How to Navigate the World of High Definition
Nov. 5, 2005 — -- More and more TV shows, movies and sporting events are being broadcast in High Definition -- including "Good Morning America." If you want to join the millions who are already experiencing a superior picture, you'll need a High Definition TV. But even if you're ready to retire your old TV -- or move it into the back bedroom where no one will ever see it -- you're bound to have lots of questions before you make an investment in a new drool-worthy HDTV.
You might be wondering about hardware, cost and how to actually receive High Definition programming on your set. "GMA" technology contributor Becky Worley offers this primer to understanding the complicated world of HD.
What Is HDTV?
High Definition TV is a richer transmission of television signals that makes for a more vivid viewing experience. HDTV is to standard TV what FM radio is to AM radio. HDTV is crisp, clear and noise-free, with resolution that is at least twice that of analog television and CD-quality sound.
How Do I Get HDTV?
HDTV signals are broadcast via antennas in urban areas, and via satellite TV or cable TV.
To receive an over-the-air HDTV signal, you must live within a certain radius of an HDTV broadcast antenna and have the proper HDTV tuner/antenna installed in your home.
To receive a cable or satellite HDTV signal, you must have a proprietary HDTV set-top box supplied by your provider.
Not all programming is available in HDTV yet, but many network shows and sporting events are currently in HD, and many more are converting over.
When you watch a DVD on your HDTV, it is not technically HDTV-quality, but it will look crisper on your HDTV than on a regular TV.
HDTV, HD-Ready TV, and EDTV
There are three major terms that will describe the high-end TV sets that are on sale today:
HDTV are TV sets that can receive and process over-the-air HD signals. You may need an antenna to receive the HD signal, but an HD tuner is built into the set and can process the signal without any other equipment. If you want to receive an HD signal from your cable or satellite provider, you will need one of the provider's proprietary set-top-boxes.
HD-Ready TV are TV sets that need an additional piece of hardware to actually receive the HD signal, such as a stand-alone HD tuner (from $250 and up) or the set-top HDTV box provided by your cable or satellite TV company.
EDTV stands for Enhanced Digital Television. The visual quality of an EDTV is better than a standard analog TV, but is not as crisp or bright as a true HDTV.
Different Types of HD Televisions
Cathode Ray Tube
What it is: CRTs have the same form factor as traditional TVs, but with more resolution and clarity to the images. Most HDTV CRT's have flat glass screens instead of curved screens.
Cost: $750 to $2,000
Pros: Very crisp image quality with deep blacks.
Cons: They are limited in their screen size -- they only go up to 36 inches -- and not all are capable of letterbox (cinema 16:9) display. They can be incredibly heavy and boxy, weighing up to 200 pounds.
Model displayed in "GMA" segment: Sony KD-34XBE960 ($1,900)
Rear Projection
What it is: Rear projection TVs are thought of as the "best bang for your buck" in the HDTV world -- you get a lot of screen size for a more reasonable price. But there are some serious caveats to consider before you buy a rear projection TV.
Cost: $1,000 to $4,000
Pros: An advantage in screen size, and the image looks great in a dark room.
Cons: Some people are bothered by a visual artifact that occurs in some rear projection TVs called the "rainbow effect": when you move your head or scan your eyes across the screen, a band of color or light appears on the screen. Also, rear projection TVs are much bulkier and have less contrast and clarity than their more expensive cousins, the plasma and LCD TVs. Plus, they need periodic maintenance, such as $200 bulb replacements.
Model displayed in "GMA" segment: Toshiba 62hm195 ($3,700)
LCD/ Flatscreen
What it is: LCD screens are the latest entry to the HDTV family, with new technology allowing manufacturers to make them big enough for a home theater. Plus, LCDs have a long lifespan.
Cost: $2,000 to $8,000
Pros: They are incredibly bright and fantastic in any room regardless of the lighting conditions. They don't take up a lot of room because of their flat form. They don't suffer from some of the "burn in" (burning a ghost image into the screen) or fading issues that have plagued plasma TVs.
Cons: Some screens have a limited viewing angle, meaning unless you are sitting directly in front of the screen, the images or brightness may be diminished. They are expensive and are not as crisp as plasma TVs.
Model displayed in "GMA" segment: LG 42LP1D ($4799)
Plasma
What it is: They are still the champions of the home theatre contest. They are flat, so you can hang them on a wall or mantle. They have the best image clarity in high definition, and they are getting bigger and cheaper all the time (although they are still a serious investment).
Cost: $3,000 to $10,000
Pros: They offer the best image crispness, a wide viewing angle, and are less than 3 inches thick.
Cons: They can suffer from "burn in," although as the technology is improving this is becoming less of an issue.
Model displayed in "GMA" segment: Pioneer 50 inch PRO-1130HD ($10,000)