HDTV

HDTV
A consumer’s guide to buying, using and understanding digital television.

By STEPHANIE DeMELLO of the Tribune’s staff

Published Sunday, March 23, 2008

A few years ago, high-definition televisions were a luxury few consumers could afford, but thanks to price cuts and the increase in HD programming, HDTVs are a more reasonable and accessible purchase for a broad spectrum of customers.

WHAT’S A REAR-PROJECTION V?

Rear-projection TVs offer good picture quality and HD compatibility at a lower price than plasmas and LCD sets. These sets are have larger screens, commonly 50 to 70 inches, and are thicker than flat-screen plasmas and LCDs, mostly 12 to 20 inches deep. Bulbs need replacement periodically, at a cost of $200 to $300, and the sets have been more repair-prone than flat panels.

Most prime-time shows on major networks are broadcast in HD as well as many cable/satellite stations like ESPN, Animal Planet, Discovery and TNT. What you get depends on the service you use.

"Where HD really shines is in sports and movies," said Randy Hollis, senior manager of government relations at Mediacom.

In its March issue, Consumer Reports rated 10 plasma sets, 13 LCD TVs and three rear projection models in a special section about high-definition TVs. That report said that during the recent holidays, prices for some TV types and sizes were down as much as 30 percent to 40 percent. In addition, plasma prices could drop about 20 percent to 25 percent, with the deepest cuts on 50-inch 1080p sets.

THE SWITCH TO DIGITAL CABLE

Federal law requires that television stations nationwide switch from analog, the old method of transmitting TV signals, to digital television by Feb. 17, 2009.

DTV is new type of over-the-air broadcasting that enables TV stations to provide significantly clearer pictures, better sound quality, more channels and even high-definition television to those with HD television sets.

Those who do not subscribe to cable or satellite service and rely on antenna to receive a television signal will lose that signal Feb. 17 unless their TVs are equipped with digital tuners. There are two ways to avoid this: Subscribe to a cable or satellite provider or purchase a converter.

For more information, go to www.dtv2009.gov or www.dtvanswers.com.

BUYING A SET: WHAT TO CONSIDER

● Native screen resolution: This indicates the number of pixels on the screen. The more pixels, the finer the detail a screen can display. HDTVs come in 1080p or 720p resolution. Consumer Reports recommends considering a 1080p TV first, but don’t rule out 720p.

● Screen size: Generally, a 40- to 47-inch set is a good choice for a main TV in a mid-size room, Consumer Reports says. For a large room or a home theater, consider a 50-inch TV or larger.

● How will regular shows look on my HDTV? It depends on the screen size. Some standard-definition shows might look a little clearer, but more often the image is degraded.

I’VE GOT THE HDTV, NOW WHAT?

According to Consumer Reports, about half of HDTV owners are not getting HD programming because they’re missing something. Here’s a checklist of what you need.

● HD Service: Digital programming can be standard or high-definition, so you have to specify that you want HD.

The HD version of a channel has a different number than the regular-definition version. Usually, the letters HD are next to the channel name on the program guide.

Mediacom, Columbia’s major cable provider, offers 14 HD channels and promises two more, Fox Sports Midwest and TNT, in the next month. Satellite companies tend to offer more HD options. DirecTV, the self-proclaimed leader in HD, broadcasts more than 90 national channels in HD.

● An HD-capable receiver: You can lease or buy one from a cable provider. Make sure the receiver is properly set for HD.

● Component-video or HDMI cables: You need these to convey high-def from the receiver to the TV. Before you buy, ask your provider if they’re included in installation.

	LCD	PLASMA
COMMON SIZES	17 to 52 inches; slim depth	42 to 60 inches; slim depth
CHOICES	Wide range of screen sizes including sets smaller than 42 inches — typically the smallest size for a plasma TV. Greater choice of 1080p sets.	Fewer 1080p sets available
COST	A 42-inch set could cost between $1,000 and $3,000.	Generally cost a little less than LCD sets of comparable size and quality. A 42-inch set could cost between $900 and $2,000.
VIEWING	Limited viewing angle. Picture loses contrast, color and brightness as you angle away from center. Little if any reflection, so looks better in bright rooms.	Virtually unlimited viewing angle. Shiny screens show reflections in bright rooms.
DISPLAY	Does not match plasma for smooth motion. Better for playing video games and for use as a computer monitor because not subject to burn-in from fixed images displayed for a long time.	Handles motion well without blurring. Images might leave a temporary or permanent impression.
COLOR AND BRIGHTNESS	Generally brighter than plasmas but weaker in contrast and deepest blacks.	Deeper blacks and better contrast, which makes for rich, natural-looking images, especially in dim light.
RELIABILITY	Evidence has shown that flat-panel LCD and plasma TVs require few repairs during the first three years of use.	The overall repair rate for brands reviewed in Consumer Reports was 3 percent, with little difference between LCD and plasma.

Source: Consumer reports

Sources: Consumer Reports, HowStuffWorks.com, Directv.com

Reach Stephanie DeMello at (573) 815-1727 or sdemello@tribmail.com.