Starting in February 2009 the FCC is forcing broadcasters to switch from analog to digital signals. However, don't assume that you need to immediately upgrade to an HDTV set. Unless you're still using rabbit ears, chances are that the changeover will not affect your ability to view TV. Most cable boxes will switch the signal automatically though investing in a converter box may be wise should the cable go out. The government is offering a $40 coupon to defray the cost of your purchase.
If you do want to invest in an HDTV, there are a few things you need to know:
1. If you're a Comcast subscriber you'll need an HDTV cable box; it will cost you about $7/month on top of what you are currently paying.
2. There are three leading HDTV technologies right now: LCD, Plasma, and DLP. While all three technologies will give you a wonderful picture, it's important to take into consideration what type of environment you watch TV in. For example, if watch TV in a room that is very sunny, the sunlight reflecting off a plasma screen will probably drive you batshit. There are lots of guides available to assist you with this decision.
3. Contrast ratio: the higher the ratio, the better the picture. A basic set will have at least 1200:1 contrast ratio while a top of the line set will have something closer to 25000:1. Get as high of a contrast ratio as you can afford.
4. HDMI is the output of choice for peripherals such as cable boxes, DVD players, sound systems, gaming systems, etc. HDMI offers a true high def picture, and is quickly replacing older technologies such as coaxial and S-video . Investing in as set with 2 or more HDMI outputs will help "futureproof" your set. FYI: chances are that when you buy your new HDTV that the sales rep will try to up sell you an HDMI cable for about $20. Comcast will give you one for free if you stop by any of their offices.
5. Prices of HDTV sets vary wildly so shop around and be sure to inquire about price matching. Use the fact that there are dozens of retailers and e-tailers vying for your business to your advantage.
6. Before you ditch your old tube TV look into recycling or donation programs. The average SDTV contains 7 lbs of lead which is wicked bad for the environment if left rotting in a landfill. If you can't give your TV away and it's too big to schlep to the Salvation Army, most scrap metal outfits will haul it away for free.
About Me
- pahkcah02
- Boston, Massachusetts, United States
- I am a 28 year old sales rep who spends most of the day working out of a "virtual" office, which in reality is actually my bedroom. I started this blog because I've always enjoyed writing and having people actually read my blog is the ultimate ego-boost. I originally started off on MySpace but recently decided to join the "big leagues" here on Blogger. For the most part, I'm your typical scotch-drinking, potty-mouthed nice Jewish girl living in the suburbs of the greatest city in the history of western civilization, Boston, Massachusetts. I first left my area code during college, when I interened at a dotcom in London. You'd think that after meeting all sorts of interesting people from diverse cultures that I would become some type of open-minded intellectual. Completely fed up with whiny Euro-trash, upon my return to Boston I quickly became a registered Republican - I haven't looked back since. I like to write about everything from "global warming" to quirky travel stories to one hit wonders recorded in the 1990's. If you'd like to comment that's fine, so long as you're not an asshole about it. Thanks for stopping by.
2 comments:
If you have a commercial comcast account all HD boxes along with HDMI cables are complimentary. No extra fees are involved. That was pretty sweet that I didn't have to go and ask the accountant to pay an extra $7 a month. I am loving the HD era.
I'm really bready to ditch the Tv and just go without it. I hate all this Bs. Just another way of tucking it to the consumer in nthe good old name of greed.
AND FUCK COMCAST!!!!
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