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It's no understatement to say high-definition television is the biggest visual advance to hit living rooms since color TV. A 525-scan line format has been in use in the US for more than 60 years, with screens displaying about 480 lines. Now, up to 1,080 lines of information provides an entirely new experience.
If you're ready for your own HDTV, here are a few basic questions. And answers.
What type of screen is best?
Many new HDTV owners prefer the design and space-saving advantages of a flat-panel TV. If you do, there are two options: plasma and LCD (liquid crystal diode). Each display delivers beautiful pictures, and each has its own benefits.
Plasma: With larger screen sizes (42"+), plasma prices tend to be lower than LCD. Picture quality is usually very good when watching from different angles, and black levels within images are generally very accurate.
LCD: LCD screens have a wide range of sizes, and smaller ones are often an affordable option for kitchens and bedrooms. LCD models are also more likely to provide computer connectivity, ideal for enjoying downloaded movies.
If flat panels are not your style, there are also cathode-ray tube models and rear-projection cabinet-style TVs. You might even pass on a "traditional" set and select a projector/screen combination.
How do I get HD programming?
Antenna: If you already subscribe to cable or satellite programming, it's easy. Just upgrade to an HD receiver, normally $5 to $10 a month. You'll get your service's HD offerings as well as standard-definition channels.
If you don't subscribe to a cable or satellite service, you can still receive HD telecasts from local over-the-air stations. First you'll need to purchase and mount an HD antenna, then connect to a TV that has a built-in HD tuner. If your TV doesn't have a tuner (called "HD ready"), you'll have to add one separately (tuner prices range from about $90 to $400).
What is '720' and '1080'?
You've probably seen ads touting screens with "720" or "1080." The details can get pretty technical, so we'll keep it simple. First, our general advice: don't worry about these numbers unless you're a hardcore videophile, in which case you probably already own an HDTV.
The numbers refer to the maximum resolution your TV can handle. The formats: 1080i means 1,080 vertical scan lines refresh on the screen in an interlaced fashion. 720p means 720 lines display progressively. But what does this mean to you?
Not much. First, regardless of your TV's resolution, all HDTVs are required to support both formats. You won't even notice a difference unless you sit very close to a larger screen, which isn't recommended anyway.
Second, there's no definitive agreement that one format is better. In fact, sports broadcasters usually televise in 720p since it's best for quick motion. There's also a 1080p format, considered the highest resolution. At this time, aside from high-def discs, there's not much 1080p source material available.
What else should I know?
SCREEN SIZE: Tech writers and reviewers suggest going as big as your room and budget can handle. There's one caveat: if you sit too close to a larger screen, you may sense pixel detail, thus sacrificing overall enjoyment.
NON-HD QUALITY: A non-HD signal—like a standard TV broadcast—won't look sharp and exciting on an HD screen. Depending on the make and model, your HDTV will perform some scaling, but there's not enough visual information to fill your screen as beautifully as HD does.
STORE VISITS: Ask the clerk what you're watching. Is it an HD telecast? A standard DVD? One of the high-def disc formats? That will give you a better idea what to expect from different sources you may connect.
CONNECTING: An HDMI cable is the easiest way to connect audio and video sources to your HDTV. It's a single connection that supports high-definition video and multichannel audio.
