- "p" refers to "progressive scanning," also known as "sequential scanning" - all lines are "repainted" every 1/60th of a second.
- Progressive scanning is generally considered far superior - between two broadcasts with a resolution of 480, the one in 480p will look clearer and more film-like than the 480i.
- Progressive scanning is also better because there is less flickering with added stability.
- There are four main resolutions broadcast today:
- Analog
- Standard TV broadcasts have resolutions of 480i or less.
- Broadcast in 4:3 aspect ratio (standard "square" TV ratio).
- Enhanced Definition (EDTV)
- Mainly available in plasma right now.
- ED is 480p -- the resolution equivalent to DVD movies.
- 1080i High Definition
- The most common HD resolution -- 1920 x 1080.
- All HD-ready TVs can display 1080i -- they can scale the image if they are too small to display it at 1080.
- Broadcast in 16:9 format (widescreen).
- 720p High Definition
- Used by a few channels, including ABC, Fox, and ESPN.
- Contrary to myth, 720p is equal in quality to 1080i.
- Both have excellent resolution.
- 720p, being progressive, might have the upper hand in displaying high-movement shows, such as sporting events.
- Many HD sets can display 720p to its full extent,
- 1080p High Definition -- The latest HD Holy Grail
- 1080p monitors are theoretically capable of displaying every pixel of the highest-resolution HD broadcasts.
- Offer more than twice the resolution of today's 1,280x720, or 720p HDTVs.
- You can expect to pay about $2,500 extra for the bump in resolution. Prices for entry level models starts at $4300.
- What about content? Today's, high-def broadcasts are done in either 1080i or 720p, and there's little or no chance they'll jump to 1080p any time soon because of bandwidth issues.
- There have been recent announcements of high-def movie players, Blu-ray or HD-DVD, as well as the upcoming Sony PlayStation, will output in 1080i. Keep your fingers crossed!
HDTV Options
All dimensions refer to the length of the diagonal of the screen.
| CRT HDTVs |
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- CRT
- While the flat panel plasma and LCD screens get all the attention, cathode ray tube, or CRT, televisions are still reliable for many years of use.
- These are the least expensive - about $500-$1500.
- 26-36" models - not as large as a plasma, but on par with LCD screens.
- Large footprint + large weight = don't get much bigger than 36" diagonal.
- Reliable with good picture quality.
- Choose standard 4:3 format or wide screen model.
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| CRT Rear-Projection HDTVs |
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- CRT Rear-Projection
- Biggest screen for the least amount of money.
- 40-60" screens are great for watching sports, movies, and playing games.
- Over 2ft deep. They take up lots of room.
- They come with built-in speakers and tuners. Perfect for anyone who doesn't know much about wiring.
- The tubes need realigning once in awhile. Look for a model with auto-convergence.
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| LCD HDTVs |
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- LCD
- Only 3-6" deep, which means that you can either wall-mount it or display it on a media center.
- More expensive than CRTs, overall.
- High quality, but limited reliability. Great for small screen viewing.
- LCDs don't display deep blacks well, but look better than plasma screens in a well-lit room.
- LCD screens also may not look good viewed from an angle rather than straight on.
- CRT images are still better than LCD and plasma, although the two newer technologies are getting close.
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| Plasma HDTVs |
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- Plasma
- Slim display, similar to LCD.
- Better for dark colors than LCD - especially good for movie watching.
- Shorter lifespan than LCD or CRT TVs.
- Unlike LCD screens, plasma screens can get burnt out - something to keep in mind if you frequently watch stations like CNN that have a logo in the corner and a crawl on the bottom for most programs.
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| Flat-Screen Rear Projection |
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- Flat-Screen Rear Projection
- Flat-screen rear projection, also known as flat-screen microdisplays, are large rear projection TVs with slimmer profiles than bulky rear-projections CRT TVs.
- Choose from LCD (liquid crystal display ), DLP (digital light processing), or LCoS (liquid crystal on silicon) technology.
- None are inherently better; LCoS has slightly better resolution, but only a couple of brands carry LCoS TVs.
- Big screen 40-70" displays, but only about 8-18" thick.
- Thicker than a similarly sized plasma TV, but at significantly less cost.
- Sometimes deep blacks aren't displayed well, but this depends on the model.
- Some sets give off a rainbow effect.
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Whichever option you choose, here are a few pointers to help you find a good TV. - Size
- Although the enhanced resolution means that you don't have to sit as far back from HDTVs as from regular TVs, you should still consider the size of a room.
- That 70" screen looks great in the showroom, but where are you going to put it back home?
- HDMI Input
- HDMI cables can carry both images and sound in digital format.
- HDMI input on your TV avoids signal degradation by passing it through an analog format, such as a cable box.
- Widescreen
- There are a few 4:3 aspect HDTVs out there, but most are widescreen.
- Most HDTV content is in 16:9, so a widescreen will look great whether you are watching TV or DVDs.
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