Understanding HDTV Language

Trying to understand the digital language for Home Entertainment products can become quite confusing. When looking for an HDTV you can become quite confuse on terminology such as: 1080p, 1080i, progressive scan, interlace, ATSC turner, HDMI, 120Hz, 240Hz, etc. Unless you understand all these terms and why they are important when shopping for a HDTV, I suggest your continue reading.

-Progressive and Interlace Scanning (1080p vs. 1080i): In a1080p HDTV, all the lines of resolution are shown 'progressively,' or displayed in sequential order, in a single pass (1, 2, 3, etc.). This method has not been adopted yet for broadcast TV but provides a richer picture. In a 1080i HDTV, lines alternating between even and odd to make up the image (1, 3, 5, etc.). This is the method used by broadcast TV today.

Conclusion: a 1080p HDTV is more expensive but displays a smoother, richer picture. This is ideal for Blu-ray players, HD video games and camcorders. Unless your budget prevents you from purchasing a 1080p HDTV, this would be the way to go.

-60Hz, 120Hz and 240Hz: The higher the Hz values the less motion blur you will see in fast action movies. These values represent how many frames per second an image is displayed. This terminology is used for LCD TV's only because plasma TV's handle motion well.

Conclusion: If you are shopping for an LCD TV you may want to consider at least a 120Hz scan TV. If you are purchasing a plasma TV, which will be cheaper, there is no need to be concerned about this.

-LED Backlight: used exclusively for LCD TV's only, improves the contrast ratio which is the difference between the brightest whites and the blackest blacks displayed by the TV. LED backlit TVs cost more than regular LCD TVs but if you are a movie buff you will enjoy this feature. Black on a LCD TV without LED backlighting will look more grayish, as when there's light behind the pixel.

Conclusion: LED backlight will cost you more money but may be well worth it for movies lovers.

-ATSC Tuner: If you don't subscribe to Cable or satellite TV service, then make sure your HDTV has an ATSC tuner. This will allow you to receive free over-the-air HDTV programming.

Conclusion: ATSC tuner is standard part of an HDTV and there should not be any additional cost associated with it. Over-the-air broadcast also can serve as a backup if you were ever to loose your cable or satellite signal.

-Widgets: Recent HDTV's are now being equipped with an Ethernet jack for plugging your HDTV into our router or modem for internet connection. This gives TV viewers the option to use their remote control to select 'widgets' which are graphical icons on the screen that plays relevant content ranging from YouTube videos and Flickr photo galleries and getting local weather, news, and sports updates; usually delivered by Really Simple Syndication (RSS).

Conclusion: Internet connection will become a standard part of HDTV's as additional internet services partner up with TV manufactures to enrich your Home Entertainment experience. Services, such as Hulu, YouTube, and many more will enable you to watch free movies and weekly TV series.

-HDMI Ports: Make sure, when shopping for a HDTV, you have at least 3 or 4 HDMI ports. This will allow you to connect your HD cable or satellite service for HD programming, Blu-ray player, video game system, camcorders, etc.

Conclusion: without sufficient HDMI ports you will not be able to take advantage of all your HD 'Home Entertainment' components.