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Entertainment Technology: What to Consider Before Buying HDTV
Simon Canfield

HDTV – or, High Definition Television – is the new
generation of TV, and is capable of displaying analog
signals as well as those that are digital in nature. While
this offers a viewing experience that’s unmatched, it also
requires external hardware in order to receive the HDTV
signals in addition to the monitor. In other words, plan
on spending a lot of money. If money isn’t the issue, then
HDTV is for you. Before you run out and make a purchase,
however, there are some things that you’ll need to
consider.

Even if your TV is “HDTV-ready,” that doesn’t necessarily
mean that it will be capable of displaying the HDTV signal.
It has to be compatible, and you’ll need to make sure
that it is before you make a purchasing commitment. It
will need to be able to display the actual HDTV signal, or
it isn’t really HDTV at all. Another consideration is
whether or not the HDTV receiver is compatible with the
monitor that you’ll be using. Finally, if you’re using
cable, the whole configuration will need to be compatible
with your cable box. You may need to call your local cable
company if you’re unsure of whether or not it meets the
compatibility requirements.

While monitors are available in a wide range of sizes, the
wide screen is the most adaptable to HDTV displays. If
you’re planning on doing most of your viewing using HDTV,
then you’re going to have to make sure that the screen can
accommodate your wide screen needs. Audio needs tend to be
rather specific, as well. In fact, in order to enjoy true
HDTV surround sound, it’s recommended that you use the
Dolby H-3 Surround Sound Audio.

While most TV sets and monitors today offer a number of
ports, you’re going to need several, so opt for the set
that’s equipped with the highest number of them. Whether
they’re front or back ports doesn’t really matter, as long
as there are several that are available on the set.

Before you invest in an HDTV, there are some things that
you’ll need to research. Among these are whether or not
you’ll need to buy a special dish for your satellite
service; if special cables are needed in order to make the
necessary connections; whether or not the cabling that you
currently own is compatible with the units that you’ll be
using; what type of surge protector is recommended; and
whether or not delivery and set-up is included. In the
case of particularly large sets, such as the wide-screen
models, this is important, since you’re dealing with a unit
that will weigh hundreds of pounds. The actual set-up can
also be quite confusing, as well, so set-up would be a
real perk, if you can work that into the purchase
commitment.

If the price, bulky components and many considerations that
need to be made before making a purchase don’t intimidate
you, then HDTV is well worth the time, effort and money that
you’ll need to put into it, from the time you begin the
research until the unit is finally set up in your home.
Once all is said and done, you’ll be treated to a visual
experience that’s unbeatable, by home viewing standards.

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