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Is it Capable or ReadyWhat this means in HDTV Terms

Shopping for a new high definition television can be confusing if you do not understand what is on the market. There are many types of HDTV available today. Long gone are the days of simply picking any television because it is the right brand or the right size. There are LCD screens, rear projections, flat screen and plasma sets. There are also HDTV-capable and HDTV-ready sets. What does all this mean and how do you go about picking what is right for you?

Consumers can purchase plasma, LCD (liquid crystal display), DLP (digital light processing) or LCOS (liquid crystal on silicon), which are all types of monitors. There are also projection displays to consider. They also come in LCD, DLP, and LCOS. Many viewers prefer the wall display monitor that either plasma or LCD offers. But, these are usually most expensive of the high definition sets, especially the ones that are sized between 40 to 70 inches. Lower on the cost spectrum, but equally good, are the LCD displays that are sized at 42 inches and under.

High definition televisions are popular because they offer a brighter, clearer picture resolution and work well with a surround sound audio system. Movie enthusiasts love HDTV because it offers the whole picture on the screen instead of cutting off part of the picture at the top or bottom.

Screen resolution from a high definition TV broadcasts is almost five times as sharp as conventional broadcasts. High definition has double the lines of resolution compared to a traditional analog TV set. While a traditional analog set can only display 525 lines of resolution, HDTV technology takes this one step further. HDTV broadcasts can display 1080 horizontal lines of resolution. This makes a huge difference in the picture clarity and quality. Often with big screen analog broadcasts, the picture is severely degraded because of the resolution lines.

One thing to consider when purchasing a new HDTV set is to think about the differences between a television marked HDTV-capable and HDTV-ready. HD-ready sets have the HDTV receiver and/or decoder built-in. This enables the TV set to get over-the-air high definition signals from local networks.

The HD-capable set requires the addition of an external receiver or decoder in order to receive digital broadcasts. HDTV-capable means that the TV set is able to receive high definition signals, but only with the use of an HDTV converter box that is available from the cable or satellite company, or a digital tuner and over-the-air antenna. A converter box can be rented cheaply each month or you can purchase one for a few hundred dollars. Many HDTV sets available on the market now have built-in digital tuners that allow you to view the free digital broadcasts from major local networks.

Additionally, converter boxes that are compatible with analog televisions can be purchased. These special converter boxes or adapters cost approximately $100. The picture will be similar to analog, but will be in digital format. The only downfall to this is that if there is a weak digital signal, there could be no picture on the screen at all. HD-capable televisions are generally less expensive than that HD-ready sets.

To receive over-the-air broadcasts, you will need an antenna for your signal and a high definition set with a built-in HDTV tuner or you will need a high definition-ready television with a separate tuner. Many of the televisions on the market today fall into this category. The OTA broadcasts are digital broadcast. Over 1500 channels around the United States are currently OTA. To receive OTA broadcasts, you will need to call your local cable or satellite provider to see what is offered in your area.

Something to keep in mind when shopping for your new HDTV set is to find out what programming is available in your area for high definition. Most all of the networks have two channels, one in analog and one in high definition. They are not the same. Unless your television is either HDTV-ready or capable, you will not be able to view the high definition broadcasts.

Also, although nearly all networks do broadcast in high definition, many times they will not show all programs in high definition. Often, the networks broadcasts certain primetime specials and major sporting events. It is important to find out what is available in your area. Many people are disappointed to find out that their favorite shows are not always offered in high definition.

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