How to Choose a New HDTV
For many people, choosing their new television in the only upgrade that they are considering when updating their audio/visual or home entertainment system.
This is a serious error in judgment that really isn't their fault.
When they buy their new HDTV, they aren't worried about ports, sockets, and cords, but they should be.
Many things have changed since their previous television.
There is nothing worse then purchasing a brand new HDTV, sitting down for the first time in front of it to watch your favorite program, and grunting in disgust at the horrible picture.
There are two ways to approach this problem.
You can choose to buy an HDTV that will fit into your existing system, or you can update other components of your entertainment system at the same time.
This will impact how much HDTV you can afford.
HDTV provides digital quality picture and sound.
If you don't care about the sound quality, or have little need for a surround sound system, this is one of the components that you can either get rid of, not update, or ignore and it will save you money.
But, half of the HDTV experience is enjoying high definition with surround sound.
Have you heard your favorite comedy, soap opera, or sporting event in surround sound? It's an amazing experience that should not be ignored.
Nevertheless, if you don't need this component, or don't care, you have the opportunity to save some money and time, but read on to learn what you are missing.
Programming...
The first component you must upgrade is your programming.
If you use Dish, Direct TV, Comcast, or another provider, you must change your programming to HD.
Currently, some programs on a certain channel in your programming package may be showing in HD.
You can tell because the screen is cut off at the sides or at the bottom.
But you need a new feed/signal, a High Definition signal.
Make sure that you give your provider advanced notice because they need to change the signal to your satellite or set top box, and they may need to change your equipment.
Take the time to research what programming packages they have, and what new equipment and offers are being promoted.
If there's one thing you change, make sure it's your programming.
If you get some of your signals OTA (Over the Air), you can still do that but you may need a new antennae.
Set-top box...
This is your cable or satellite box that receives the signal from your provider.
If you have cable, the signal comes directly out of the wall, if you have satellite; you will probably need a new outside satellite dish to receive the signal.
Your current set-top box may still work, but usually you can update to a new one that will record HD programming inside of it, has advanced features, and is more compatible with HD signals.
Audio Receiver...
If you have or want an audio receiver, now is the time to research it.
If you want to use your old one, make sure that your new HDTV has the correct ports for it.
Most HDTV's use HDMI which includes both audio and sound in one cord, but you may have one that uses a digital or optical feed, so you need to make sure that your new HDTV can receive these signals and has the ports to accommodate them.
DVD or Blu-ray...
Depending on your set-top box (broadcast signal receiver) you may want to also purchase a new DVD or Blu-ray.
Once again, make sure you have enough ports on both the tv and on the new DVD or Blu-ray before buying either.
Gaming system...
Check your current gaming system and make sure that you have the correct, and enough, ports on the HDTV.
Computer...
If you want to connect your computer to the HDTV, check the capabilities and ports of both and make sure your HDTV can handle it.
Tips...
and Steps 1.
Make a map of all of your components.
Many times the HDTV or Audio Receiver manuals will have sample ones to refer to as well, but you need to make sure you have enough ports.
2.
Decide if you want your HDTV or Audio Receiver to accept most of the signals.
If you have an older Audio Receiver, you may need to use both because you have no choice.
But newer Audio Receivers should be able to accept most signals and shoot the Digital info out to the other components.
3.
Purchase all the cords you need before you buy the equipment.
4.
Purchase the HDTV, Audio Receiver, DVD/Blu-ray, and Gaming system upgrades in that order 5.
Find a techie to help you, experiment, research, and read all owner manuals.
Have fun!
This is a serious error in judgment that really isn't their fault.
When they buy their new HDTV, they aren't worried about ports, sockets, and cords, but they should be.
Many things have changed since their previous television.
There is nothing worse then purchasing a brand new HDTV, sitting down for the first time in front of it to watch your favorite program, and grunting in disgust at the horrible picture.
There are two ways to approach this problem.
You can choose to buy an HDTV that will fit into your existing system, or you can update other components of your entertainment system at the same time.
This will impact how much HDTV you can afford.
HDTV provides digital quality picture and sound.
If you don't care about the sound quality, or have little need for a surround sound system, this is one of the components that you can either get rid of, not update, or ignore and it will save you money.
But, half of the HDTV experience is enjoying high definition with surround sound.
Have you heard your favorite comedy, soap opera, or sporting event in surround sound? It's an amazing experience that should not be ignored.
Nevertheless, if you don't need this component, or don't care, you have the opportunity to save some money and time, but read on to learn what you are missing.
Programming...
The first component you must upgrade is your programming.
If you use Dish, Direct TV, Comcast, or another provider, you must change your programming to HD.
Currently, some programs on a certain channel in your programming package may be showing in HD.
You can tell because the screen is cut off at the sides or at the bottom.
But you need a new feed/signal, a High Definition signal.
Make sure that you give your provider advanced notice because they need to change the signal to your satellite or set top box, and they may need to change your equipment.
Take the time to research what programming packages they have, and what new equipment and offers are being promoted.
If there's one thing you change, make sure it's your programming.
If you get some of your signals OTA (Over the Air), you can still do that but you may need a new antennae.
Set-top box...
This is your cable or satellite box that receives the signal from your provider.
If you have cable, the signal comes directly out of the wall, if you have satellite; you will probably need a new outside satellite dish to receive the signal.
Your current set-top box may still work, but usually you can update to a new one that will record HD programming inside of it, has advanced features, and is more compatible with HD signals.
Audio Receiver...
If you have or want an audio receiver, now is the time to research it.
If you want to use your old one, make sure that your new HDTV has the correct ports for it.
Most HDTV's use HDMI which includes both audio and sound in one cord, but you may have one that uses a digital or optical feed, so you need to make sure that your new HDTV can receive these signals and has the ports to accommodate them.
DVD or Blu-ray...
Depending on your set-top box (broadcast signal receiver) you may want to also purchase a new DVD or Blu-ray.
Once again, make sure you have enough ports on both the tv and on the new DVD or Blu-ray before buying either.
Gaming system...
Check your current gaming system and make sure that you have the correct, and enough, ports on the HDTV.
Computer...
If you want to connect your computer to the HDTV, check the capabilities and ports of both and make sure your HDTV can handle it.
Tips...
and Steps 1.
Make a map of all of your components.
Many times the HDTV or Audio Receiver manuals will have sample ones to refer to as well, but you need to make sure you have enough ports.
2.
Decide if you want your HDTV or Audio Receiver to accept most of the signals.
If you have an older Audio Receiver, you may need to use both because you have no choice.
But newer Audio Receivers should be able to accept most signals and shoot the Digital info out to the other components.
3.
Purchase all the cords you need before you buy the equipment.
4.
Purchase the HDTV, Audio Receiver, DVD/Blu-ray, and Gaming system upgrades in that order 5.
Find a techie to help you, experiment, research, and read all owner manuals.
Have fun!
