All of these technologies have great picture quality. Don’t stress. Go to a store, and decide which one you like the best.
Most stores don’t calibrate their HDTVs so keep that in mind when comparing technologies.
It is a good idea to bring your own source (such as a DVD player) into a store to compare and contrast different technologies.
Brands play an important part in the quality of HDTVs. A no-name manufacture will use cheaper parts that will make the TV more prone to break downs. As the saying goes, "You get what you paid for. "
The upside and downside list of each TV technology is based on a consensus of video experts and HDTV owners. Every TV is unique and might not display the upsides or downsides in the specific list.
Use DVE or AVIA DVD discs to calibrate your HDTV
You can use a HTPC to replace all the firewire, compact flash, memory stick, and over-the-air antenna inputs. Some higher ended TVs have the same picture quality as their lower ended model with just more inputs. This $500 extra cost for inputs can be put into a HTPC that will give you all the extra inputs and much more.
Stay away from EDTV (Enhanced Definition TV) sets. EDTV has lower resolution than HDTV, usually at 853 x 480 pixels instead of HDTV’s 1920 x 1080 (1080i) or 1280 x 720 (720p) pixels.
Use proper viewing distances when watching your HDTV. Sitting too close will result in more noticeable noise in the video (especially standard definition broadcasts). The general rule is to sit 2 to 2.5 times the diagonal viewing length of the HDTV.
The HD channels provided by cable/satellite broadcasters are located on different channels then their regular SD counterparts. For example, NBC’s HD broadcast can be located on channel 508 while the regular SD broadcast is located on channel 8.
Check your local cable/satellite provider for how many HD channels they provide. You need HD content to get the full affect of a HDTV.
HTN Entries
HTN Entries (RSS)