HIGH-DEFINITION TV
See TV As It Was Meant To Be
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What Kind of TV Should I Buy?
Here are the standard types of TV you will run into as you decide what's best for you. We also include price ranges and sizes.
- Direct-view CRT
Typical sizes are 36, 30 and 34 inches, and prices run from about $500 to $1,200. This is the standard type TV we're accustomed to. More models of this type of TV are being made with high-definition technology. They are currently cheaper than the other types, but since prices are falling quickly on the other types (flat screen, plasma, etc.), you may want to check those out before settling for this style. - Flat-panel LCD
These are the most popular HDTV's, since you have the technology along with reasonable prices. Size ranges are 17-56 inches, and prices start around $400 for the smaller sizes. Consider this style if you're just looking to replace your current model with something of a similar size. - Flat-panel plasma
Sizes for this style range from 37 to 65 inches. Prices range from $1,600 to $10,000. A 50-inch plasma TV will run about $2,000. Prices have really fallen for this type of TV, and picture quality has risen as well. - Rear-projection
Sizes range from 42 to 73 inches; price ranges are about $1,000 to $7,500, with a 61 inch model selling for around $2,200. This model is recommended if you want a screen larger than 50 inches.
Will I Need Anything Else to Watch HDTV?
As mentioned previously, many people think that all they need to watch HDTV is the TV set, but that's not the case. If you just bring your new HDTV home and plug it into a standard cable box, the picture you see won't be true HDTV. There are three other necessary items for true HDTV. HDTV Source. If you're a cable or satellite user, you'll need a special high definition cable box or satellite receiver to enjoy your TV shows in HD format. They're usually a little pricier than standard cable or satellite receivers, but if you're already committed to buying the HDTV itself, what's a few dollars more for the right equipment! If you are not a cable or satellite user, but pick your shows up through an antenna, your antenna may work just hooked up to your new HDTV for HD broadcasts from the major networks.
HDTV Channel
Currently, not all channels will carry HDTV programming. In fact, those which do, will carry both the standard broadcasts as well as HDTV broadcasts. For example, ESPN (standard) and ESPNHD, and Discovery and DiscoveryHD are just two instances of HD channels.
HDTV Show
Earlier we mentioned that the major networks will broadcast "some" shows in HD. Even if you're not watching on a HD challel, you may find some shows on the major networks at are broadcast in HD format.
A Few More Comments
After watching HDTV for a little while, you'll notice that standard broadcasts look pretty lousy in comparison. Take heart, more and more shows will be available in HD format, and there will be more channels in HD, too. You'll notice quite a difference between HD broadcasts and standard, as well. You'll also notice that your DVD's look great on HDTV. And most HDTV's are wide-screen. You will probably notice black bands above and below the picture on your screen when watching some TV shows and DVD's on a standard TV. But watching the same shows or DVD's on an HDTV will usually result in those bands disappearing, and the picture taking up the whole screen. You'll also notice that watching regular TV on HDTV will result in some sort of problem with the picture fitting the screen properly. And you'll want to be sure your HDTV is properly adjusted, to get the most out of your HDTV viewing. You'll find tips on adjusting for the type of picture in the paperwork that comes with your new HDTV.Enjoy the Show!
Entertainment through media, like a radio station or a TV has increased and so has the exposure to music. Everyone likes music to be heard, either it is present in a video game or a artist is singing on a TV, Some game do have soundtracks which are composed by the artists of this new generation. |