HDTV Buying Tips – Buyer Beware!

So are you looking for a new HDTV?

Before we get started, let’s talk about what an HDTV is.

Essentially, an HDTV is the latest in TV technology that offers much greater picture clarity than older TVs. To take advantage of the higher resolutions, you’ll need to receive an HD signal (or at least a digital signal…which is pretty much a basic service these days).

When you go out to evaluate a new TV, make sure you really understand the different resolutions and whether or not you really need it. For some, getting the best picture quality is a must, while for others just being able to watch normal TV is enough… Also, when you go to your local retailer, make sure they accurately demonstrate true HD quality by having them tune into an HD signal to your televisions. Because the only way to really assess the difference (and appreciate HD) between TVs is to see all the models side by side using the same “feed”.

Hopefully this isn’t too confusing…

Ok, we have already talked about the resolution, but what does it mean?

Well, HDTVs these days come in a variety of flavors from 720 to 1080 (there are lower resolutions but you really shouldn’t consider anything less than 720 and really not less than 1080 if you want a great picture quality). Each of these resolutions comes in a variety of “i” and “p” (in other words, you have 1080i and 1080p, and the same goes for 720 resolutions).

If you’re just watching regular HD TV (broadcasts), 1080i is the highest resolution you can get. However, 1080p is the highest resolution you can get on a TV today. Since regular broadcast television only takes advantage of 1080i, there’s really no need to invest in 1080p; Unless you plan on buying a Blu Ray Disc player (which takes advantage of the latest technology), plan on playing some of the latest video games on PlayStation/xbox, and want to take advantage of the highest resolution available, or just have some cash to blow and want to show off to your friends.

While there are other areas that can make a difference in terms of image quality, such as: contrast ratio, display (bright or glare-free), brightness, and other control features; resolution is key to picture quality, as the difference between a normal non-HDTV and a 1080 resolution TV is a factor of six. In other words, a 1080p HDTV has 6 times better picture clarity than a regular TV.

This is not an exhaustive list of things you should know before investing your hard-earned money in a new HDTV. Be sure to educate yourself and evaluate the various brands. There are the best brands like Sony and Samsung and also second and third level brands. And while the specs look similar, there can be a big disparity between each TV. So buyer beware!