Television: Getting the Big (and Better) Picture.

                                                                                         

Television viewing has certainly changed over the years. From
black and white to color in the early days, to the ever
increasing size of screens more recently, the home viewing
experience is improving. The more recent quest has been focused
on increasing picture quality with better color accuracy and
clarity. As a consumer, it can be difficult to keep up with all
of the terminology and the features of the various types of
televisions. For those who have not dedicated time to keep up
with this changing world of television, a very brief overview is
in order to help in the search for a great picture.

The first step in getting the best possible picture is to
receive the best possible signal, which at this time is digital.
Satellite TV and digital cable offer the majority of digital
television out there at this time. However, changes in broadcasting
are forthcoming as all major networks should discontinue
broadcasting analog signals and convert completely to digital
by February 2009. Digital signals offer many advantages but the
most obvious result will be a higher quality picture (and sound).
With this change, owning an HDTV set would be of benefit although
owners of analog sets will probably be able to purchase
inexpensive converter boxes to be able to view the digital
signals. Of course, if users want the full picture such as
what they see in movie theaters, they will need a "wide screen"
with 16:9 aspect ratio versus the 4:3 aspect ratio seen in most
traditional sets.

Secondly, a few words about HDTV are in order. HDTV is one form
of digital television. It transmits six times more information
than you get through analog TV. This gives the viewer stunning
pictures with far greater detail, clarity, and color accuracy.
An HDTV is capable of displaying resolution of 480i, 480p, 720i,
480p, 720i, 720p, 1080i, 1080p. The "i" means that the signal is
displayed on the screen "interlaced" and the "p" means that it is
displayed by progressive scan. Progressive scan generally produces
a higher quality picture. The highest quality signal a conventional
TV offers is 480i, but this is the lowest quality signal for an
HDTV. Potential buyers seeking the best possible picture should
accept no less that 720p.

Numerous technologies such as plasma, LCD, and DLP provide
displays with outstanding color accuracy, contrast, depth,
and clarity. All have a good life span, dependability, and
work well in most environments. The choice is primarily
based on personal preferences although plasma screens are not
recommended for locations at altitudes over 6,500 feet. Plasma
tends to offer the largest of screens and is somewhat less
expensive than LCD screens of the same size. LCD screens on
the other hand emit less heat and use less energy.

Obviously there are many options for getting an outstanding
picture to enhance the viewing experience. As there are a
number of great technologies, the type of display is less
important than getting a digital signal and a set that can
both receive the full high definition image and display it
with the best possible resolution.

Article written by Christine Peppler.

About the author:
Author Bio::
------------

Christine Peppler

california home theater

home theater

email: webmaster_soal@yahoo.com


Article Source: http://www.Free-Articles-Zone.com