Useful guides on HDTVs

In recent years, there has been a decline in the cost of LCD TVs. But, before you splurge all your hard earned cash on the HDTV, you should take a look at some of the practical HDTV shopping tips.Most people have heard of high definition TVs (HDTVs) and many are considering buying them if they have not already. Here is closer look at HDTVs and things to consider when buying one.

When purchasing a TV, the three major concepts any consumer should understand are resolution, aspect ratio, and scan type. Most people are familiar with resolution. Resolution is the number of individual picture elements that make up an image. Like pixels on a camera, higher resolutions give more detailed, clearer and nicer images.

Resolution can be measured in lines or pixels. Old CRT-based TVs were rated by lines of resolution. However, plasma, LCD and other screens are measured in pixels. The pixel number is the number of pixels across the screen times the number down. For a TV to be considered high-definition, it needs to resolution of 720 or more.

There are two types of scan. With the interlace scan, referred to as "i", the images are processed by alternately lighting up every other row of horizontal lines on the screen (this happens too fast for the eye to see). With the progressive scan, also known as the "p" scan, all the lines light up at the same time. Since the progressive scan is essentially processing the images twice as fast, it produces a sharper, smoother and more realistic image. However, TVs with this type of scan are more expensive.

Finally, there is the aspect ratio. This has to do with the screen shape. Traditionally, TV screens have a 4:3 aspect ratio. In other words, the have four units of width for every three units of height. With a 16:9 width to height ratio, HDTVs have a relatively much wider screen in relation to the height. This makes them much more suitable for movies since movies are shot at 16:9 or wider.

There is relatively little difference between the 720p and the 1080i. While 1080p offers the best picture, the difference is almost undetectable with screen sizes of 32" or less.

For other uses such as playing Blue-Ray and HD-DVDs, any HDTV should have at least one HDMI input. This makes connecting easier, reduces cable clutter and provides both high-quality video and digital stereo sound.

Before considering an HDTV, a consumer should be sure they will really need it. A misconception is that HDTV will always give a much better picture. However, depending on the TV, the difference may not be so noticeable if watching regular DVDs or TV programming that are not in high definition. Therefore, it is important to take into account how the TV will be used when considering a HDTV. Before making any decision on purchasing a HDTV, it is best to understand these points.



Origin:sanbobo