HDTV 101: A beginner's guide
By CNET StaffFeb 22, 2008
You've been watching television all of your life, and all of a sudden, along comes HDTV. This new technology might seem incredibly costly, confusing, and unnecessary, but for the space of this article, we'll ask you to take a deep breath and try to forget all of that. HDTV doesn't need to be an incomprehensible morass of technical terms, jargon, and marketing hype, because at heart, it's pretty darn simple: HDTV is a better picture. It does have some unique requirements, however, so we'll guide you through what to expect.
1. To HDTV or not to HDTV?
When you're deciding whether to get an HDTV, ask yourself the following questions:
- Am I unhappy with the TV I have now?
- Do I want something bigger, flatter, sharper, or brighter?
- Am I willing to pay hundreds of dollars more to get that something?
If the answer to any of these questions is no, then you're probably not ready for an HDTV. Go ahead and get a normal television, save a few bucks, and rest assured that in the next few years, technology prices will continue their inexorable fall, and you can get an HDTV when you're good and ready.
If you answered yes, however, then it's probably time for you to consider buying an HDTV. Here's where your choices begin to multiply, but don't lose heart. We'll take you through all you need to know.
