EDTV: What You Should Know Before You Make That PurchaseWritten by Simon Canfield
Enhanced Definition Television – also known as EDTV – is one of many modern viewing technologies of our time. Often confused with HDTV capability, this is actually a compromise between standard TV and HDTV. In fact, visual benefits are at least twice that of standard television, since EDTV technology offers a minimum resolution of 480p when used on a monitor. As a result, you’ll find that this type of system is more expensive than standard television, yet cheaper than HDTV technology.While there’s been a hew and a cry to purchase more expensive – and higher quality – HDTV, there are actually some advantages to “second best” EDTV version. First, there can be as much as a $1200 price difference between two, and – in some scenarios – viewing quality of EDTV is superior to that of its pricier counterpart. For instance, there’s only a 10% difference in quality when you’re viewing two plasma TVs that have been produced by same manufacturer, but EDTV soars above HDTV when incoming picture has a lower resolution than monitor’s regular resolution. This is because EDTV technology allows it to align better with incoming signal. If you have an extensive DVD collection, or simply prefer watching movies via DVD, then EDTV will offer a better video experience. Why? Simply because DVD, which offers a 480p picture matches perfectly with that of EDTV – which is also 480p. That, in addition to fact that most content isn’t high definition, but happens to have a pixel count that matches beautifully with “lower quality” EDTV system, makes this a better buy. Higher contrast ratios are also better in EDTV arena, which makes viewing of darker scenes more superior. In fact, even high definition quality transmissions only suffer a 10% difference in quality between EDTV and HDTV – yet, price of former is significantly less.
| | Entertainment Technology: What to Consider Before Buying HDTVWritten by Simon Canfield
HDTV – or, High Definition Television – is new generation of TV, and is capable of displaying analog signals as well as those that are digital in nature. While this offers a viewing experience that’s unmatched, it also requires external hardware in order to receive HDTV signals in addition to monitor. In other words, plan on spending a lot of money. If money isn’t issue, then HDTV is for you. Before you run out and make a purchase, however, there are some things that you’ll need to consider.Even if your TV is “HDTV-ready,” that doesn’t necessarily mean that it will be capable of displaying HDTV signal. It has to be compatible, and you’ll need to make sure that it is before you make a purchasing commitment. It will need to be able to display actual HDTV signal, or it isn’t really HDTV at all. Another consideration is whether or not HDTV receiver is compatible with monitor that you’ll be using. Finally, if you’re using cable, whole configuration will need to be compatible with your cable box. You may need to call your local cable company if you’re unsure of whether or not it meets compatibility requirements. While monitors are available in a wide range of sizes, wide screen is most adaptable to HDTV displays. If you’re planning on doing most of your viewing using HDTV, then you’re going to have to make sure that screen can accommodate your wide screen needs. Audio needs tend to be rather specific, as well. In fact, in order to enjoy true HDTV surround sound, it’s recommended that you use Dolby H-3 Surround Sound Audio.
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