by Susan Twombly, Jan. 2007
If high-definition TV (HDTV) is all about clarity, then why are so many people still so fuzzy about it? Because it can be downright confusing.
If you're still tripping over types and terminologies, follow these simple steps to learn the newest buzz words and the best ways to fit an HDTV into your budget and your lifestyle.
The first thing you should do is come to terms with a few of the words and phrases you may hear used as you shop.
HDTV |
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HDTV is short for high-definition television, which offers clear, precise images with rich colors and contrasts. Traditional standard-definition television (analog or digital) uses up to 480 lines per picture. In comparison, HDTV can deliver lifelike picture quality with either 720 or 1080 lines per picture, digital sound and wide-screen viewing.
More lines per picture results in crystal-clear, true-to-life images.
HD and HD-Ready |
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HD televisions have integrated (or built-in) HD technology, providing all the equipment you need to accept and reproduce high-definition content right out of the box. HD-ready means the TV is capable of displaying HD content, but a separate HD tuner is required to convert on-air, cable and satellite signals to higher resolutions.
All of the latest models of HP TVs have integrated HD capability, which means they require no additional HD tuner. You might also hear the HD tuner referred to as an HD receiver, decoder or converter.
Resolution |
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Resolution refers to the number of pixels a television is capable of producing. You will see these measurements given as 'pixels wide' x 'pixels high.' A television with the ability to display HD content can have resolutions of 1024 x 720, 1366 x 768 or 1920 x 1080. The greater the pixel count, the higher the resolution.
Plasma and LCD TVs both use the latest technologies to deliver a stunning, high-definition picture that is vastly superior to standard television. Compare them here to find out which one is right for you, according to your lifestyle.
LCD TV: The ultimate TV for sports enthusiasts |
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The big game looks incredible on an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) TV. They offer lightening-fast response times and an ultra-wide viewing angle. Watch the ball fly and see the crowd cheer in stunning, crisp detail.
Available now from HP in 32- to 37- inch diagonal sizes, they are a great fit for nearly any room. (Watch for upcoming 42- and 47-inch diagonal HP LCD TVs.)
Plasma TV: Your home theater |
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Offered by HP in 42- and 50-inch diagonal models, Plasma TVs provide excellent visual sharpness and a broader range of color in a huge hi-def picture — so you can see your favorite movies, photos and videos like never before.
Rear-projection or microdisplay TV |
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These are cabinet sets with larger than 50-inch screens. Projection TVs offer the best price per size, but you can't mount them on your wall. HP has standardized on LCD and plasma HDTVs, as we believe they combine the best HDTV experience with a sleek design.
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Why all the buzz and why now?
By February 17, 2009, television broadcasters will stop their analog signals and broadcast all of their programming in DTV (digital TV), opening the door to a world of digital content.
Unless you use a set-top box or a digital-to-analog TV converter, you cannot use an analog television to receive digital TV because its older tuner is not compatible with digital transmissions.
However, with HP televisions, you will be ready to enjoy all the best digital TV has to offer for an immersive HD experience — enhanced by HP Visual Fidelity technologies.
Rely on HP televisions to take you into the future of high definition.
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Here's a simple formula for choosing the right TV to meet your space requirements and deliver the best viewing experience.
Divide the screen size (measured in diagonal inches) by five. The resulting number, measured in feet, is the approximate distance for ideal viewing. For example, if you’re considering a 50-inch diagonal TV, you should sit approximately 10 feet away. So, if that puts you hugging the rear wall of your den, think a bit smaller.
The ideal viewing position for best picture quality is directly across from the center of the screen. A larger viewing angle — the area in front of the screen that provides optimum viewing — means better picture quality for people sitting to the far right or far left of your TV. Take note: All HP TVs feature an ultra-wide viewing angle of 170 degrees for optimum viewing anywhere in the room.
Which TV type offers the most bang for the buck? The answer depends on your preferences, but generally speaking — and assuming the same screen size and resolution throughout — LCD is most expensive, followed by plasma and rear projection TVs.
Hopefully, you now have a clearer picture of what HDTV is all about. To learn more, check out our interactive video, online classes and buying guides — created to help you get the most out of your shopping experience and all that HDTV has to offer.
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Why HP for HDTV?
Color and imaging excellence
For more than two decades, HP has been known for engineering excellence and innovations in imaging and color science. (That's why we're the worldwide leader in imaging and printing!)
HP engineers applied this expertise to the electronic technology behind HP HDTVs. The result is dazzling, true-to-life color, crisp image quality, and a stunning overall visual experience we call HP Visual Fidelity.
» Find out more at HP Visual Fidelity
The connected home experience
Unlike many other TV manufacturers, HP has a legacy steeped in personal computers and the 'connected home.' We leverage this expertise to design HDTVs that can connect easily with the rest of your home's technology — your PC, DVD player, stereo, VCR and more.
Check out the HP MediaSmart TV: The TV that's smart enough to connect with your PCs.
» Learn more about it
Service & support
From online, step-by-step instructions for setting up your HDTV to support and troubleshooting, software and driver downloads and email support, HP has the services and support you need for a great hi-def experience.
Every HP TV comes with a standard warranty and additional support via HP Total Care. This includes one-year, toll-free, 24/7 technical support, one-year parts and labor coverage and in-home repair.
» HP Total Care for HP TVs
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The Innovations and Engineering Design Award is based upon descriptive materials submitted to the judges. The Consumer Electronics Association did not verify the accuracy of any submission or of any claims made and did not test the item to which the award was given.
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Price shown for 50-inch rear projection or microdisplay TV, as it is the most common size for this type of TV.
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J. D. Power and Associates, November 15, 2005. For more information: http://h71036.www7.hp.com/hho/cache/300750-0-0-225-121.html |
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HP MediaSmart TV: The connected TV
Offered in a state-of-the-art 37-inch diagonal LCD TV, the HP MediaSmart TV includes wired and wireless network connectivity.(1) and an integrated digital media receiver — allowing you to stream photos, music and videos from all the PCs in your home network to your TV.
A direct link to the HP Entertainment portal provides you with access to millions of songs, thousands of movies and direct access to your Snapfish online photo services account.(2)
» Check out online services
» Learn more and find a retailer near you
» Buy or get info
» View enlarged image
The HP SLC3760N MediaSmart 37" LCD TV received a 'Best of Innovations' award at the International Consumer Electronics Show (CES), the world's largest annual tradeshow for consumer technology.(3)
» Check out more HP LCD and plasma TVs
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