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HD sets can provide the best at-home viewing experience currently available, at ever-lower prices.
Today's gold standard for TV is high definition, or HD. This much-talked-about format offers images with lifelike detail and clarity. Digital programming, which includes HD, is available via cable, satellite and over the air. To receive HD programming, you’ll need an HD cable box, HD satellite receiver, or an antenna and HD decoder (either built into the TV or in a separate set-top box). And, of course, you’ll need an HD-capable TV designed to display the sharp, fine detail contained in the HD signals. HD equipment can also accept standard definition (SD) and enhanced definition (ED) signals.
WHAT’S AVAILABLE
HD sets can provide the best at-home viewing experience currently available, at ever-lower prices.
Today's gold standard for TV is high definition, or HD. This much-talked-about format offers images with lifelike detail and clarity. Digital programming, which includes HD, is available via cable, satellite and over the air. To receive HD programming, you’ll need an HD cable box, HD satellite receiver, or an antenna and HD decoder (either built into the TV or in a separate set-top box). And, of course, you’ll need an HD-capable TV designed to display the sharp, fine detail contained in the HD signals. HD equipment can also accept standard definition (SD) and enhanced definition (ED) signals.
WHAT’S AVAILABLE
TV sets that are capable of displaying HD images are available in all TV types, from familiar picture-tube (direct-view) sets to the newest plasma, LCD, and rear-projection TVs. All these sets are capable of displaying the added detail in HD images. HD-capable sets fall into three basic categories:
HD-ready sets.
Also called HDTV Monitors, these sets can display standard-definition programs (which still account for most non-prime-time TV broadcasts) on their own. To display digital programs, they require a digital tuner to decode those broadcasts. If you’re getting your HD programming from cable or satellite, your digital cable box or satellite receiver has the appropriate digital decoder built in. All you have to do is connect your HD-ready TV to the box and you’re all set. Cable companies charge a small rental fee for digital or HD-capable boxes. To receive HD via satellite, you need an HD receiver and special dish antenna(e). Together, these cost about $300, but you may be able to get them from the satellite company at little or no charge as part of a promotion.
You can also get digital broadcasts, including HD, over the air, via an antenna. To do so, you'll have to buy a digital tuner called an ATSC (Advanced Television Systems Committee) tuner—the external box costs a few hundred dollars. However, there's no charge for service as there is with cable or satellite. Some satellite receivers also offer a built-in ATSC digital tuner. To receive digital programming via antenna, you must be fairly close to a transmitter, with an unobstructed view. With digital signals, you’ll either have a clear, strong signal or none at all.
HD-ready sets.
Also called HDTV Monitors, these sets can display standard-definition programs (which still account for most non-prime-time TV broadcasts) on their own. To display digital programs, they require a digital tuner to decode those broadcasts. If you’re getting your HD programming from cable or satellite, your digital cable box or satellite receiver has the appropriate digital decoder built in. All you have to do is connect your HD-ready TV to the box and you’re all set. Cable companies charge a small rental fee for digital or HD-capable boxes. To receive HD via satellite, you need an HD receiver and special dish antenna(e). Together, these cost about $300, but you may be able to get them from the satellite company at little or no charge as part of a promotion.
You can also get digital broadcasts, including HD, over the air, via an antenna. To do so, you'll have to buy a digital tuner called an ATSC (Advanced Television Systems Committee) tuner—the external box costs a few hundred dollars. However, there's no charge for service as there is with cable or satellite. Some satellite receivers also offer a built-in ATSC digital tuner. To receive digital programming via antenna, you must be fairly close to a transmitter, with an unobstructed view. With digital signals, you’ll either have a clear, strong signal or none at all.
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Price range: Depends on TV screen size and technology. The least expensive, a 27-inch direct-view set, starts at about $300. An HD-ready plasma TV could cost $2,000 or more.
There are also digital TVs whose resolution fall short of HD but are superior to regular, standard-definition analog sets. These enhanced-definition models, ED-ready sets or EDTV Monitors, can often accept HD signals when connected to an HD tuner. They must down-convert HD signals to fit their lower native resolution, so you won't see true HD quality. Still, they offer a less costly way to view HD programming, and they can equal the picture quality of an HD set with standard-definition programming and with movies from a DVD player.
Integrated HDTV sets.
These have the ATSC digital tuner built in, which enables them to display HD with no additional equipment when used with a roof antenna. You may be able to receive the major networks’ HD offerings transmitted over the air in your area, but not the premium channels available on satellite and cable. To get HD via cable or satellite, integrated sets require an HD-capable cable box, CableCard, or satellite receiver—the built-in digital tuner only works for off-air digital broadcasts.
Starting in July of 2006, all new TVs with 36-inch or larger screens must have a built-in digital tuner to comply with a government ruling. Smaller sets must have such tuners within a year or two.
Digital-Cable-Ready (DCR) sets.
A new type of integrated HDTV, called a digital-cable-ready (DCR) or plug-and-play set, can get HD when a CableCard provided by the cable company, usually for a fee, is inserted into a slot on the TV. With DCR TVs, you can omit the cable box and still see digital and HD channels, but the first-generation DCR sets won't get all the features a box provides, such as an interactive guide—second-generation DCR sets should fix this. Many of the new integrated sets coming onto the market are digital-cable-ready.
Price range: Generally a few hundred dollars more than a comparable HD-ready set.
IMPORTANT FEATURES
Most features on HD sets are similar to those on conventional sets. ED and HD sets generally have a flat screen, which reduces reflections, and picture-in-picture (PIP), which lets you watch two shows simultaneously, or keep a program playing in a small box while exploring the onscreen program guide. A feature called 3:2 pulldown compensation can improve the smoothness of movies played on interlaced (not usually progressive-scan) DVD players. It’s sometimes referred to by brand-specific names such as CineMotionor Film mode.
The aspect ratio, or width-to-height ratio, is of special importance when choosing an HD set. Some have a squarish 4:3 aspect ratio like that of a conventional TV. Wide-screen sets have a rectangular 16:9 (or 15:9) shape that more closely resembles a movie-theater screen. TV programming is usually formatted for a 4:3 screen, but more programmers are adopting the 16:9 format. Most cinematic movies are close to 16:9. Content formatted for one type of screen has to be modified to fit the other, so you may see dark bars to the left and right or top and bottom. Most ED and HD sets are wide-screen models. You’ll find 4:3 screens only on some picture-tube and LCD HD sets.
Stretch and zoom modes will expand or compress an image to better fill the screen shape. This helps to reduce the dark bands that can appear above, below, or on the sides of the image if you watch content formatted for one screen shape on a TV that has the other shape. (The picture may be distorted or cut off a bit in the process of stretching and zooming.) Those bars make the picture slightly smaller and over time may leave ghosted images on the screens of plasma and CRT-based rear-projection TVs. This “burn-in” is also a risk with any images left on the screen for long periods—say from a stock ticker.
In addition to the usual TV connections (antenna/cable, composite-video, S-video, and component-video) most HD-capable sets have a Digital Visual Interface (DVI) or High-Definition Multimedia Input (HDMI). These provide a high-quality digital connection to digital devices and may allow content providers to control your ability to record certain content. DVI inputs carry only video; HDMI inputs carry audio and video on one cable.
Audio outputs let you direct a TV’s audio signal to a receiver or to self-powered speakers. Integrated digital TVs also include a Dolby Digital audio output for surround sound (available from some digital broadcasts). An automatic volume leveler compensates for the jarring volume jumps that often accompany commercials or changes in channel. Some plasma sets have a separate control unit—a video receiver, in effect, that accepts connections more easily than a panel you’ve had mounted onto a wall.
HOW TO CHOOSE
See HD images for yourself. Only firsthand experience will enable you to decide whether the quality is worth the extra cost. Given a clean signal, some HD sets can make even standard-definition images look better than they do on a regular TV. With a poor signal, like the worst channels from cable, a digital set can make the images look worse, though. HD sets also provide a modest but noticeable upgrade in quality from most DVD movies. See if a local retailer can show you various sets displaying various signals, and make sure you know exactly what you’re watching. You may find it helpful to visit a friend or relative with an HD set and view different content of your own choosing.
Consider enhanced-definition models. An EDTV or an ED-ready plasma TV may cost little more than many standard-definition models and may cost significantly less than HD sets. Picture quality can approach that of an HD set when used with a DVD player or digital tuner. Some (but not all) of these sets can accept HD programming and display it at a lower quality. If you're willing to settle, such a set could give you some semblance of the HD experience for less.
Find out how much HD content is available where you live. Before you expend energy shopping for a set, find out about HD programming available in your area and how you’d get it. Most parts of the United States have access to a fair amount of HD content, but offerings vary by locale and the reception method you use, antenna, cable, or satellite. To find out about digital and HD TV stations in your area, visit www.HDTVpub.com, www.dtv.gov, www.DigitalTVzone.com, or CheckHD.com.
Decide if today's price premium for HD is worth paying. The cost of HD sets is falling, but these TVs still cost more than conventional sets. It may be easier to justify the premium if you’re shopping for your household’s main set. With TVs that are pricey to begin with—such as plasma, LCD, or rear-projection—you can make an especially strong case for getting an HD set. Why spend thousands for yesterday’s television technology?
As with most electronics gear, there’s also an argument to be made for waiting: Prices have fallen sharply already and are expected to keep moving downward over the near future as more HD sets are introduced and demand continues to rise.
Copyright © 2003-2007 Consumers Union of U.S., Inc.
For full access to Ratings and recommendations of appliances, cars & trucks, electronic gear, and much more, subscribe to ConsumerReports.org.
BACK TO: Consumer Reports: Buying Guides
There are also digital TVs whose resolution fall short of HD but are superior to regular, standard-definition analog sets. These enhanced-definition models, ED-ready sets or EDTV Monitors, can often accept HD signals when connected to an HD tuner. They must down-convert HD signals to fit their lower native resolution, so you won't see true HD quality. Still, they offer a less costly way to view HD programming, and they can equal the picture quality of an HD set with standard-definition programming and with movies from a DVD player.
Integrated HDTV sets.
These have the ATSC digital tuner built in, which enables them to display HD with no additional equipment when used with a roof antenna. You may be able to receive the major networks’ HD offerings transmitted over the air in your area, but not the premium channels available on satellite and cable. To get HD via cable or satellite, integrated sets require an HD-capable cable box, CableCard, or satellite receiver—the built-in digital tuner only works for off-air digital broadcasts.
Starting in July of 2006, all new TVs with 36-inch or larger screens must have a built-in digital tuner to comply with a government ruling. Smaller sets must have such tuners within a year or two.
Digital-Cable-Ready (DCR) sets.
A new type of integrated HDTV, called a digital-cable-ready (DCR) or plug-and-play set, can get HD when a CableCard provided by the cable company, usually for a fee, is inserted into a slot on the TV. With DCR TVs, you can omit the cable box and still see digital and HD channels, but the first-generation DCR sets won't get all the features a box provides, such as an interactive guide—second-generation DCR sets should fix this. Many of the new integrated sets coming onto the market are digital-cable-ready.
Price range: Generally a few hundred dollars more than a comparable HD-ready set.
IMPORTANT FEATURES
Most features on HD sets are similar to those on conventional sets. ED and HD sets generally have a flat screen, which reduces reflections, and picture-in-picture (PIP), which lets you watch two shows simultaneously, or keep a program playing in a small box while exploring the onscreen program guide. A feature called 3:2 pulldown compensation can improve the smoothness of movies played on interlaced (not usually progressive-scan) DVD players. It’s sometimes referred to by brand-specific names such as CineMotionor Film mode.
The aspect ratio, or width-to-height ratio, is of special importance when choosing an HD set. Some have a squarish 4:3 aspect ratio like that of a conventional TV. Wide-screen sets have a rectangular 16:9 (or 15:9) shape that more closely resembles a movie-theater screen. TV programming is usually formatted for a 4:3 screen, but more programmers are adopting the 16:9 format. Most cinematic movies are close to 16:9. Content formatted for one type of screen has to be modified to fit the other, so you may see dark bars to the left and right or top and bottom. Most ED and HD sets are wide-screen models. You’ll find 4:3 screens only on some picture-tube and LCD HD sets.
Stretch and zoom modes will expand or compress an image to better fill the screen shape. This helps to reduce the dark bands that can appear above, below, or on the sides of the image if you watch content formatted for one screen shape on a TV that has the other shape. (The picture may be distorted or cut off a bit in the process of stretching and zooming.) Those bars make the picture slightly smaller and over time may leave ghosted images on the screens of plasma and CRT-based rear-projection TVs. This “burn-in” is also a risk with any images left on the screen for long periods—say from a stock ticker.
In addition to the usual TV connections (antenna/cable, composite-video, S-video, and component-video) most HD-capable sets have a Digital Visual Interface (DVI) or High-Definition Multimedia Input (HDMI). These provide a high-quality digital connection to digital devices and may allow content providers to control your ability to record certain content. DVI inputs carry only video; HDMI inputs carry audio and video on one cable.
Audio outputs let you direct a TV’s audio signal to a receiver or to self-powered speakers. Integrated digital TVs also include a Dolby Digital audio output for surround sound (available from some digital broadcasts). An automatic volume leveler compensates for the jarring volume jumps that often accompany commercials or changes in channel. Some plasma sets have a separate control unit—a video receiver, in effect, that accepts connections more easily than a panel you’ve had mounted onto a wall.
HOW TO CHOOSE
See HD images for yourself. Only firsthand experience will enable you to decide whether the quality is worth the extra cost. Given a clean signal, some HD sets can make even standard-definition images look better than they do on a regular TV. With a poor signal, like the worst channels from cable, a digital set can make the images look worse, though. HD sets also provide a modest but noticeable upgrade in quality from most DVD movies. See if a local retailer can show you various sets displaying various signals, and make sure you know exactly what you’re watching. You may find it helpful to visit a friend or relative with an HD set and view different content of your own choosing.
Consider enhanced-definition models. An EDTV or an ED-ready plasma TV may cost little more than many standard-definition models and may cost significantly less than HD sets. Picture quality can approach that of an HD set when used with a DVD player or digital tuner. Some (but not all) of these sets can accept HD programming and display it at a lower quality. If you're willing to settle, such a set could give you some semblance of the HD experience for less.
Find out how much HD content is available where you live. Before you expend energy shopping for a set, find out about HD programming available in your area and how you’d get it. Most parts of the United States have access to a fair amount of HD content, but offerings vary by locale and the reception method you use, antenna, cable, or satellite. To find out about digital and HD TV stations in your area, visit www.HDTVpub.com, www.dtv.gov, www.DigitalTVzone.com, or CheckHD.com.
Decide if today's price premium for HD is worth paying. The cost of HD sets is falling, but these TVs still cost more than conventional sets. It may be easier to justify the premium if you’re shopping for your household’s main set. With TVs that are pricey to begin with—such as plasma, LCD, or rear-projection—you can make an especially strong case for getting an HD set. Why spend thousands for yesterday’s television technology?
As with most electronics gear, there’s also an argument to be made for waiting: Prices have fallen sharply already and are expected to keep moving downward over the near future as more HD sets are introduced and demand continues to rise.
Copyright © 2003-2007 Consumers Union of U.S., Inc.
For full access to Ratings and recommendations of appliances, cars & trucks, electronic gear, and much more, subscribe to ConsumerReports.org.
BACK TO: Consumer Reports: Buying Guides