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OK, I know that I have put up a lot of guides to HDTVs over the last little while but I promise that this should be the last one. Hewleet Packard has whet is considered by many as a great guide to HDTV and I will post it here and then mayve we can get more component and other posts up soon

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.

Step 1: Understand the basics
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 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
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
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.

Step 2: Define your TV viewing preferences
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

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.

Step 3. Determine the right size for your home
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.

Step 4: Figure out your budget
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.

Got the picture?
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.

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.

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