Home > January 2008 > HDTV's Explained Continued...
HDTV's Explained Continued...
Tiger Direct has some great deals on HDTV's. I bought my first Vizio from Tiger Direct. Check out the TV deals they have; deals change constantly.
Once you have an HDTV, you will need some cables and possibly a DVD player. Some suggested items are listed below.
Component Cables - These cables come in two configurations, 3 and 5 plug cables. The 3 plug cable has a red, blue and green input and output. The 5 cable plug has the red, blue and green cables along with the audio plugs on the same cable. If you get a 3 plug cable you will need an audio cable to complete the hookup. Component cables can be purchased in a gold plated form.
HDMI Cable - HDMI as well as Component cables are only video cables. HDMI cables look similar to USB cables but they are larger, trapezoid shaped and typically gold plated. It separates the red, blue and green colors, but in one cable, less mess behind the TV and easier hookup. You will also need audio cables.
HD DVD Player
Up converting DVD Player / HD DVD Player / Blu-ray Player
HD Cable / Satellite Service - Just because a show is on an HD channel doesn't mean it will be a mind blowing picture. More and more shows are being recorded in HD, while some shows that play on the HD channels are still 'up converted' in a sense. They look better than the standard definition channels but not quite as brilliant as a show recorded for HD. Up converted shows will have black bars on the side of the TV, since they are recorded in 4:3 instead of your HDTV 16:9 aspect ratio. Live TV, sports, news and the big hit TV shows on FOX, ABC, NBC, Discover HD, etc. are vivid. Also, TBS, as well as other channels, continually receive more HD shows.
