Help, I Need a New HDTV! (Part 3 of 5)

Feeling overwhelmed in selecting a new TV? With all the choices these days, you may feel like, "Where do I start?!"

In part 3 of our 5 part article, we the discuss what HDTV is.

HDTV stands for High Definition TV. Clarity and detail are clear and crisp and truly unmatched. After watching HDTV on a regular basis-it's hard to go back!

Technically defined, HDTV displays vertical resolutions of 720 or 1080. This refers to the number of horizontal lines on the screen that make up the picture. Don't get caught up in the number of lines, it doesn't necessarily make for a better picture. While this may hold true for Plasmas, LCD and DLP TV's are evaluated differently. For example, 1080, is better on DLP and LCD for displaying slower moving video such as TV shows, news casters and other still images like photos from your recent vacation. While, 720 is better for fast motion pictures like action films, football games and similar fast moving programming.

Lastly you will notice next to the 720 or 1080 designations you will find a letter "I" or "p". This refers to the compatibility of video signals. Progressive scan ("P") is the newer method of creating a TV picture. The TV creates the picture from top to bottom in one pass and produces a better picture on newer technology TVs. Interlaced ("I") is most common method of creating a TV picture. The TV creates the picture in two top to bottom passes, first all the odd lines, and than the even lines. Developed for CRT TVs to produce a better picture. Most of your older videotapes, DVD's and laser disc will be in the interlaced format. You will likely want to consider a TV that accepts both formats.

* Next in Part 4 of this article: Ok, now the true question... do I need HDTV?

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Brett Griffin lives and works in Philadelphia, PA. Brett has 12 years of experience in the technology industry and strives to seamlessly blend high performance technologies into one easy to use system. As co-founder of Architechtronics, Brett uses his creativity and experience to help builders, dealers, and homeowners meet their technology desires in their Home.