HDTV Basics
New to the world of high-definition television? This page helps to answer some of the most commonly asked HDTV questions.
Should I choose plasma, LED or LCD?
Having trouble deciding which flat-panel TV is right for you? Here are some features to consider:
Plasma TVs:
- A great choice if you like to watch TV in dark or dimly lit rooms
- 600Hz screen refresh rate makes them perfect for fast-moving action, sports and video games
- Generally produces the deepest blacks, as well as rich, bright colors
- Widest viewing angle, so more people can watch without losing picture quality
- Least energy-efficient TV technology, with heavy, thick panels
LED TVs:
- A great choice for all lighting conditions
- Produces plasma-like deep blacks and rich, bright colors
- Many models have ultra-slim panels for a sleek look and easier wall mounting
- Wider viewing angle than LCD TVs, so more people can watch without losing picture quality
- Generally the most energy-efficient TV technology
LCD TVs:
- A great choice if you like to watch TV in well-lit rooms
- Available in the widest range of sizes (plasma TVs are not available under 42" class)
- More energy efficient than plasma TVs per square inch
What's the right HDTV for my budget?
Prices are changing quickly, but here's a basic breakdown:
- Less than $500: Smaller-sized HDTVs that are good for small bedrooms, offices, etc
- $500 to $999.99: A good, basic HDTV for your home theater space
- $1,000 and up: Larger models or HDTVs with advanced technology
If this is your first HDTV, you'll also need to upgrade your cable or satellite service to include an HD signal (this may increase your monthly bill). Need cable or satellite service?
What do 1080p and 720p mean?
A digital television picture is made up of hundreds of lines of visual information, one line stacked on top of another. "Vertical resolution" refers to the total number of visible lines counted from the top of the TV screen to the bottom. For example, every 1080p HDTV has 1,080 visible lines. Every 720p HDTV has 720 visible lines.
When choosing an HDTV, the important thing to remember is the greater the vertical resolution, the greater the picture definition. That's because there are more lines of information, so the level of detail can be that much more precise.
Currently, 1080p HDTVs provide the best vertical resolution available and are especially great for 1080p-capable content, like Blu-ray movies. For regular TV programming, a 720p HDTV will give you good performance because most TV shows do not yet broadcast in 1080p.
What is HDMI and why is it important?
If you love having a tangled mess of wires behind your HDTV or receiver, don't read any further. That's because HDMI carries both the picture and sound on one convenient cable, which means your home theater setup can be much simpler and cleaner using HDMI connections.
Even better, it is an all-digital cable and the best connection available for your HDMI-ready home theater components. The more HDMI inputs your HDTV has, the more components you'll be able to connect directly.
What are smart TVs (and smart devices)?
Smart TVs can connect to your Internet signal for a world of instant entertainment on your screen, including streaming movies, videos and music.
For HDTVs that aren't "smart," you can still connect them to the Internet using smart Blu-ray players, home theater systems, set-top boxes, specialized audio products or gaming systems (available content varies by device).
You will only need one smart TV or device to get instant entertainment, although having multiple products will likely give you a wider range of services to choose from. There are also advanced smart features, like an intergrated web browser and multimedia search, which are only available within select smart TVs and devices.
Instant Entertainment
Along with an Internet connection, almost all smart TVs and devices can deliver a wide range of instant entertainment to your HDTV (through specialized apps). Available content differs from product to product, but a few of the possibilities include:
- Streaming movies from Netflix (subscription required) and CinemaNow
- Streaming music from Pandora and SiriusXM
- Watching videos from YouTube
- Accessing Facebook and Twitter
- Studying your fantasy sports info
- Reading news, weather and sports
Web Browser
A select list of smart products provide a Web browser that allows you to directly access the Internet without the use of apps. Search for and type in content online using your HDTV, just as you do with your computer.
Multimedia Search
A select list of smart devices can combine your TV channels, compatible DVR, apps, the Internet and your home network into one searchable experience (capabilities vary by device). For example, you can type in the name of a TV program, movie or subject, hit search, and quickly see the time and channel it's on, plus any related video content that's available on the Internet.
Learn more in our smart TVs and devices FAQs.
Do I get HD programming as soon as I turn on my new HDTV?
Actually, if this is your first HDTV, you'll need to upgrade your cable
or satellite TV package to include HD service (which may increase your
monthly bill). Without an upgrade, you'll only be able to watch
standard-definition programming.
If you need cable or satellite service, we can help get you signed up:
ul>After I add HD service, will all my channels be in HD?
No, you will have both HD and standard-definition channels to choose from. You should notice a significant difference in picture quality when switching between the two.
Please note: Within some HD channels, not all programs have been recorded by HD cameras. To find content that has been filmed in HD, look for a mark like "HD" in the description field of your on-screen programming guide. As for the content on an HD channel that doesn't have an "HD" marking, it will still look superior to any standard-definition content.
Will all programs be in widescreen once I have HD?
Not necessarily. HD programming should automatically appear in widescreen format. However, standard-definition programs may appear in the square 4:3 box you were used to seeing on your old tube TV. You can adjust your HDTV's aspect ratio settings and stretch an 4:3 image in the following ways:
4:3 image on
your old tube TV
your old tube TV
Stretch the 4:3 image
to fill the screen
to fill the screen
Stretch the 4:3 image into
a widescreen 16:9 view
a widescreen 16:9 view
Please note: Changing these settings can distort or cut off portions of your picture, so choose the standard-definition content display that appeals to you the most.
Have other questions? Get them answered here.
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