1080p
This is the best high-definition resolution and picture quality available on the market today. It means there are 1080 horizontal lines of resolution displayed on the screen at once. The "p" stands for progressive scan which means the 1080 lines of resolution are displayed constantly and all at once, so there is no interlacing of the image. While HDTVs offer 1080p resolution, true 1080p resolution is currently only available through HD-DVD and Blu-Ray players along with next-gen video game systems such as Xbox 360 and Playstation 3.
1080i
This is the HD resolution quality for many satellite and cable HD broadcasts. 1080i means that the 1080 lines of resolution are interlaced and are shown half at a time each frame (either 1/120 or 1/60 of a second). The quality of 1080i is still very good for any HD application such as cable or satellite.
240Hz vs 120Hz vs 60Hz
120Hz means that 120 frames of image are shown every second just like 240Hz now means that 240 frames are being shwon every second. 60Hz was the old standard refresh rate for most LCD HDTVs but it's now moving towards 120Hz and 240Hz. This technology reduces the chance for blurring of the picture in fast-moving images in sports or video games. The 120Hz and 240Hz technology works by interpolating extra frames between the standard 60 frames to give the impression of more fluid motion. Some manufacturers interpolate black frames and some interpolate frames from the existing source content. The latter is the best method.
720p
This HD resolution means there are 720 lines of resolution showing constantly and in every frame. However, you will not be able to get the total 1080 lines of resolution found in 1080p displays. 720p is progressive which means it is preferred over 1080i (interlaced) for fast moving images such as sports and video games.
16:9 vs 4:3 Screen Sizes
These simply mean that there is a ratio of 16 width to 9 height or 4 width to 3 height respectively. 4:3 is the old standard TV format and 16:9 is the newer high definition TV standard.
ATSC Tuner
This type of tuner allows the TV to receive digital signals (DTV) and high definition broadcasting. Most of the new HDTVs on the market include this tuner built in so no additional equipment is needed for the TV to process high definition and digital signals. ATSC allows you to pick up HD stations broadcast over-the-air in your area.
Component Cables
The standard component cables commonly included with most HD devices provide a sufficient connection for high definition. However, this connection is not purely digital and actually converts the signal to analog before reaching the TV. Some loss of picture quality will result. The recommended connection for HD is HDMI. Component cables use three separate cables for the picture connection.
Contrast Ratio
This is the ratio of luminosity of the whitest whites to the blackest blacks the HDTV can produce. The higher the contrast ratio, the closer the TV is to producing more true-to-life blacks and whites. Be wary of the outrageous "dynamic" contrast ratio listed by manufacturers. There are no set standards in the market for measuring contrast.
DLP
DLP was technology developed by Texas Instruments that uses hundreds of thousands of mirrors which move to create the image. DLP HDTVs boast very good use of colors including blacker blacks and whiter whites for a great picture and are a form of rear-projection. Many DLPs, however, use lamps that need to be replaced every 1-5 years depending on the model. Some newer DLPs have LED backlighting that eliminates the need for lamps and extends the life of the TV to 60,000 plus hours. DLPs also have limited viewing angles if watching from the sides.
DTV (Digital Television)
DTV is the digital standard in TV broadcasting. This is the format that is scheduled to replace analog NTSC by Feb. 17th 2009. (see our 2009 Digital Transition article) Digital television includes digital widescreen (HD) broadcasts as well as digital standard TV (SDTV).
Flat-Panel HDTVs
Flat-panel TVs are plasmas and LCDs that are thin and lightweight so that they can be wall or ceiling mounted.
HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface)
This is the preferred connection for high definition devices. It is a true digital connection so no image or sound quality is lost through the connection. HDMI carries both the video and audio signals through one cable, simplifying the installation process and reducing the number of cords.
LCD (Liquid Crystal Display)
LCD TVs utilize a layer crystals and an electrical current to create the image. LCD TVs usually have a matte finish screen so glare and bright lightning will not negatively affect the picture. The new generation of LCDs are really giving plasma and DLP a run for their money as far as outstanding picture quality. However with LCDs, there is more of a picture loss than plasma if viewing the TV from an extreme angle. LCD TVs can be used in any environment and there is no chance for screen burn in resulting from extended video gaming or sports and news tickers at the bottom of the screen. Also, LCDs are flat and thin TVs that are lightweight and can be mounted on the wall or ceiling. LCDs also boast a 20 year life if used 8 hours per day.
LED Backlit LCDs (Liquid Crystal Displays)
LED LCDs are very similar to traditional LCDs except they use LED lights rather than the convential CCFLs. LED LCDs have a better contrast than traditional LCDs since LED lights can get very dark and very bright too. CCFLs can only get so dim and therefore can appear grayish in some dark scenes. LED LCDs are also more energy efficient because LEDs use much less power than the flourescent lighting (CCFLs) in other LCDs. There are a few different types of LED LCDs now entering the market. Local Dimming LEDs are by far the best type because they allow different portions of the screen to be independently dimmed or brightened separately from each other. This gives a better contrast with uniform lighting. There are also edge-lighting LED LCDs which use LEDs along the edge to light up the screen. This method is less uniform and can produce areas that appear unevenly lit, especially in darker scenes.
NTSC Tuner
The NTSC (or National Television System Committee) tuner allows a TV to process and display analog systems. Analog signals are on the way out and by 2009 will be replaced by digital (or DTV) signals.
Pixel Resolution
Pixel resolution is directly related to the HD resolution of the HDTV. For instance, a 1080p HDTV will have a 1920(W) x 1080(H) pixel resolution and a 720p HDTV will have a 1366(W) x 768(H) pixel resolution.
Plasma
Plasma uses tiny gas-filled bulbs that each represent pixels on the screen to produce the image. Plasmas are less expensive in larger screen sizes than LCD and boast some of the best contrast ratios along with less picture loss when viewed at angles. However, plasma TVs do not perform as well in bright rooms and their glass screens can result in glares. Also, screen burn-ins and retention can sometimes be an issue with plasma TVs for those who watch sports or news with tickers that run on the bottom of the screen. Like LCDs, plasmas are thin with a flat screen and can be mounted on the wall or ceiling. Like LCDs, they boast a 20 year plus life span when used 8 hours per day. Plasmas are currently less expensive than LCDs for screen sizes above 52".
QAM Tuner
QAM (or Quadrature Amplitude Modulation) tuners allow a TV to process digital cable channels without the use of a cable (or set-top) box. These tuners are similar to ATSC and are often included with most TVs that already have an ATSC tuner.
Upconversion
This is a technology becoming more common in DVD players and home theater receivers. Upconverting means that the device takes the existing quality of an image (such as from a standard DVD) and reformats it to look more like high definition. This feature can make your current DVDs look closer to the vivid clarity you would get from HD-DVDs and Blu-Ray discs. However, it's important to note that an upscaled or upconverted DVD will not compare to the quality you would get from a Blu-Ray.
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