Feeling overwhelmed in selecting a new TV? With all the choices these days, you may feel like, "Where do I start?!"
In part 4 of our 5 part article, we the discuss "do I really need an HDTV?"
---
Right now, stations are moving towards HDTV programming. Although available for free over the air in major metropolitan areas, this process will take a few years to fully unfold. To be honest, an HDTV, plus components, plus the service can add up. But, if you are ready for top-notch quality? then dive in!
Do beware? it's more then a choice of size, price, and a few extra features. Many consumers purchase an HDTV thinking that they can plug it in and get HD programming. You must consider how you want to receive your HD programming to know what extra components you will need.
Over the Air. For this option, the HD programming is free, but limited to local stations received by an HD compatible antenna (approx $20-$100). Also, either a HD tuner that is built into the TV or a external tuner (approx. $250) is required.
Local Cable Provider. For this option, the HD programming is an additional fee per month. Typically this will include your local and any premium channels (such as HBO) that you already subscribe to. No HD tuner or antenna is required, the cable provider will lease you a HD cable box.
Satellite. The monthly fee is generally a bit less then the local cable provider. For this option, you need buy the HD satellite receiver (approx $400-$800) and replace your old dish with a slightly larger elliptical-shaped HD capable dish.
Even if you decide that HD programming is not right for you? you may still benefit from purchasing a HDTV if you watch a lot of DVD movies. Although not all DVD's are in true HD format, you will realize a higher clarity. Also, TV's last for 10+ years, so why not be ready for the technology if you change your mind down the road?
* Next in Part 5 of this article: TV recommendations by room
?2005 Architechtronics, Inc. All rights reserved.
To stay on the cutting-edge of home automation, theater, and technology join "The EDGE" today-it's free! http://www.architechtronics.com/edge.html
Brett Griffin lives and works in Philadelphia, PA. Brett has 12 years of experience in the technology industry and strives to seamlessly blend high performance technologies into one easy to use system. As co-founder of Architechtronics, Brett uses his creativity and experience to help builders, dealers, and homeowners meet their technology desires in their home.
Barrington South Lincoln Stretch rentals .. Lockport Chicago limo O’HareViruses, software failures, power failures, human errors, hard drive failures... Read More
Buying a receiver is one of the most important decisions... Read More
For those seeking to buy their first flat panel TV... Read More
File permissions are one of the strengths that the Unix... Read More
It's free, it comes with Windows and it's used by... Read More
Since the DOS days, batch files have been one of... Read More
Those small USB drives have so many names, pocket drives,... Read More
Windows Media Player 10 has been full of bugs from... Read More
Simone is exasperated. She has to work on her university... Read More
For many people the computer industry is a seeming unsolvable... Read More
I would like to tell you about a magic home.... Read More
So you've got some spyware, ad-ware, or viruses on your... Read More
Sometimes your PC will start acting strange for no apparent... Read More
In the years of the dot com boom and bust,... Read More
The registry is where the computer stores information about the... Read More
Not sure what Windows registry is or how it works?... Read More
JPEG, GIFF/JIFF, BMP, and TIFF are the most commonly used... Read More
Feeling overwhelmed in selecting a new TV? With all the... Read More
Plenty! When we made the decision to be our own... Read More
In my humble opinion nothing makes a long trip easier... Read More
Have you ever thought about building your own computer system?... Read More
Yes, it's true. You may have inadvertently invited a spy... Read More
On 21 August 2003 Symantec Security Response upgraded the W32.SOBIG.F... Read More
I've worked my way from the CCNA to the CCIE,... Read More
GOT VIRUS? Your Data is NOT lost forever!In the wake... Read More
Downers Grove limo Chicago ..With renting methods such as online DVD rental and pay-per-view,... Read More
In the 1950's and 1960's Polaroid's instant cameras were all... Read More
This tip is on sharing files and folders on a... Read More
We have just entered the time of year that most... Read More
The best way to get the gaming computer that you... Read More
Computers have replaced typewriters, but two-finger, hunt-and-peck typing can never... Read More
The United States Of America citizen feels that games is... Read More
Cookies, not the kind that Mom makes, but the computer... Read More
Windows Media Player 10 has been full of bugs from... Read More
Maintaining your computer is extremely important ? especially if you... Read More
If you're a computer expert, you'll probably already know about... Read More
Music lovers have been carrying around radios and other bulky... Read More
No matter how fast your processor and regardless of how... Read More
Below you will find some useful information and comments about... Read More
Surf the 'Net for about 10 minutes and chances rate... Read More
Cisco Certification: Taking Your First Certification ExamYou've studied hard; you've... Read More
Your Bible At Your FingertipsIt is fairly easy to find... Read More
After reading this good article you will know some important... Read More
Plasma and LCD TVs are the latest trend in home... Read More
Peoples' private information needs to stay private, even after it... Read More
I recently got an e-mail asking about virtual memory. The... Read More
If you utilize a computer at home or work it... Read More
You use Ctrl+Alt+Del to see what's running on your PC,... Read More
Saving Lives With A Pocket PCFree medical downloads can be... Read More
Tech support tells me to type 'regedt32' as opposed to... Read More
Personal Technology |