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.
| | Selecting the Perfect Big Screen TVWritten by Simon Canfield
Selecting a TV isn’t as easy as it used to be in years gone by. Rather than going to local department store and choosing a console that would take up a large portion of living room, we now have other options. Along with those options comes chore of locating, comparing and narrowing down a multitude of models to just right one for your viewing needs.First, of course, you’ll need to consider size of room which will house unit. Since Big Screen TVs offer a much larger viewing scenario, room needs to be able to accommodate whichever model you choose. For instance, you might like idea of a 60” screen, but you might only have enough space to accommodate one that measures 42”. Don’t make mistake of purchasing one and then discovering that, as much as you thought you might be able to squeeze it into room, it just won’t work. Display type is another consideration when bringing such a system into your home. You’ll need to choose a glass tube or flat tube (the latter being more expensive). For higher viewing quality, you’d be better off with flat tube variety. Direct-views are smaller with a brighter picture and wider viewing angle than their larger rear-projection counterparts. If you prefer rear-projection variety, however, they range in size from 40 to 82 inches diagonally. Those who like idea of such a large picture – and have room to house such a unit – will be happy with 82” variety. Next, you’ll have to decide whether you prefer SDTD (Standard Definition Television), EDTV (Enhanced Definition Television) or HDTV (High Definition TV). The STD is really nothing more than usual type of television that has been in homes across America for years. The enhanced version is an upscale of that, but doesn’t quite offer quality of HDTV variety. HDTV offers high definition viewing, and is touted as being best viewing experience that there is to offer to general public.
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