Television viewing has certainly changed over the years. From



black and white to color in the early days, to the ever

increasing size of screens more recently, the home viewing

experience is improving. The more recent quest has been focused

on increasing picture quality with better color accuracy and

clarity. As a consumer, it can be difficult to keep up with all

of the terminology and the features of the various types of

televisions. For those who have not dedicated time to keep up

with this changing world of television, a very brief overview is

in order to help in the search for a great picture.

The first step in getting the best possible picture is to

receive the best possible signal, which at this time is digital.

Satellite TV and digital cable offer the majority of digital

television out there at this time. However, changes in broadcasting

are forthcoming as all major networks should discontinue

broadcasting analog signals and convert completely to digital

by February 2009. Digital signals offer many advantages but the

most obvious result will be a higher quality picture (and sound).

With this change, owning an HDTV set would be of benefit although

owners of analog sets will probably be able to purchase

inexpensive converter boxes to be able to view the digital

signals. Of course, if users want the full picture such as

what they see in movie theaters, they will need a "wide screen"

with 16:9 aspect ratio versus the 4:3 aspect ratio seen in most

traditional sets.

Secondly, a few words about HDTV are in order. HDTV is one form

of digital television. It transmits six times more information

than you get through analog TV. This gives the viewer stunning

pictures with far greater detail, clarity, and color accuracy.

An HDTV is capable of displaying resolution of 480i, 480p, 720i,

480p, 720i, 720p, 1080i, 1080p. The "i" means that the signal is

displayed on the screen "interlaced" and the "p" means that it is

displayed by progressive scan. Progressive scan generally produces

a higher quality picture. The highest quality signal a conventional

TV offers is 480i, but this is the lowest quality signal for an

HDTV. Potential buyers seeking the best possible picture should

accept no less that 720p.

Numerous technologies such as plasma, LCD, and DLP provide

displays with outstanding color accuracy, contrast, depth,

and clarity. All have a good life span, dependability, and

work well in most environments. The choice is primarily

based on personal preferences although plasma screens are not

recommended for locations at altitudes over 6,500 feet. Plasma

tends to offer the largest of screens and is somewhat less

expensive than LCD screens of the same size. LCD screens on

the other hand emit less heat and use less energy.

Obviously there are many options for getting an outstanding

picture to enhance the viewing experience. As there are a

number of great technologies, the type of display is less

important than getting a digital signal and a set that can

both receive the full high definition image and display it

with the best possible resolution.

Article written by Christine Peppler.