A Guide To Dvr Tivo And HdtvCRT (cathode ray tube)can display approximately 480 visible lines of pixels. Analog pictures are interlaced which is what causes the set to flicker. DTV (digital television) transmits a binomial code instead of utilizing waves. The picture quality is vastly improved and there is no interlacing. The signal is also capable of conveying more information and multicasting and allows for High definition television (HDTV). HDTV is made more like a theater screen with a typical ration of 16:9. Widescreen movies can be seen without those black bars. DVR usage is also enhanced with a screen that provides true cinema feeling to your favorite movies and shows. HDTV also has almost 3x the resolution capability of analog and can display 9x more pixels. When purchasing an HDTV consider the following: Would you like a Plasma or LCD HDTV? The differences are subtle and for most people either will be fine. The picture quality is comparable and the styles are slim and seek. Plasma screens tend to be a bit darker but they are also thought to be more durable. Plasmas are also at a little disadvantage when it comes to viewing angles but as both technologies advance the differences become more subtle. Plasmas have traditionally been larger but LCD's are beginning to close the gap. Tuner Type Almost all new HDTV's have a connection to receive HDTV via antenna. Otherwise, HDTV must be accessed through a tuner box. Cable and Satellite providers typically provide these boxes although DVR's and other tuners have HDTV capabilities. With a provider you are paying for a connection to HDTV programming but with antenna you only have the initial set up fee, however, your variety is much less. Price will vary by resolution. As with any product, don't start by shopping at the top of the line. HDTV quality is so superior that you may well be satisfied with a lower-end model. Picture resolutions typically range from 1280x720-1920x1080. Connections RGB, Fire wire, DVI-D with HDCP and HDMI are the most progressive though most sets will come with Composite video, S-Video, and Interlaced and Progressive Component connections. These are useful for backward compatibility and connection with video cams, cameras, etc... Before you shop, think about the devices you want to connect and your connectivity requirements. |