HDTV Buying Guide: Features That Future Proof

Features that Future Proof

Now that you have been educated a bit about High Definition Televisions, you should be able to make an educated decision about what type of television is right for your needs. However, now that the basics are out of the way, here is a list of features that you may see on certain televisions that may influence you into buying a particular television.

1080p
1080p is the highest possible resolution that is out right now. It marketed as “full HD”. The screen resolution is 1900 x 1080 (number of horizontal scan lines). The “p” stands for progressive, which means that the images will be smoother upon playback because the lines scan faster. The only way to get 1080p is through a gaming console like the Xbox360 or Playstation 3 or through next generation DVD players like HD DVD or Blu-Ray Discs. Since there is not much out there that supports this resolution, buying a 1080p television is future proof, and it is more of an investment. Typically, they cost $500 more than a 720p (Normal High Definition) television of the same model and size. 1080p exists on LCDs, Plasma, and Rear Projections, but almost all LCDs 46” and up will be 1080p!

24fp
This is a new introduction to televisions this year and is specifically for movie playback on HD DVD and Blu-Ray players. Movies that are shot on film are recorded at 24 frames per second. A TV capable of displaying 24p can show the movie back in its original form. 24 frames per second material tends to look very fluid and “like butter”. It is a much smoother type of picture, though some people like it and others do not. Again, a television with this is future proof. Mostly on LCDs, but Plasmas and Rear Projections can have this technology.

120 Hertz
Found on LCDs, 120 Hertz refers to the televisions refresh rate. Since television is broadcasted in 60 frames a second, an HDTV with this feature basically refreshes twice as fast which eliminates much of the judder and motion trail that can be prominent in LCDs. The 69 and 71 series Samsung LCD’s have this as well as the Sony XBR line.

The next section is a collection of televisions that I would suggest to a buyer depending on quality and price. Continue to Part 6.