Integrated HDTV

An integrated HDTV is a complete High-Definition TV System: The HD-Tuner is built-in. It comes with a 'high-dollar' price tag, but convenient if price is no object. Just connect it to a High Definition broadcast source, and enjoy HDTV! Consider however that a separate tuner has some advantages.

'HDTV-Capable' or 'HDTV-Ready'

Generally more affordable, these TV sets (often called Monitors) can display both NTSC (National Television Standards Committee) 'analog' signals and ATSC (Advanced Television Standards Committee) 'digital' signals. BUT - It requires an external, High Definition Tuner (Set Top Box - STB) to receive and display HDTV programs. Be sure you verify that the HD Tuner is compatible with the HD set you are purchasing, as well as the 'direct broadcast service' (DBS) (Satellite/Cable) you expect to use, and is also capable of receiving Over-The-Air (OTA) broadcasts.

Alert: "Digital Ready" and "HDTV-READY" DO NOT necessarily mean the TV will receive and display digital "High Definition" television programs - Be sure you verify that the set you are considering will indeed display true HDTV.

Screen Size

While screen size is a personal preference, in general, the larger the display, the more HDTV excels! Compare the different displays and select the size that best fits your space requirements and meets your personal needs.

Monitor Display Type

Direct View (Traditional Tube Set): Sizes range from approximately 30" to 40".

Projection (Rear or Front): Sizes range from approximately 40" to 82". Wide Screen (16:9 ratio): Consider the Wide Screen if most of your viewing will be High Definition Programming. 

Traditional Square Screen (4:3 ratio): Preferable if most viewing will be standard (NTSC) analog TV.

Plasma or LCD flat panel display: sizes range up to 63" and more but typically come in 42 inch, and 50 inch for Plasma wide-screen and 15, 17, 20, 32 inch for LCD displays. A 50 inch screen is impressively large. Consider also that this large of a display is going to weigh quite a bit.

Resolution

The ATSC Standard for High Definition Television requires a resolution of 1080 interlaced lines, or 720 progressive scan lines. Verify the set you choose is capable of converting (up/down) all signals to the "native" resolution of your set.

You should look for the pixel count on the TV you are considering. It will appear as two numbers and should appear in the description about the TV. 
For example, 1024 X 1024. Remember that true High-Definition TV is 
1920 X 1080 (1080i) or 1280 X 720 (720p) and that if your TV is not capable of displaying this resolution, that it is going to convert the High-Def signal to the native resolution of the TV (in our example 1024 X 1024). 

Now the question is, can you tell the difference? Even experts disagree about which is better, 1080i or 720p, with some saying you cannot tell the difference. There are some HDTVs which have 1920 X 1080 resolution and many that have less than this. You need to compare the picture on different displays and buy the one which looks best to you. Just remember to always use the same source signal to compare displays.

Get the best TV picture: Remember that the only real way to compare TV pictures on various displays is to look at each set while using the same video source at the same time with the same connections. Do this for several video sources and compare each set.

Audio

Don't overlook the audio system; the Standard for HDTV is "Dolby A3" (5.1 Channel Surround Sound). 

However, at the present time, many manufacturers feature their own proprietary audio system. While many of these produce a quality audio-experience (sound), to get the maximum enjoyment from your system, the "Dolby 5.1 Surround Audio" should be your First choice.

Connections

Choose a model that offers the Most Ports, with the Widest Selection of Connector Types. Also check for additional Front Ports - a real convenience. And remember - You can Not have too many input or output ports!

HD Tuner - (aka: Set-Top-Box - 'STB'; HDTV Receiver; Decoder)
Verify that the Tuner or STB you're buying is compatible with the HDTV Set you will be buying, as well as the DTS ("Direct TV Service" - Satellite/Cable) you subscribe to, and that it is capable of receiving OTA (off-air) Broadcasts. Some STB's exclusive to both of the Digital Satellite Services, as well as independent - 'stand alone' - units. Cable subscribers will need to check with their Cable Company for information regarding compatibility with their cable Set-Top-Box.

Additional Items to consider:

These are listed as questions you should ask... the answers will vary depending on your individual circumstances - what model you are looking at, where you live, what other components you may have, etc.

Ask these questions BEFORE You Make A Purchase - if you cannot get satisfactory answers (meaning YOU'RE Satisfied - and Confident the information is reliable) from the sales associate, find out from another source. Use Caution before buying any HDTV Components if you have unanswered questions.

Will you need any 'add-on' components? For instance - Does your HD-Tuner require an Add-On Module (8VSB) to receive OTA Broadcast?

Do you need to buy a special "dish" for your satellite service?

Do you need additional or special Connecting Cables?

Are all the cables included, compatible with all your audio-video components?

Do you have a 'surge protector' - what type is recommended?

What type of External Antenna do you need for OTA Broadcasts in your area?

Is Delivery/Set Up Included? (Especially important for the 'big-screen' projection sets)

Check for In-Home Maintenance/Tune Up Contract? (May be an important consideration for Large Projector Systems that require periodic adjustments)

Reminder:
Be sure that the HDTV System you choose will work with all your other audio-video components: VCR; DVD; Video Game; Sound System, etc

What is my total cost going to be? Add shipping/delivery costs and sales taxes.

Note: This HDTV-Guide is just a quick over-view of HDTV basics that consumers might need to consider. Check with other sources for more extensive lists of considerations.