| If you're in the market to buy an HD TV, then I'm sure | | | | Right now, TV's come in three resolutions, 480, 720, |
| you've found out there's a lot more to know about | | | | and 1080. Now, there's a little more to clarity than just |
| buying TV's now than there used to be. Ten years | | | | the resolution, like how the TV actually creates the |
| ago, all you would do was to walk in the store, take a | | | | picture, but you need to at least understand these |
| look at the screens, then buy the one that looked best | | | | three numbers and what they mean. |
| to you. You didn't have to worry about compatibility | | | | The numbers refer to the number of lines the HD TV |
| with various video game systems, Blu-Ray, even | | | | scans across the screen in one pass. The higher the |
| computers. | | | | number, the greater the resolution. Only 720 and 1080 |
| Well, things have changed. Now, you need to get a little | | | | are considered "high-definition". 480 will look good on a |
| education before you buy an HD TV. Let's look at | | | | smaller set, but you won't get that Hi-Def effect! |
| what you need to know. | | | | LCD vs. Plasma |
| Basically, you need to understand who makes the | | | | Again, between these two, there's no real winner. LCD |
| TV's and who are the best companies to buy from. | | | | TV's are lighter, and thus easier to mount on the wall. |
| You need to understand resolution, especially what is | | | | Their screens also reflect less light than plasma |
| defined as high-definition. Understanding the difference | | | | screens. Also, they use less power. |
| between plasma and LCD technology is important. | | | | On the other hand, some people think plasma pictures |
| Finally, really getting a handle on what you're going to | | | | have deeper colors--they look more cinematographic! |
| use the TV for will help you choose the right one. | | | | Part of the problem with plasma TV's is that they are |
| Let's go over each of these in turn. | | | | heavy. They're harder to mount on the wall. Larger |
| Manufacturers | | | | TV's will require extra bracing, if you want to mount |
| There are several big manufacturers of HD TV's, but | | | | them. Also, you can have burn-in on the screen more |
| the main four currently are Sony, Samsung, Toshiba, | | | | easily. |
| and Panasonic. I would love to be able to tell you that | | | | Uses |
| one is a lot better than the other three, but that's not | | | | Finally, when you're deciding which HD TV to buy, you |
| the case. Samsung seems to have more choice, but | | | | need to really think about what you want it for. Are |
| the other three manufacturers have plenty to choose | | | | you using it just to look at cable and DVD's, or do you |
| from, too! | | | | want to play video games on it? |
| Resolution | | | | |