How to Choose a HD Television
High definition (HD) television represents the wave of the future, and with digital broadcasting now a reality, numerous shows are available in sharp, clear, HD definition. HD televisions can be very expensive, however, so before you pull the trigger, make sure you understand the different choices involved. You want an HD television that fits your particular needs, and no one TV is right for everybody. Do your homework before you start and you'll be immensely happy with the TV you get.
Other People Are Reading
Instructions
-
-
1
Measure the space where you intend to place your HD television. That includes both the wall or shelf space--you want a few inches free on every side of the television--and the distance between the TV and the viewing position. For ideal viewing conditions, the distance needs to be two to three times the diagonal length of the TV. If you don't have that much space, look for a smaller TV.
-
2
Understand the basics of screen resolution. All HD televisions list the number of pixel lines on their screen (more lines means a sharper resolution), as well as whether the image is integrated (flickering rapidly back and forth between one half of the pixel lines and the other) or progressive (showing all pixels at once). 720p, for example, means 720 lines of pixels delivered progressively, while 1080i means 1080 lines of pixels delivered in an integrated fashion. As of this writing, the highest possible HD screen resolution is 1080p.
-
-
3
Weigh the advantages and disadvantages of a plasma screen HD television versus an LCD television. The difference lies in how the screens work: plasma screens use individually charged cells filled with neon or xenon gas, while LCD screens use a liquid crystal display lit from behind. Plasma screens offer a richer, deeper color and better viewing angle, but they are also heavier and use a lot more electricity. LCDs do much better at higher altitudes, but their screen time can lag sometimes during fast-paced programs like action movies and football games.
-
4
Determine the number of components--cable box, DVD player and the like--which you intend to connect to your HD television. Most TVs have multiple input jacks for multiple components, but you want to make sure you have enough for everything. In particular, look for HDMI jacks--thin, rectangular jacks labeled as such--which provide the highest quality connection for your components.
-
5
Shop around for sizes, brands and prices for the HD television which fits your needs, then make your purchase accordingly.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
Because many HD TVs use a 16:9 screen ration--as opposed to older TVs, which have a 4:3 ratio closer to a square--you may actually be getting a smaller screen size when you buy an HD television with the same listed size. Screens are listed by diagonal length, which means that most HD televisions are actually a little shorter than older cathode ray tube televisions. If you want an HD screen to match the size of a 4:3 screen, multiply the size of the 4:3 screen by 1.22, then select the HD television with that length.
