HDTV

High Definition TV:
High definition has been called the biggest improvement in television since the advent of color programming. HDTV gives up to three times the sharpness and detail experienced with conventional television broadcasts. All high definition broadcasts come in a widescreen aspect ratio of 16:9, similar to the aspect ratios seen in movie theatres.

Sources: You can’t take full advantage of a new high definition television without receiving a high definition signal in your home. At present there are three methods to receiving HD:

Cable – Most cable providers now offer HD services, usually including 15-20 HD channels. In order to receive these channels an HD cable box or CableCard would have to be rented from your cable provider.

Satellite – There are currently three satellite providers offering HD services, DirecTV, Dish Network and Voom. the number of HD stations available from these satellite services is recently about the same compared to the cable providers, but an off air antenna is necessary to receive your local stations in HD.

Off Air – The FCC has mandated that all local affiliates (CBS, ABC, NBC, FOX, PBS) broadcast all of their signals in a digital format by December 31st, 2008. The switch to digital over the air broadcasts allows for high definition signals to be received for free with an antenna. The signal needs to be decoded before it can be displayed on your high definition TV. This is done with a separate high definition over the air receiver, or with the HD receiver built into some televisions.

Prices:
Cable – No equipment to buy. $5 - $25 additional to basic service per month.
Satellite - $200 - $400 for equipment. $10 - $20 additional per month.
Off Air - $50 - $200 for equipment, nothing to pay per month.


HTPC Home Theatre Computer:
Using a PC in a home theatre system has many benefits, including the creation of an extremely capable DVD player. Depending on the graphics card, processor, and other hardware results will vary, but when done correctly a HTPC can outperform the picture quality of any commercially available DVD player.

Not only can a HTPC provide a great video experience, but is also a great tool for organizing and listening to your music collection, gaming, and browsing the internet. Imagine playing your favorite computer game, surfing the web, or viewing pictures from your digital camera on a 50” display, all from the comfort of your couch.



AUDIO Stereo
The classic format of sound with two discrete channels, right and left. Most conventional television broadcasts and CD’s are in stereo.
5.1
Includes six channels, right and left channels to the sides of the display, a center channel above or below the display, a left and right surround located behind the audience, and a sub to handle the bass. The vast majority of DVD’s and high definition programming is available in 5.1.
Formats: Dolby Digital, DTS.
6.1
Includes the six channels available in 5.1 with the addition of a center surround speaker to enhance encompassing effects. 6.1 audio tracks are found on a small number of DVD’s.
Formats: Dolby Digital EX, DTS-ES.
7.1
Includes a center channel, sub, and three rows of speakers moving from the front to the back of the theatre. Currently there are no 7.1 audio tracks available on DVD, but receivers are available the can take 5.1 and 6.1 audio and combine channels in order to create 7.1. Although not all 8 channels are discrete, 7.1 further enhances the encompassing effects of the sound.



DISPLAYS DLP - Digital Light Processing:

Average Price: $2,000 - $4,000
Screen Size: 42” – 70”

Pros: Current DLP TV’s display a projected image, but have many advantages over the larger CRT projection displays most are familiar with. DLP displays are bright enough to be viewed in rooms with large amount of ambient light, for the most part are tabletop sized and thin allowing them to be placed on a piece of furniture, and are relatively lightweight when compared to CRT projections.

Cons: The high level of brightness that can be displayed with DLP TV’s can cause eyestrain for some. Also a very small number of people have been known to see a visible rainbow in DLP displays caused by the spinning color wheel.

LCD - Liquid Crystal Display:

Average Price: $300 - $6,000
Screen Size: 7” – 45”

Pros: Very thin, wall mountable, bright display.

Cons: Depending on viewing distance, the “screen door” effect can be experienced with LCD based displays. The plastic cell structure containing the liquid crystal does not allow individual pixels to be right next to each other. If viewing too close this cell structure becomes visible, creating an image that appears to be viewed through a crosshatch pattern, or screen. Also due to the backlighting that is required, LCD panels have difficulty creating high contrast levels, causing black colors to appear gray.

LCD Projection - Liquid Crystal Display Projection:



Average Price: $1,500 - $5,000
Screen Size: 42" - 70"

Pros: Relatively light, thin tabletop design, and creates a bright image.

Cons: Depending on viewing distance, the “screen door” effect can be experienced as discussed in the LCD section.

LCOS - Liquid Crystal on Silicon:



Average Price: $2,500 - $5,000
Screen Size: 45” – 70”

Pros: Relatively light, thin tabletop design, and creates a bright image.

Cons: Still very much in its infancy. Not many generations have been successful.

Plasma:


Average Price: $2,000 - $10,000
Screen Size: 37” – 60”

Pros: Very thin, wall mountable, bright display.

Cons: The use of phosphors introduces the risk of burn in from static images as discussed in the CRT section.