HDTV's Surging Popularity

For this year alone, sales of HDTVs are expected to reach 20 million. In fact, HDTV sales were on track to post a one week record shortly before the Super Bowl, as football fans were anxious to experience the game in all its high-definition glory.

Since HDTV comes in different prices and sizes — DLP, LCD and Plasma — consumers are confused about which one is the best one to buy because of their unfamiliarity with the technology.

Studies show that nearly 60% of HDTV buyers are not sure what the differences are between LCD, Plasma and Micro Display. Even though many HDTV shoppers do take the time to research HDTVs, they still require guidence regarding which product is the mostappropriate for their requirements and budget.

One thing that has increased the demand for HDTV is that cable companies already have 17 channels that offer HD programming. As well, HDTV prices have continued to drop sharply over the past year, with some sets costing as low as $1,500.

Comcast has reported that its roster of HDTV customer agents has exploded to 1,100 who answer queries and take orders from subscribers. The company has also hired 1,100 HDTV technicians to assist in setting-up the products in homes.

Terms of HDTV

HDTV is a new breed of TV that combines the capabilites of an HD-tuner and HD-ready display. Nearly all of HDTV’s now sold use the 16:9 widescreen aspect ratio. An HDTV tuner can receive analog and digital broadcasts over-the-air.

HD–compatible TV is only able to display high-resolution. It can only accept digital broadcasts if hooked up with a separate HDTV tuner. HD-compatible TVs have the 16:9 widescreen ratio or the square-ish 4:3 aspect ratio.

Getting Started With HDTV

A recent study by the Consumer Electronics Association indicated that 71% on consumers  surveyed plan to purchase an HDTV set in the near future and are now planning and saving up. However, one difficulty in the consumer market currently is that most stores don't have enough salespeople who have a good knowledge on this new technology.

Unfortunately, as with too many salespeople, they are more concerned with making a quick sale rather than making it easy for the consumer to understand what he is purchasing. Translating or explaining complicated technology terms is never an easy task.

It's hard enought to expain the difference between HDTV and analog TV and it will be even more complicated to clearly explain the difference between HDTV and EDTV.

Setting up HDTV

When you decide to get  your own HDTV, make sure you give yourself time to become familiar with the technology. An HDTV setup normally consists of the following, HD-ready TV, receiver, antenna and HDTV service provider. Many HDTV's now have a built-in tuner, eliminating the need to purchase an independent box.

To help you in making the right choice, here are some of the most popular HDTV products currently available.

Receiver

The DIRECTV HR10-250 High-Definition Television satellite receiver is ideal for anyone who wants to get the most out of watching crystal-clear HDTV broadcasts. The HR10-250 can receive and decode digital signals from DIRECTV’s high-resolution broadcasts. The satellite receiver also features a built-in hard drive digital video recorder.

HD-broadcasts feature images rich in detail and surround sound makes a room come alive. HR10-250 HDTV satellite receiver can be connected to any HD-ready TV and home audio system.

Specifications:

» HDTV DIRECTV tuner — receives and decodes digital High-Definition Television signals from DIRECTV’s satellite broadcasts and local free-to-air broadcasts with the use of a compatible antenna.
» receives digital TV broadcasts in 480i, 480p, 720p, 1080i
» dual ATSC tuners
» can record up to 200 hours of standard-definition digital TV
with its built-in hard disk digital video recorder and up to 30 hours of HDTV
» manual timer recording by channel and time
» Season Pass™
» 1 set audio/video outputs (composite, S-video, component video, HDMI)
» Thumbs Up/Thumbs Down buttons — ratings system from TiVo
» HDMI, HDMI-to-DVI, component video, S-video, composite video, and telephone cables
» 1 year warranty

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