Buying HDTV

Now that High Definition TVs are finally coming down to consumer level prices, it is a good time to consider buying one yourself. With so many options however, you should be careful to make sure you choose one with the right features. First off, you have to make a choice about the resolution. 720p and 1080i are the two main standards for High Definition content, and are supported by equipment such as Sky HD, Blu-Ray and the Xbox 360. Any television that supports 720p is classed as HD Ready.

If you want to display a 1080i/1080p signal in its entirety, you'll need a 'Full HD' television. Most high definition television is broadcast in either 720p or 1080i, so you may not feel you need a screen which can display 1080p. However, if you are a film buff or a serious gamer then there are reasons why this could be a good choice. The Xbox360 and the PlayStation 3 produce 1080p picture, and most Blu-Ray discs are also designed for 1080p output. You need to make your own decision as to whether this is worth the extra cost.

Once you have chosen a set which seems to fulfil your requirements you should be careful to check it does everything you want. Research it online to make sure it has all the necessary specifications. As well as HDMI sockets for Blu-Ray players and HD consoles, it should also have SCART sockets so that you can hook it up to older equipment like your DVD player. Also make sure you read reviews of the product, to see if other people have found it to live up to the truly awesome experience that HD Television is capable of providing.