Choosing Your HDTV

So what came first the chicken or the egg? Well with our help you’ve already got your Entertainment Center picked out, so now all you need is to choose the right TV to put in it! To all intents and purposes there are only five types of TV that you need to consider.

• 480i Standard Definition (SD) To create an SD picture, 480 horizontal lines of image information are sent in an interlaced (that's what the "i" stands for) format. Each frame (or image) of an interlaced TV signal is actually made up of two fields, one consisting of the odd lines of the image and the other the even lines. The two fields are displayed one after the other by the TV at a speed that's so fast that the eye sees only one image. SD images have the familiar 4:3 aspect ratio.

• 480p Enhanced Definition (ED) Like standard definition, a 480p EDTV image is made up of 480 lines of information; however, they are displayed in a progressive format (hence the "p"), which means the entire frame is displayed at one time. Although there is no more image information than in an SD picture, the image appears sharper and smoother because the artifacts caused by interlacing are eliminated.

• 720p HDTV The lowest of the high-definition resolutions, a 720p image is made up of 1,280 pixels by 720 pixels displayed progressively. Although other formats display more picture information, many critics say that at normal viewing distances, this format presents a picture that's just as appealing and more film-like. Among major programmers, only ABC and its subsidiaries (including Disney Channel, ESPN and ESPN2) as well as Fox distribute content in 720p.

• 1080i HDTV This format places 1,920 pixels by 1,080 pixels of picture information on the screen (in an interlaced format) for a vivid and sometimes breathtaking picture. Most broadcast, cable and satellite HD providers use this format.

• 1080p HDTV This format takes the broadcast 1080i HDTV signal and presents it in a progressive (noninterlaced) format for the richest images of all. In addition, these sets can accept a 1080p image from a Blu-ray Disc or upconverting DVD player. All current sets that can display a 1,920-by-1,080-pixel image can do so in the progressive (1080p) format. Satellite providers (DirecTV and Dish Network) are providing some on-demand programming in 1080p, as are some streaming video providers, such as Vudu. However, because it takes up so much bandwidth, it is unlikely that any broadcaster will be distributing HD material in 1080p in the foreseeable future.

Simply buying an HDTV does not automatically mean you get HDTV images on your screen. The hardware is only one part of the equation. To get the high-definition programming signals, you need to subscribe to a digital high-definition cable or satellite service. Alternatively, you can receive HDTV broadcasts with an antenna, provided you are within range of a transmission tower. Of course, you won't get premium channels this way, but you can access the local affiliates of the major networks.

There are four main types of HDTV display technology:

LCD flat panels are the most popular choice these days and come in smaller, less-expensive sizes, while plasma TVs are strong sellers but available only in 42-inch and larger screen sizes.

Rear-projection TVs aren't as big as the behemoths of a few years ago, but that hasn't stopped them from being driven to near extinction. As of now, just one maker -- Mitsubishi -- continues to produce these sets.

Front projectors are very much alive, on the other hand, though their requirements don't make them the best -- or even an acceptable choice -- in many situations. However, prices are way down, and front projectors still deliver the biggest screen sizes available regardless of technology.