What Kind of TV Do I Need for High-Definition Television?

High-definition television (HDTV) is just one form of digital broadcasting -- but it's the best one. The HDTV format combines several technologies to offer a bigger, higher-resolution picture and room-filling sound.

How HDTV Produces a Better Picture

Understanding HDTV Technology

Buying a TV Set That's Right for HDTV

Do You Need a Built-In HDTV Tuner?

What to Avoid

When you're looking for a new high definition TV, you want to avoid those low-end plasma and LCD sets that claim to offer "enhanced definition" TV, or EDTV.

Enhanced definition TV is higher resolution than standard resolution TV, but it isn't high definition. In terms of numbers, an enhanced definition display produces a 480p picture (compared to 480i standard definition), which is far below the resolution of either a 720p or 1080i true high definition display. Unfortunately, a lot of consumers are buying these relatively low-priced EDTV flat panel displays and are then disappointed when they go to watch true HDTV programming.

Don't get fooled -- to get a true high definition picture, you need a true high definition TV.

Michael Miller is a writer and commentator on technology and digital lifestyle topics.