Television - Video Display Basics - HDTV FAQs - Television Buying Tips
What you need to know before you buy a television or video projector. Includes FAQs and Television Buying tips.
Before You Buy A Video Projection Screen
When buying and setting up a home theater video projector, it must be pointed out that the video projection screen is just as important as the projector itself. Projection Screens come in various fabrics, sizes, and prices. The type of screen that will work best depends on the projector, the viewing angle, the amount of ambient light in the room, and the distance of the projector from the screen. For more details, check out my article: Before You Buy A Video Projection Screen.
When buying and setting up a home theater video projector, it must be pointed out that the video projection screen is just as important as the projector itself. Projection Screens come in various fabrics, sizes, and prices. The type of screen that will work best depends on the projector, the viewing angle, the amount of ambient light in the room, and the distance of the projector from the screen. For more details, check out my article: Before You Buy A Video Projection Screen.
Why NTSC and PAL Still Matter With HDTV
A lot consumers around the World assume that with introduction of Digital TV and HDTV that the old barriers to a universal video standard have been removed. However, this is an incorrect assumption. Depsite the fact that video is going digital, the fundamental difference between video standards that exist currently, Frame Rate, is still the foundation of the new Digital TV and HDTV standards. For more details, check out my article: Why NTSC and PAL Still Matter With HDTV.
A lot consumers around the World assume that with introduction of Digital TV and HDTV that the old barriers to a universal video standard have been removed. However, this is an incorrect assumption. Depsite the fact that video is going digital, the fundamental difference between video standards that exist currently, Frame Rate, is still the foundation of the new Digital TV and HDTV standards. For more details, check out my article: Why NTSC and PAL Still Matter With HDTV.
Video Frame Rate vs Screen Refresh Rate
Shopping for a television these days is certainly not as easy as it once was. With terms being tossed around like HDTV, Progressive Scan, 1080p, Frame Rate, and Screen Refresh Rate, the consumer is getting drowned with tech terms that are difficult to sort through. Of these terms, two of the most difficult to make sense of are Frame Rate and Refresh Rate. To find out the details about Frame Rate and Refresh Rate, and why it is important to the consumer, check out my article.
Shopping for a television these days is certainly not as easy as it once was. With terms being tossed around like HDTV, Progressive Scan, 1080p, Frame Rate, and Screen Refresh Rate, the consumer is getting drowned with tech terms that are difficult to sort through. Of these terms, two of the most difficult to make sense of are Frame Rate and Refresh Rate. To find out the details about Frame Rate and Refresh Rate, and why it is important to the consumer, check out my article.
1080i vs 1080p - Similarities and Differences Between 1080i and 1080p
There is a lot of talk about being the "Holy Grail" of high definition resolution. However, what is the difference between 1080p and 1080i. Can you really see the difference on an HDTV screen? For more details on this check out my article: 1080i vs 1080p - Similarities and Differences Between 1080i and 1080p.
There is a lot of talk about being the "Holy Grail" of high definition resolution. However, what is the difference between 1080p and 1080i. Can you really see the difference on an HDTV screen? For more details on this check out my article: 1080i vs 1080p - Similarities and Differences Between 1080i and 1080p.
Quick Tip - Why Analog TV Signals Don't Look As Good On An HDTV
HDTV is a great advance in home entertainment, however, during the transition period from analog to digital, there are still many consumers that are watching mostly analog television programs on their new HDTVs. This has generated a lot of complaints about the apparent degraded picture quality of analog television signals when viewed on an HDTV. For more on this, check out my Quick Tip: Why Analog TV Signals Don't Look As Good On An HDTV
HDTV is a great advance in home entertainment, however, during the transition period from analog to digital, there are still many consumers that are watching mostly analog television programs on their new HDTVs. This has generated a lot of complaints about the apparent degraded picture quality of analog television signals when viewed on an HDTV. For more on this, check out my Quick Tip: Why Analog TV Signals Don't Look As Good On An HDTV
Quick Tip - 1080p and You
There is a lot of talk about 1080p being the "Holy Grail" of high definition resolution. 1080p represents 1,080 lines of resolution scanned sequentially. In other words, all lines are scanned in progressively, providing the most detailed high definition video image that is currently available to consumers. As a result of this advance, there are now a growing number of Televisions available that are termed "1080p Compatible.However, not all 1080p televisions are created equal.
There is a lot of talk about 1080p being the "Holy Grail" of high definition resolution. 1080p represents 1,080 lines of resolution scanned sequentially. In other words, all lines are scanned in progressively, providing the most detailed high definition video image that is currently available to consumers. As a result of this advance, there are now a growing number of Televisions available that are termed "1080p Compatible.However, not all 1080p televisions are created equal.
ShouId I Buy an LCD Television or a PLASMA Television?
Flat panel televisions are quickly becoming quite commonplace on store shelves and in consumers' homes. Although Plasma TVs seem to be be getting all the attention in this area, the LCD television is also making an impact. On this page I answer the question: Should I Buy an LCD Television or a PLASMA Television?
Flat panel televisions are quickly becoming quite commonplace on store shelves and in consumers' homes. Although Plasma TVs seem to be be getting all the attention in this area, the LCD television is also making an impact. On this page I answer the question: Should I Buy an LCD Television or a PLASMA Television?
Buying A Television - What You Need To Know - Basic Tips For Television Shoppers
We all know how to buy a television. Just open the newspaper, find the best price and go get one. In my days as a salesperson, I have seen this a lot; a customer comes in to the store, AD in hand, and says "wrap it up". However, the best price may not be the "best deal". Here are some buying tips that are often times overlooked, but very important in the purchase of a Television, whether it be a 20-inch tube set, large screen projection TV, or the latest high definition Plasma Television.
We all know how to buy a television. Just open the newspaper, find the best price and go get one. In my days as a salesperson, I have seen this a lot; a customer comes in to the store, AD in hand, and says "wrap it up". However, the best price may not be the "best deal". Here are some buying tips that are often times overlooked, but very important in the purchase of a Television, whether it be a 20-inch tube set, large screen projection TV, or the latest high definition Plasma Television.
Digital Light Processing - DLP - An Introduction
CRT and LCD-based systems have dominated the home theater projection TV market for awhile. Now, a new technology, DLP has entered the market. With brighter images and better contrast, DLP has the potential to make previous video projection technology obsolete.
CRT and LCD-based systems have dominated the home theater projection TV market for awhile. Now, a new technology, DLP has entered the market. With brighter images and better contrast, DLP has the potential to make previous video projection technology obsolete.
Recycle Your Old TV - About.com TV/Video
Are you planning to dump your old analog television because of the upcoming DTV Transition? If so, Matt Torres, About.com Guide for TV/Video has some great tips on how you can recycle your old analog television.
Are you planning to dump your old analog television because of the upcoming DTV Transition? If so, Matt Torres, About.com Guide for TV/Video has some great tips on how you can recycle your old analog television.
Before You Buy a Plasma Flat Panel Television - Plasma Television Buying Tips
Plasma flat panel televisions, with their decreasing price points and large sizes are becoming a desired alternative to the standard CRT and Projection television. However, before you jump at the latest "great AD deal" on a Plasma flat panel television, there are some useful tips to take into consideration.
Plasma flat panel televisions, with their decreasing price points and large sizes are becoming a desired alternative to the standard CRT and Projection television. However, before you jump at the latest "great AD deal" on a Plasma flat panel television, there are some useful tips to take into consideration.
Before You Buy an LCD Flat Panel Television - LCD Television Buying Tips
Flat panel televisions are quickly becoming quite commonplace on store shelves and in consumers' homes. LCD flat panel televisions, with their decreasing price points and performance improvements are becoming a very desirable alternative to the standard CRT set. Before jumping at the latest "great AD deal" on an LCD television, there are some useful tips to take into consideration.
Flat panel televisions are quickly becoming quite commonplace on store shelves and in consumers' homes. LCD flat panel televisions, with their decreasing price points and performance improvements are becoming a very desirable alternative to the standard CRT set. Before jumping at the latest "great AD deal" on an LCD television, there are some useful tips to take into consideration.
Before You Buy a Rear-Projection Television
Although Plasma and LCD flat panel televisions seem to be all the rage these days, with growing numbers of consumers reaching into their pockets to buy the stylish sets, they are still out of many people's budgets. As a result, the rear-projection television, with its lower pricing and high performance is taking center stage in the consumer television market.
Although Plasma and LCD flat panel televisions seem to be all the rage these days, with growing numbers of consumers reaching into their pockets to buy the stylish sets, they are still out of many people's budgets. As a result, the rear-projection television, with its lower pricing and high performance is taking center stage in the consumer television market.
Rear-Projection Television - What You Need To Know
Although Plasma and LCD flat panel televisions are all the rage these days, with growing numbers of consumers reaching into their pockets to buy the stylish sets, they are still out of reach of most average household budgets. As a result, the rear-projection TV, with its lower pricing and high performance, is taking center stage in the consumer television market. Check out what you need to know.
Although Plasma and LCD flat panel televisions are all the rage these days, with growing numbers of consumers reaching into their pockets to buy the stylish sets, they are still out of reach of most average household budgets. As a result, the rear-projection TV, with its lower pricing and high performance, is taking center stage in the consumer television market. Check out what you need to know.
Before You Buy a Video Projector
The video projector has long been used as a presentation tool in business and commercial entertainment, as well as in some very high-end home theater systems. However, video projectors are becoming more available and affordable for the average consumer. Check out some useful tips before you buy your first video projector.
The video projector has long been used as a presentation tool in business and commercial entertainment, as well as in some very high-end home theater systems. However, video projectors are becoming more available and affordable for the average consumer. Check out some useful tips before you buy your first video projector.
Video Projectors: What You Need To Know
The video projector has long been used as a presentation tool in business and commercial entertainment, as well as in some very wealthy homes, but now with advances in technology, several types of compact, portable video projectors are available and affordable for the average consumer. For an overview of common types of video projectors, check out my report.
The video projector has long been used as a presentation tool in business and commercial entertainment, as well as in some very wealthy homes, but now with advances in technology, several types of compact, portable video projectors are available and affordable for the average consumer. For an overview of common types of video projectors, check out my report.
HDTV FAQs
HDTV is making progress with more affordable products and accessible programming, making it an increasing viable choice for the consumer. Programming providers, such as Showtime, HBO, Discovery, ESPN, HDnet, and all of the major networks (ABC, CBS, NBC, PBS, and WB) are dedicating more broadcast hours to HDTV. For answers to some common questions about HDTV, check out my FAQs.
HDTV is making progress with more affordable products and accessible programming, making it an increasing viable choice for the consumer. Programming providers, such as Showtime, HBO, Discovery, ESPN, HDnet, and all of the major networks (ABC, CBS, NBC, PBS, and WB) are dedicating more broadcast hours to HDTV. For answers to some common questions about HDTV, check out my FAQs.
HDTV FAQs - Why Do Analog TV Signals Often Look Worse on an HDTV than on an Analog TV?
The impact of Digital TV is making TV buying decisions for consumers more complex. However, Why Do Analog TV Signals Often Look Worse on an HDTV than on an Analog TV? Find out the answer to this question in the following FAQ entry.
The impact of Digital TV is making TV buying decisions for consumers more complex. However, Why Do Analog TV Signals Often Look Worse on an HDTV than on an Analog TV? Find out the answer to this question in the following FAQ entry.
Video Resolution: An Overview
When you shop for a television, DVD player, or camcorder, your discussion with the salesperson always seems to touch a lot on factors revolving around resolution. It's lines this and pixels that and so forth... After a while, none of it seems to make sense. In the above article, I shed some light on this topic, hopefully making the nature of video resolution more understandable.
When you shop for a television, DVD player, or camcorder, your discussion with the salesperson always seems to touch a lot on factors revolving around resolution. It's lines this and pixels that and so forth... After a while, none of it seems to make sense. In the above article, I shed some light on this topic, hopefully making the nature of video resolution more understandable.
HDTV FAQs - Why are Black Bars Sometimes Still Visible on a 16x9 HDTV?
The impact of Digital TV is making TV buying decisions for consumers more complex. One common question that is asked is: Why are Black Bars Sometimes Still Visible on a 16x9 HDTV? Find out the answer to this question in the following FAQ entry.
The impact of Digital TV is making TV buying decisions for consumers more complex. One common question that is asked is: Why are Black Bars Sometimes Still Visible on a 16x9 HDTV? Find out the answer to this question in the following FAQ entry.
Widescreen Television -- The 16x9 Factor
The home theater experience isn't complete without a TV to view your programming. When picking out a TV, the consumer can be overwhelmed by the sheer number and sizes of TVs to choose from. Not only do TVs come in big and small sizes, direct view, projection, LCD or Plasma flat panels, there is also another factor to consider: screen aspect ratio. To sort your way through this, read this article.
The home theater experience isn't complete without a TV to view your programming. When picking out a TV, the consumer can be overwhelmed by the sheer number and sizes of TVs to choose from. Not only do TVs come in big and small sizes, direct view, projection, LCD or Plasma flat panels, there is also another factor to consider: screen aspect ratio. To sort your way through this, read this article.
Who's Your PAL?
A relative living in the U.K. sends you a copy of a favorite BBC TV Show but the tape doesn't play correctly on your VCR. You are traveling in Eastern Europe and you can't view your Camcorder footage on the Hotel TV. You are a victim of differing video standards in use throughout the world. Why is this? Just read the above article for all the details.
A relative living in the U.K. sends you a copy of a favorite BBC TV Show but the tape doesn't play correctly on your VCR. You are traveling in Eastern Europe and you can't view your Camcorder footage on the Hotel TV. You are a victim of differing video standards in use throughout the world. Why is this? Just read the above article for all the details.
How To Hook Up a VCR to a TV with Single Tuner PIP
Here is an easy, quick hook-up guide for connecting your Cable and VCR to a TV that has a single tuner Picture-In-Picture function (provided you don't have cable box or satellite receiver).
Here is an easy, quick hook-up guide for connecting your Cable and VCR to a TV that has a single tuner Picture-In-Picture function (provided you don't have cable box or satellite receiver).
The History of Television - About.com - Inventors and Inventions
About.com Guide to Inventors and Inventions, Mary Bellis, provides a great overview of the History of Television in Timeline form.
About.com Guide to Inventors and Inventions, Mary Bellis, provides a great overview of the History of Television in Timeline form.
Where is HD?
You have an HDTV, but don't know what HD channels are available in your area? Just go the www.whereishd.com, type in your zip code and a screen will list what HD channels are available in your area from over-the-air broadcasts, cable, and satellite. The channel listings are updated on a regular basis. Check it out for yourself.
You have an HDTV, but don't know what HD channels are available in your area? Just go the www.whereishd.com, type in your zip code and a screen will list what HD channels are available in your area from over-the-air broadcasts, cable, and satellite. The channel listings are updated on a regular basis. Check it out for yourself.
HDTV Update: FOX Finally Joins In
FOX has been the only major TV network not broadcasting in HDTV, opting for its own standard resolution 16x9 widescreen format. However, in a recent turn of events, it seems that FOX, has finally had a change of heart.
FOX has been the only major TV network not broadcasting in HDTV, opting for its own standard resolution 16x9 widescreen format. However, in a recent turn of events, it seems that FOX, has finally had a change of heart.
FOX Turns Chicken On HDTV - From The Archives
From the Archives: In a very un-FOX like move, the FOX TV network has decided not to broadcast this year's Superbowl in true high definition TV, even though CBS did last year.
From the Archives: In a very un-FOX like move, the FOX TV network has decided not to broadcast this year's Superbowl in true high definition TV, even though CBS did last year.
The History of Color Television - About.com Inventors and Inventions
Color Television technology has been around longer than you think. Check out The History of Color Television as reported by Mary Bellis, About.com Guide for Inventors and Inventions.
Color Television technology has been around longer than you think. Check out The History of Color Television as reported by Mary Bellis, About.com Guide for Inventors and Inventions.
Cable Television History - About.com Inventors and Inventions
The birth and evolution of cable television, as reported by Mary Bellis, About.com Guide for Inventors and Inventions.
The birth and evolution of cable television, as reported by Mary Bellis, About.com Guide for Inventors and Inventions.
The Advanced Television Systems Committee Home Page
The Official Site of the ATSC, the organization that developes the standards for future TV technology in the U.S.
The Official Site of the ATSC, the organization that developes the standards for future TV technology in the U.S.
HDTV Advocate
Current status and news of HDTV developments. What you should expect from this new technology.
Current status and news of HDTV developments. What you should expect from this new technology.
How Television Works
We take it for granted, but how many of us really know how a TV works? Get the inside scoop, presented by Marshall Brain of How Stuff Works.
We take it for granted, but how many of us really know how a TV works? Get the inside scoop, presented by Marshall Brain of How Stuff Works.
My Home Theater - Viewing Distance Calculator
If you having trouble trying to figure out what size television or video projection screen would be best for your size room, then check out this useful viewing distance calculator, courtesy of My Home Theater.
If you having trouble trying to figure out what size television or video projection screen would be best for your size room, then check out this useful viewing distance calculator, courtesy of My Home Theater.
ISFTV
You might have the best home theater components, but if your monitor or TV is not calibrated properly you aren't getting the whole picture.
You might have the best home theater components, but if your monitor or TV is not calibrated properly you aren't getting the whole picture.
PBS Digital TV
The official PBS (Public Broadcasting Service) Digital TV page.
The official PBS (Public Broadcasting Service) Digital TV page.
Plasma TV Science
This is great website featuring technical and historical information on Plasma television technology. Whether your a professional user or mainstream consumer interesting Plasma TV, this site has a lot useful information; including buying guides.
This is great website featuring technical and historical information on Plasma television technology. Whether your a professional user or mainstream consumer interesting Plasma TV, this site has a lot useful information; including buying guides.
Worldwide TV standards-A Web Guide
An overview of the different television and video systems used throughout the world.
An overview of the different television and video systems used throughout the world.
British Television History
LaserDisc and DVD are not the first Disc based video systems, neither is the concept of High Resolution TV. Check out the contributions of the U.K. to the development of Television Technology.
LaserDisc and DVD are not the first Disc based video systems, neither is the concept of High Resolution TV. Check out the contributions of the U.K. to the development of Television Technology.
Digital Light Processing
While the consumer Television/Home Theater market is cluttered with Direct View, Projection, LCD, and Plasma TVs, Texas Instruments brings us DLP (Digital Light Processing), that just may make all the others obsolete.
While the consumer Television/Home Theater market is cluttered with Direct View, Projection, LCD, and Plasma TVs, Texas Instruments brings us DLP (Digital Light Processing), that just may make all the others obsolete.
Digital Television
Everything you need to know about Digital Television. Includes news, articles, and other consumer information.
Everything you need to know about Digital Television. Includes news, articles, and other consumer information.
Digital TV - A Cringely Crash Course
An excellent overview of the history and future of Television, by Robert X. Cringely. Site takes a while to get through, but it is well worth it.
An excellent overview of the history and future of Television, by Robert X. Cringely. Site takes a while to get through, but it is well worth it.
DTV Professional
Find out the latest technical news on DTV and HDTV.
Find out the latest technical news on DTV and HDTV.