How to Buy an HDTV

HDTV, or high-definition television, uses digital signals broadcast by television networks and stations. If the digital signal is received by the proper product, the result is a picture that rivals a 35mm movie, with CD sound quality.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• HDTV
• TV Antenna

1. Determine if the HDTV signal is being broadcast in your area.

2. Consider the cost. Initially these products may cost as much as $6,000.

3. Decide if you want to buy a product that has a digital decoder. This decision will depend on whether you want to purchase accessories. If you buy a decoder, you can connect it to your present television, but it will not get HDTV-quality pictures. Or you can buy the whole shebang and still receive the standard television signals being broadcast by stations in your area.

4. Purchase a set that has full Dolby Digital Surround Sound, an electronic program guide, and automatic switching that will allow you to go back and forth between HDTV and SDTV.

5. Select a rooftop antenna that is compatible with HDTV. If you own a satellite system, you will have to buy another one that's designed for use with HDTV.

6. Ask the salesperson to demonstrate a few sets for you. Then you take the remote and work the sets.

[empire29]

on 8/7/2008 When buying a HDTV make sure to checkout Deal sites like: MyHDTVDeals.com, TechBargins.net or SlickDeals.net to make sure you get the best price!

on 2/21/2006 The manner in which stores connect the video source to the TVs varies a lot. I have seen stores where the HDTVs has snowy pictures because of the store's setup.

When comparing one TV's display to another in the store make sure you peek around back to see what kind of cable is going into the TV. If the cable isn't at least component cables, the picture can't look it's best. Also, if you notice different connection types on some TVs than others, there is a good chance the best connections are going to the sets the store wants to sell the quickest.

It helps to find a store that takes pride in properly displaying the HD picture so a better in store comparison can be done.

on 1/6/2006 A HDTV might be bought without receiving capacity, so it is named HDTV-Ready.
If you buy a HDTV-Ready monitor you have to buy the receiver too.
You will have more flexibility to change the receiver but you will have another piece of equipment.