Dos and Don'ts: Buying an HDTV
When you're ready to buy an HDTV, the slew of TV specifications and statistics can be intimidating and may make your purchase more confusing than it should be. Although modern TVs are highly sophisticated and have detailed specifications, many of these aren't crucial to your purchase. A few select ones are important, and once you understand what you do and don't need, you can usually locate the TV you want without much hassle.
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HD Information
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If you're viewing HD content, then it has at least 720 pixels vertically on the screen. A "pixel" is the smallest dot drawn on a display. A 720-resolution TV frequently has 1280 pixels horizontally, making its specific resolution 1280-by-720. Many modern TVs have an even higher pixel count, as many as 1080 pixels vertically, usually resulting in a 1920-by-1080 resolution. The important point is that 1080 is best, but 720 is still good and still HD. When you see letters with resolutions, like 1080p and 720i, that refers to how the TV draws images on the screen, using a "progressive" or "interlaced" method. Progressive is superior, and nearly all modern TVs use it, but you may occasionally find one with an interlaced maximum resolution, like 1080i. If you're considering a TV like that, you may want to look at a store display model first to see if you like it.
HDTV Options
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You have three main options for HDTVs today: LCD, LED LCD and plasma. Based on your needs and preferences, you may want one type most, or you may decide the difference isn't important. LCDs tend to work best in rooms with plenty of light, and they weigh less and use less power than plasma TVs. LED LCDs are similar to standard LCDs, usually providing the same quality image. They're thinner and normally weigh even less, and they draw less power, but often they're more expensive. Plasma TVs can provide great colors and black levels, and they're best viewed in dimly lit rooms, but they're larger and the most energy-demanding of the three. All three of these can have 3-D capabilities, a fairly new TV feature that makes images appear to be truly three-dimensional. Usually this feature requires specialized glasses.
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HD Devices
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If you want an HDTV, you need a full HD setup. If you purchase a fantastic 1080p television and then connect it to an old DVD player, you're not going to see true HD content; your TV will just increase the image size so it fits on the whole screen, called "upscaling." The image won't look crisp or sharp, somewhat similar to the distortion you see when a photograph is blown up too large. Without HD devices, you won't get the best from an HDTV, and you may later feel that it wasn't worth the expense. You get HD content from Blu-Ray players, HD cable, HD satellite, computers, and PS3 and Xbox 360 gaming consoles. Ideally you shouldn't use standard-definition devices with an HDTV.
HD Cords
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Even with HD devices, you must use the proper cords to actually view HD content. An older cord, like S-video or RCA (composite), simply cannot transmit HD. The best cord is HDMI, which can provide 1080p content, surround sound and Internet access all at once. But don't overpay: many retailers charge inordinate rates for them, some as high as $100. You shouldn't spend more than $5 or $10 when buying from a reputable retailer. The only other cord supporting HD is component (not to be confused with "composite"). You'll have to look at the documentation for your devices to see what connection options they have. After that, you need to buy an HDTV with enough connections for all your devices. A TV's connections are always listed on the box or in its online description.
Display Models
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Even after you've figured out which type of TV you want and the connections you need, you should visit an electronics store and view their display models. This will help you decide what features are most important to you, like screen size, the type of TV and 720p versus 1080p. Reading online reviews is great, but nothing compares to watching a TV and seeing if you really like it or not. This would also give you a chance to experience the sometimes polarizing 3-D TVs. You'll pay extra for a TV with 3-D, but some people love it and some people hate it, so you should check it out for yourself and decide what you think.
Specific HDTVs
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These are a few HD options you may want to consider. They're all 1080p, and they move from generally lower to higher prices. One LCD that works well is the Samsung LN32D550, which has a 32-inch screen, four HDMI ports and two USB ports. Another good LED LCD is Sony's KDL-46NX720, a 46-inch TV with four HDMI ports, 3-D capability and Wi-Fi connectivity. The LG 47LW5600 is an LED LCD with a 47-inch screen, 3-D support and numerous connections. And one of the best options available is the TC-P55VT30, a 55-inch plasma TV from Panasonic with four HDMI ports, Wi-Fi, built-in apps and 3-D support.
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