Choosing HDTV

by: Pomme Divan

High Definition TVs For Quality

HDTV's make an excellent addition to any home entertainment system. They have more than twice the resolution of a standard DVD output and four times the video clarity. High Definition televisions can easily be integrated with all your analog video equipment such as VCRs, camcorders, and gaming consoles.

Since the first color TV was introduced fifty years ago, the television industry has undergone significant changes. New digital standards of high definition programming are poised to replace the ancient fuzzy analog broadcast.

Many people are purchasing digital TV and the numbers are growing. When governmental regulations on digital broadcasting take effect, prices should plummet to a reasonable level. It is important to compare TV's before purchasing. The lower-quality digital sets offer DVD quality pictures. This is fine since only a small percentage of people have signed up for HD programming.

When purchasing an HDTV make sure the set has at a resolution of at least 1280 by 720 pixels. The last number indicates the programs broadcasting standards. Some resolution can be downgraded by the television set. Look for sets with high contrast and a fast response time.

Many HD sets offer plenty of choices for connecting audio- visual equipment. Choose a TV with the best possible picture. Those are the ones with digital video interface (DVI) and high definition media interface (HDMI). The new HDMI uses a single cable to transmit video and 5.1 surround sound. The single cord helps reduce the number of cords common in many home theater setups.

Even with all this advanced technology be prepared to be disappointed. The majority of broadcast programming is still on the analog format known as NTSC (National TV System Committee). The NTSC format is an old format that been around for a long time. Even with the higher- definition big screen TVs, these pictures are fuzzy at best. Crystal clear TV will not be available until HD programming becomes available.