HDTV Delays When Changing Channels

Newer Televisions like LCD, LED and Plasma all utilize scaling.

Delays in changing the channels on your new high-definition television are common. Not every network broadcasts on the same frequency. Your HDTV "scales" to the format in which you watch your channel.

Video Formats

Networks broadcast their signals in the four basic format types. Standard definition is broadcasted at 480-SD, this is the frequency of your old analog channels. New digital channels are broadcasted in 480i and high-definition channels are broadcasted in either 720p or 1080i. Every time you change your channel your television scans the frequency and matches the frequency of the broadcast.

Change Your Inputs

Changing your input modes can reduce the delay on changing your channels. Most high-definition connections are HDMI. Switching back to the standard video component connector (the video cord that contains the red, white, yellow ends) will allow your television to process only one type of frequency thus eliminating the delay.

Choose Wisely

Research the different types of high definition televisions on the market before you make your purchase. Some models can scale faster than others. Pay attention to how the unit looks with different electronics plugged into it. If you can see how the television behaves when it's plugged into a cable box, Blu-ray player and a gaming system. This will give you a better feel for how long the delay will be on the model you decide to purchase.

References

• Audio Review: HDTV Scaling: Facts and Fallacies