How to Buy a High Definition Television

If your still watching an analog TV, time is running out for you! Less than 2 short years from now analog programming will cease to exist. In February of 2009 like it or not, analog TV will be gone forever. You'll need a digital TV, or at the very least a set-top box to continue using that old analog television. Meanwhile the prices on high definition televisions have come down to earth. There is also a lot more HDTV programming available in most markets, with a ton more soon to come. If you haven't taken the plunge for an HDTV set yet, now would be a good time to look into it. I'll tell you this, once you watch one for any length of time you won't want to watch anything else! For me it's almost unbearable to watch regular cable at all.

When it comes to picking out your new HDTV, you'll need to know some things. Don't just run out and buy the first one you see that looks good. Before you go there are some in's and out's you will need to know.

Make Sure it's a True HDTV Set.... Pay attention to the lines of resolution. It must have a minimum of 1280 X 720 pixels to be true HDTV. There are a lot of less expensive units on the market called EDTV's (enhanced definition). They do not have the same resolution! Only buy a set that is true HDTV.

HDMI Connection Port.... Your new HDTV should have at least 1 HDMI connection (2 is better). Make sure the HDMI port supports 1080p (the latest format), and HDCP which will allow you to connect a Blue-Ray or HD DVD player, as well as view and receive copy protected broadcasts.

Thin is In.... Prices on LCD and Plasma sets has come down quite a bit in the last couple years. What cost $4000 a few years ago can be had for less than half that now. You won't need to buy a bulky rear projection set to keep the bottom line reasonable. The Plasma and LCD units have a nice wide viewing angle, and can be easily mounted on a wall.

Take it for a Test Drive.... Bring a DVD movie you like with you. Make it one with a lot of fast moving action scenes. Your new HDTV must have a fast response time. Watch that DVD, pay attention during the fast moving scenes, be sure the set has a fast refresh rate and can keep up with the action. With slower response rates the picture can break up or have blocky pixels. Have the salesperson hook up standard cable to the set. The picture quality will not be as good when viewing a non-hdtv signal. Be sure you can live with it. More and more HDTV programming is becoming available, so you won't have to watch non-hdtv channels forever.

720p and 1080i.... HDTV's generally broadcast in 420p, 720p, and 1080i. The latest models offer 1080p. These sets will cost a bit more. At the present time there aren't many channels broadcasting in 1080p. If you buy a set with this capability, you got the latest technology. As long as the model you buy is 720p and 1080i capable, you'll be in good shape.

HDTV Ready vs. HDTV Built-In.... If you want to pick up free over the air local channels using an HDTV antenna, you will want a model with a built-in HDTV tuner. These models will be more expensive. If you are a cable subscriber or use satellite, an HDTV-Ready set will do just fine. Your cable/satellite provider will give you an HDTV set-top box. In most major markets all the local network stations are available in high definition.

Inputs.... Most units come with component video inputs (red, green, and blue). Make sure the set you buy has a minimum of 2 sets of inputs. 3 would be even better. The last thing you want to do is have to swap out components every time you want to use them. Pay attention to how many devices you plan to hook up to the tv. Devices such as a DVD player, X-Box, cable box etc.. As stated above, you need at least 1 HDMI connection with HDCP support. This way you can grow into your new HDTV and use it for years to come.

Cables, Connections.... Be sure to use the highest resolution cables and connections. DVI / HDMI are the best. HDMI will carry the video and audio. If you use the DVI for the video connection, you will want to be sure your TV has an optical connection for the audio. The next best connection is component.. Stay away from using the S-Video and Composite connections. These are old and outdated. I don't understand why they even bother having these available anymore!

Surround Sound.... Hook up your DVD System and or speakers via a digital connection. Use either the HDMI, optical or digital coaxial connections. Your HDTV will put out sound like you had to go to the movies to hear before.

I can tell you from personal experience, once you watch your favorite programs in HDTV, you will be hooked. It makes everything else look mediocre at best. Do your homework before plopping down your hard earned cash. You'll be glad you did! Make sure you get all the features you'll need, and you can sit back and enjoy your TV for years to come.