WHAT ARE MY CHOICES WHEN IT COMES TO HDTVS?
Answer: Many of us grew up watching TVs with picture tubes inside, but the major TV manufactures have almost entirely eliminated tube HDTVs. The current generation of HDTVs is based on various digital display technologies. These TVs cost more than plain old tube TVs did, but they can do a lot more, and they come in much larger screen sizes — and they continue to get better and cheaper.
When you're shopping, you'll find three basic HDTV categories:
Flat-panel LCD and plasma TVs are extremely popular due to their thin designs and crisp, vivid picture quality. For tips on which type would work best for you, see our LCD vs. Plasma article.
Digital projectors have grown more popular recently, in part because HDTV's remarkable picture clarity and detail make it possible to enjoy larger images than ever before — up to 10 feet across or even bigger.
HOW DO I CHOOSE MY SCREEN SIZE?
Answer: The size of your HDTV should be chosen based on how far you plan to sit from your set, and what kind of programming you plan to watch on it. As a common rule of thumb, we suggest sitting at a distance that is 1.5-2.5 times your TV's screen size. If you're going to watch lots of high-quality video like DVDs and high-def programming you can sit in the closer end of that range to see all the detail your HDTV can provide. If you'll still be watching lots of lower-quality sources, like analog cable, we suggest sitting at the upper end of that range so that flaws in the image will be less noticeable.
DO I NEED A 1080P HDTV?
Answer: New HDTVs offer higher resolutions like 1080p. A lot of people are surprised to discover that there aren't actually very many 1080p video sources out there yet. For instance, if you watch high-def programming via over-the-air broadcasts, cable, or satellite, you'll be viewing a 720p or 1080i signal. The only time you get full 1080p is from a Blu-ray player, or video game console like the Sony PS3.
So you might be wondering, "If 1080p content is limited, why by 1080p TV?" Well, besides delivering unsurpassed picture detail and progressive-scan smoothness, 1080p actually provides higher resolution than any broadcast HDTV format, so it can display signal without down converting and sacrificing picture detail.
WHAT DOES HD TRANSITION MEAN?
Answer: February 17, 2009: A government mandate requires that all full-power TV stations stop broadcasting analog signals and switch to 100% digital broadcasting by February 17, 2009. This digital transition will primarily affect the 15-20 million TV viewers who rely on local over-the-air broadcasts received via antenna. The 85% of viewers who subscribe to cable or satellite TV shouldn't experience any interruption in those services. If necessary, your service provider will supply a digital set-top box that will work with your TV.
HOW DOES LIGHTING AFFECT MY PICTURE QUALITY?
Answer: Light from lamps and windows can affect your TV's picture. Properly done, it can have a positive effect, helping to avoid eye strain and providing deeper-looking blacks. But in a lot of cases, it can have a negative impact; creating on-screen glare and making your TV's colors look faded and washed out. If your viewing room has a lot of ambient light from lamps and windows, there are some easy steps you can take to prevent it from negatively affecting your TV's picture