HDTV: Buying guide, part I

There has never been a better time than now to buy a high definition television (HDTV). If the primary source of local television programming broadcasts by air, cable or digital satellite TV, you will find the possibility that there is now a large number of programs available HD. If you have a standard definition television also enjoy all your DVDs in widescreen format that much more on an HDTV. And with Toshiba next month now shipping its first generation of HD-DVD and Blu-Ray from North American players, there are more reasons why it makes sense to take the leap and buy an HDTV.

Now that you're convinced that you need to go out and buy a new HDTV the question is what kind of unit to buy. First, you must decide what size HDTV makes sense for you. Because HDTV of have a wider aspect ratio (16: 9) compared with a standard TV (4: 3) will want to choose a larger diagonal screen size for your new HDTV you can expect. CNET has a great guide that you can check to find out the right size to fit your needs.

Now that you have decided what size HDTV for the next question is what kind of technology you should look at. Old analog CRT TVs were based on the same basic technology, but now has a potentially confusing array of options: LCD, plasma, LCoS, DLP, D-ILA. LCD and plasma flat panel can be mounted on walls both technologies. If you are looking for an HDTV less than 42 inches, then LCD is probably the best choice. Plasma is a better choice for HDTV over 42 inches, as current LCD units get very expensive in larger size formats.

Request only the 50-inch DLP HDTV from Samsung HLS-5087W than rear projection is new. Many believe that technology offers today the best price/performance in the 50-inch more HDTV category. Sony has made a large investment in LCoS technology that makes as SRXD, while JVC marks its D-ILA LCoS line. LCoS (liquid crystal on silicon) is very similar to DLP (digital light projection) technology, however, many believe that camp DLP has made faster progress in the reduction of manufacturing costs to offer consumers better price/performance. Although HDTV DLP rear projection units for LCD and plasma flat panel appeal, they are much lighter and have much less depth than the past CRT TVs.

Choose the correct size and technology for its new HDTV, and is now trying to understand what is 720 p versus 1080i vs. 1080p. Let me help you to here: don't worry getting a 720 p today. I would recommend at least a 1080i, better still a 1080p. My new Samsung is both 1080p input and output. In order to understand what all these strange numbers mean, well, you need to wait until my next article.