Apr

Pratical Tips Before Buying HDTV

Recently TV stations and providers need to phase out standard-definition broadcasts in favor of high-definition ones but most people do not really know about this. As a result many consumers may not be aware that their equipment will not be able to receive over-the-air-television signals unless it also contains a digital tuner.

The following are a few basic tips for buying HDTV that will help you avoid purchasing mistakes and save money.

Not all digital TV’s are HDTV sets. High Definition Television (HDTV) widescreen format (16:9) provides the highest resolution and picture quality of all digital broadcast formats. Combined with digitally enhanced sound technology, HDTV sets new standards for sound and picture quality in television. Make sure you are buying an HDTV set.
The viewing screen size area of wide screen HDTV set is smaller then the viewing screen of a regular TV. Widescreen is meant for a 16:9 aspect viewing picture for HDTV broadcasts while regular TV sets have 4:3 aspect for non-HDTV broadcasts. As such the viewing area for say a 26″ wide screen HDTV is much smaller then a 26″ regular TV set.
Do not purchase an HDTV that is not wide screen. All HDTV broadcasts are in widescreen which means a 16:9 aspect and will not be correctly viewed on a non-wide screen HDTV.
Try to buy an HDTV with 1080 resolution instead of 720. 1080 gives you a better picture.
Anyone using or planning to use cable or satellite TV, can save money buying an HD ready set instead of an HD set with a built in HD Tuner. This simply means, that with your HD ready TV, you will receive your HDTV broadcasts direct from the receiving equipment of your cable and satellite service.
You need actual HD service from your cable or satellite company in order to actually watch HDTV. The price is relatively low. If you do not pay for this service, then your picture is not HDTV.
If you get a DVR or TIVO make sure it is an HD DVR or HD TIVO or you will not see what you recorded in HD. You need an HDTV to watch HD playback from an HD DVR or HD Tivo.
Buy an extended warranty just for the security of knowing that if anything went wrong with your HDTV set. The cost of what I paid, was worth the security of my HDTV for the years to come.
Go to a store that specializes in HDTV where you know you will be seeing HDTV broadcasts. , you will be getting better expertise from a sales person from a store specializing in HDTV then a chain store.
If you have a home theater system, the sound of an HDTV set from its built in speakers is not important. You will actually be receiving your sound through your home theater system from your cable or satellite TV provider.
I recommend you spending more to buy quality component cables rather then use the free component cables supplied by your cable or satellite company to connect your HDTV as you will probably get a better picture.