HD TV made some big noise the time they released. The vivid, crisp and life-like images made this electronic appliance stand out from ordinary TV’s. So how will you know that you have chosen the right HD TV? Let us help you out using the tips below.
* A 32″ Full HD TV costs around $360 and will suit smaller living rooms. TVs look much smaller in the shop than in your home, so measure the space available before you buy.
* A 1920 x 1080-resolution TV can display a 1080p image. You can still buy TVs with a 720p (1,366×768) resolution, but they’re no cheaper and the image won’t be as sharp. Even so, it can be difficult to tell the difference between 720p and 1080p on smaller screens.
* Consider the number of inputs you need for your equipment. Two HDMI ports should be the minimum, but many TVs come with four. Don’t forget devices such as games consoles and PVRs. If you have older equipment, check that your TV has enough SCART and component sockets. If you want to plug your PC into your TV, you’ll need to use either HDMI or VGA inputs. Be aware that some TVs only let you use a PC on an analogue input, and others won’t display the Windows Desktop at the TV’s highest resolution.
* The contrast ratio tells you the difference between the darkest and the brightest shades the screen can display. The higher the number, the darker the blacks and the brighter the whites. A screen with a high contrast ratio is more likely to show a wider range of detail. Plasma TVs generally have much higher contrast ratios than even the best LCD TVs can manage.
* There are several ways to receive HD content. Sky HD has the widest selection of channels but requires a Sky HD box and monthly subscription. Freesat and Freeview HD bring you HD channels from the BBC, ITV and Channel 4. There are no monthly subscriptions – all you need is a compatible receiver. A Blu-ray player lets you watch HD movies stored on optical discs.
* Extra features, such as a network port, can be worth having because they may let you access online content, as well as media from a DLNA or UPnP server on your network.