ABCs for the First-Time HDTV Buyer

If you are in the market for a new TV and a bit confused about all the new jargon, e.g., HDTV, multisystem TVs, etc., read on and become an informed consumer before you start hitting the stores or internet electronics retailers.

Why would I want a digital television?

If you have been watching TV on an old set, your picture is based on a system that is over half a century old.  You will be amazed at the better picture quality and sound with digital television.  I bet you have already dumped your old Brownie or Polaroid camera for a super digital model—so why not do the same with your television?  HDTVs offer higher quality images that are sharper, and crisper.

What do “DTV” and “HDTV” stand for?

DT stands for Digital Television, those that receive any one of the 18 digital signaling methods.  Digital TVs fall into three categories:  High Definition TV (HDTV), Enhanced Digital TV (EDTV), and Standard Definition TV (SDTV).  At normal viewing distances, the HDTV outperforms the other two.

 What does “High Definition” mean?

High Definition Television.  Definition refers to the resolution of the image, i.e., the sharpness. The old analog TV signals are comprised of 525 interlacing lines that can be disrupted by flickering, ghosting, and blurring.  The digital TVs receive the signals digitally—in the for of 0s and 1s, which get rid of those problems and produce superior pictures, with crisp, vivid images of up to 1080 lines.  Think of the difference in precision between a digital clock and a typical analog clock.

Would a converter that changes the digital signal to analog work?

Well, yes, if you want to take a really superior picture and turn it into one that can flicker, blur and ghost.  If you are that attached to your old set, move it to your bedroom and put the new digital multisystem TV in the living room where everyone can enjoy it! 

What is “digital sound” and “digital surround” TV?

Again, digital refers to the fact that the signal is received as “0” or “1,” which makes for a purer signal without the usual interference.  Thus digital TV offers sound as good as you can get at the movie theater by using 6-channel Dolby.  If you want to have that cinematic effect, you can buy a system with more than two regular stereo channels to have the sound surround you literally. 

What digital broadcasts can I get now?

Yes, you can receive digital broadcasts.  Major TV networks with digital programming include ABC, CBS, NBC, HBO, and Fox, and more are on the way.

In some, you can get some great buys on multisystem TVs that not only offer you the advantages of digital TV but work with any worldwide system.  If you like the world of TV, treat yourself to the best set you can afford!