“Say what?” acronyms, dizzying numbers of options, resolution specifics and impenetrable jargon intimidate newbies to the high-definition TV market.
Just remember: Your eyes are the most persuasive sales force on the floor.
“You can read specifications and literature until your eyeballs fall out,” says Eric Brawner, the home-theater installation supervisor for Sundown. “But it’s the details and the colors you see that should make the final call.”
Like eight-tracks, VHS tapes and audiocassettes, square-shaped TV sets — or standard-definition TVs — are going the way of the dodo bird. In fact, those receiving signals over the air on most such TVs — i.e., not through cable or satellite — must replace or enhance their sets by Feb. 17, 2009 — that is, if they want to watch “House” at their own house.
The digital signal of high definition enhances picture and sound. When Jack Bauer judo-chops the throat of a terrorist on “24,” the impact rumbles in Dolby Digital 5.1 sound. And HD clarity of the turf and cleats in NFL replays lets you make as accurate a challenge call as the on-field official.
HDTV also opens avenues for interactivity and channel “multicasting.” That’s when one channel can offer several programs at the same position — say, Channel 12.1 or 12.2.
By comparison, HDTVs are rectangular and enhanced for widescreen presentations. Those pesky black bars? No more, as the picture on all high-definition TV programming and most DVDs is stretched in proper proportions to fill the entire screen.
All this at a price that no longer has to bust a budget. Five years ago, a 42-inch plasma HDTV cost $7,000. That same TV today could cost $1,400 or, if you catch a closeout deal, even $200 less. Pacific Media Associates, a marketing and research group specializing in large-screen TVs, predicts HDTV prices will drop by another…