The Plasma Set Television- How it Works and Why It's a Good Reason to Buy a New TV

Long before plasma set televisions made their appearance, people bought TVs for their size. The bulkier, the better and whoever got the biggest, meanest television screen won the game of one-upmanship with his neighbors.

And then picture quality came along. The game quickly shifted into whose TV made the grass look greener and Halle Berry better looking than she already is. These days, the gold medal probably belongs to plasma television sets.

Why plasma television set looks so good

If you have your old CRT (cathode ray tube) TV, you've probably been amazed at the technology that made pictures come alive through the screen. CRTs also use pixels or dots that when grouped together, form a bigger image. CRTs basically use a vacuum tube that fires electrons against phosphors. Three phosphors make up one pixel, which is made of red, blue and green colors.

The CRT technology has a measure of control on which phosphor group to hit and depending on the strength and length of the hit, the picture tube shows us an image with color and light contrast.

Now CRTs perform well and are in fact still popular in many parts of the world. The only drawback is that they are heavier, fragile and eat up a lot of living room space. You've probably noticed the same issues with your older computer monitors.

With a plasma television set, the technology is different. Gas inside a fluorescent light is excited to a degree and transforms into a plasma state. Pixels are still made with the same three basic colors, but since plasma can be aimed more precisely, more pixels can be hit to form an image. The result? A clearer, prettier picture on the television screen.

Not only is high resolution a feature that plasma television sets boast of, there are also the colors - all 16 million and more of them. Imagine watching the TV and knowing there are millions of different colors dancing right in front of your eyes even if you can only name a few. There's dragon red, leaf green, ocean blue or maybe canary yellow and egg white, but that's just a drop in the bucket of all the color possibilities that plasma television sets can offer.

The view from the other side

Another reason why plasma television sets win a lot of admirers is that it gives the concept of 'sitting in front of the television' a whole new meaning. Remember when kids used to fight for the 'best seats' right smack in the middle for TV viewing? This is no longer true with plasma TV.

With rear projection TVs, the viewing angle is about 45 degrees to the sides. A plasma television set can give you perfect images even at 160 degrees! You can walk from one side of the room to the other and you will still have the same picture quality, so don't worry too much about Aunt or Grandma sitting to the sides of the plasma television set. They are enjoying themselves just fine.

The flatness is also there for a reason other than giving the excellent viewing angles; it also reduces glare. With a plasma television set, you don't even have to dim the lights for better viewing. It works just as well even with ambient light turned to the max.

Issues and myths

No, you cannot refill your plasma television set's plasma content or that it's too radiation-heavy. Those are urban legends that are too silly to be even given a second look. Plasma television sets are a product of the latest technology and as such, still have a few issues here and there.

One of the most common is the burn-in issue, where a plasma television set develops a burned-in image when it's tuned in for too long to a static picture. There is also the half-life expectancy where plasma televisions are expected to burn a little dimmer after a few thousand hours.

These issues are quite true, but the real threat to the life and quality of a plasma television set is really a matter of wise and careful use. If you keep it on hours and hours on one channel with a static image, then a burn-in issue might emerge, but this will only happen after hours of day-in and day-out use. The half-life has also improved from the 30,000 hours (allowing you 9 years of plasma TV use for 8 hours of viewing a day) to 60,000 hours.

The Holy Grail of television sets?

For now, plasma television sets offer a lot to drool about but many would-be fans are put off by its price. Imagine paying about $2,500 for a 42-inch plasma TV. However, plasma televisions are priced that way for good reason - they offer tops in picture quality and contrast and even with the monstrous size some models are available in, you won't want a lot in the resolution department.

Getting a plasma television set instead of an LCD or some other high-def TV is really a matter of personal choice and budget. Shop for the unit that's perfect for you and enjoy all the other benefits you won't otherwise get had you made a different choice.

For more information now go to: http://www.qualityplasmatelevision.com/Plasma-Set-Television.html http://www.qualityplasmatelevision.com

Television Stands Don't Have to Be an Eyesore

If you have a television set in your bedroom or living room, you are probably well aware of the fact that television stands are not the loveliest thing in any type of décor. It is something about a television stand that just gets in the way of the eye, and those that are pleasing to it are usually not so pleasing to the pocketbook. Of course, rarely is there a television without one of the many different kinds of television stands to get in the way of everything. Luckily, there are ways to go about your home décor so that the furniture that holds your television set is hardly noticeable at all. Here are a few design ideas to get you started on calling the attention away from any of your mediocre television stands.

Go Floral in Your Home

Well, you don't have to go floral but getting some type of greenery in your home-especially in brighter areas like a living room, can take away from eyesores like that darn TV stand. As a matter of fact, small trees work very well for this purpose as do flowers, potted plants, and other such items. If you have flowers in a vase, those are only designed to last for a time, but flowers in a pot that you can tend to and will grow are excellent ways to start a design around even the ugliest of television stands.

Get a Television Armoire for a Bedroom

One of the places in which foul television stands are the hardest to hide is in the bedroom. If you have this problem but you are not really comfortable with putting your television on an end table or on top of the dresser, consider a television armoire. A television armoire is a great way to hide the television when you aren't watching it, and if you pick the right ones you can end up with a very nice piece of furniture to look at when the television set is actually hidden away as well.

Get a Hanging TV

If you don't have one already, you have most likely at least seen those plasma and LCD television stands that hang on the wall. Those are some nifty little televisions and a great way of displaying them, especially if you are not too big on space in your room of choice. These hanging television sets take up very little room and can easily be a center piece in any room in your home if you like. At the same time, wall mounted televisions easily eliminate the need for television stands whatsoever, and that is always a good thing.

Some television stands are a good thing; if you spend enough money you can get a really nice one. If you are over the idea of TV stands and would rather call attention to something else in the rooms of your home, you have got some ideas to work with, so take them and run.

Craig Thornburrow is an acknowledged expert in his field. You can get more free advice on Television stands at http://www.whereyoucanbuy.com

Television Set Reviews - What is the Best Set to Buy?

Television is an essential item in a house. At present, there are various types of televisions are available in market such as LCD televisions, high-density televisions (HDTVs), plasma televisions, and many more. Before buying a television, you must know about the cost and features available in the television set. In addition, you must know whether it is worthy for your money or not. To know about this, you must look into the television set reviews. Your job is easier; you no need to approach an executive or a dealer, or go to a retail store to know about the features available in the televisions. Nowadays, the manufacturers and the dealers are publishing the reviews on their websites.

Finding the television set review websites is very simple. If you run a search in Google using the manufacturers' name or the model name or number of the television set as the keywords, you can find hundreds of reviews. The reviews mainly cover the design, the features available, price comparison, and performance. However, according to many individuals, the design of the set is the primary review measure.

There are several television manufactures all over the world. Some of them are Daewoo, Emerson, Fijitsu, Hitachi, HP, JVC, LG, Panasonic, Philips, Pioneer, Samsung, Sansui, Sharp, Sony, Toshiba, Visio, and Westinghouse. Let us look in detail into some of the television set reviews.

Sansui DTV2760 27? standard-definition television is the largest standard-definition television presently available. The features of this set are sparse; however, the digital tuner of this television is QAM compatible, which means, it can receive unscrambled digital signals of the channels through cable without a converter box. The digital audio output of this set is highly compatible with the home theater systems. If you seek for a large-screen standard-definition television, this would be the best choice. It costs around $255.

Emerson CR202EM9 20? standard-definition television is one of the best tube televisions available in the market, today. A flat CRT to cut down reflections and image distortion is the special features of this televisions set. The S-video input and the digital audio output are the additional special features at a cheap rate. It cost around $135.

Toshiba 27DF46 27? television provides high-end features at a modest price. The 16:9 aspect ratio offers you a variety of formats that includes widescreen option. The flat screen is intensified with an invar shadow mask, velocity scan modulation, and comb filter. Parental control through the V-chip and a sleep timer are added features. This set costs around $300.

Emerson BAR322 13? television is Barbie® television is the most favorite television for kids. It comes with remote control and dual digital tuner. This set is available in a fun Barbie® design. It has the options such as automatic channel programming, ATSC/NTSC dual tuner, programmable sleep timer up to 120-minute, and a 75-OHM antenna jack. Kids can easily access the features from the front cabinet that is more compatible for gaming. The set costs around $130.

Gary Pearson is an accomplished niche website developer and author.

To learn more about television set reviews [http://howtochooseelectronics.info/television-set-reviews-%e2%80%93-what-is-the-best-set-to-buy] visit How to Choose Electronics [http://howtochooseelectronics.info] for current articles and discussions.

What Is The Future Of Satellite TV Vis A Vis Internet Television?

The following article includes pertinent information that may cause you to reconsider what you thought you understood about the relationship between satellite television and Internet television. However, the most important thing is to read with an open mind and be willing to revise your understanding if necessary.

What Is Satellite Television?

Satellite television refers to television service beamed to subscribers via orbiting communications satellites high above earth from a distance of between - 22, 000 to 37, 000 miles making it possible for television programs to reach wider areas than was possible with either the traditional terrestrial or cable television which out reach was hampered by earth's curvature and distance.

When Was The First Satellite Television Aired?

It was in 1962 that the very first television signal was up linked from Europe on to the Telstra satellite and beamed over North America. Anik1 was the first domestic North American satellite launched in 1973 in Canada.

How Does Satellite Television Work?

Well, without going technical, it will interest you to note that the television signals you receive from communications satellites are really first sent up from ground stations via very big (9 - 12 meters) dishes to an orbiting satellite that in turn beams the signals down to earth and on to your receiver's parabolic dish's focal point and a LNB or low noise blocker component converts ands send the signals to your decoder box where the final conversion is done to the signals so that it becomes the sound and pictures you watch.

There are also different brands of mobile none parabolic dish receivers for use in vehicles and other mobile platforms. In this case satellite television signals are received with a satellite antenna and directed through a satellite decoder box and an oscillator converts it to L-band range of frequencies that an on-board electronics finally converts to the standard frequency usable by normal television sets.

What Is A TVRO?

Television Receive Only or TVRO is the forerunner of satellite television viewing at home. The very big dish size, about 3 - 6 feet, required to run C-Band frequencies of about four G Hertz meant that not most people could own it due to the very exorbitant cost of installing one, and the space for installation.

One other hassle with TVRO is that the big dish has to be moveable to keep track of more satellite, because C-Band satellites carry less channels than KU-band satellites. This dish movement, however makes it possible to receive free channels and feeds or even unedited C-Band news material being sent to headquarters by field correspondence or a news crew, they are usually not scrambled.

What Is Direct Broadcast Satellite Or DBS And What Makes It Better Than TVRO?

Once you begin to move beyond basic background information, you begin to realize that there's more to the future of satellite TV vis a vis Internet television software than you may have first thought.

DBS is satellite TV broadcast thorough Ku-Band satellites that work on higher frequencies with stronger signals than C-Band or TVRO, which makes it possible for you to install smaller dishes for receiving their signals.

People who live high up on apartment buildings favor the DBS since installing an 18 inches dish up there is possible. Another advantage of the DBS over TVRO is that the dish is stationary needing no maintenance plus, the installation is free in most cases.

This is made possible because DBS television satellites are usually in geosynchronous orbit that is stationary in the sky relative to the Earth, because each satellite is launched into space at around 7,000 mph to settle at around 22,200 miles above the Earth.

With this speed and height, the satellite revolves around the earth once every 24 hours in juxtaposition with Earth's own rotation. This is what makes it possible for your 18 inches dish to remain in a fixed position with the satellite without requiring adjustment.

What is Internet Television and Is It Better than Direct Broadcast Satellite?

Internet television as the name implies refers to Television programs streamed onto a PC or Laptop through the Internet. There are different types of Internet television services. Some of them are recorded rebroadcasts while others are live broadcasts made possible with ingenious software. You can connect to thousands of satellite television services simultaneously. A wide range of viewing choices - unlimited TV shows, Movies, Sports, Soaps and more.

You don't need any hardware such as decoder, wire, dish or antenna making. You can watch your favorite programs, even outdoors, from all over the world, so long as you have internet connection. Internet television is just a hassle free way of watching a lot more numbers of satellite TV programs and channels free of monthly satellite television subscription fees.

What Is The Future Of Satellite TV Vis A Vis Internet Television?

What would be the future of Satellite Television depends on several factors: For instance, even before the advent of Internet television satellite television companies did not depend on subscription fees for their survival.

Advertising pays a big chunk of the bill for you to watch satellite television even at the present rate you might consider very exorbitant

License fees are another way through which satellite television services are sustained. For instance, If you are in the UK and you have equipment that is capable of receiving TV signals then the law states you must pay for a TV license.

Today, there already exist broadcasters who use only advertising to pay for their service and so allow viewers free viewing of their programs, so in my opinion watching satellite television programs free on your PC or Laptop will not kill satellite television, rather Internet television will increase the number of viewers for satellite television services and lead to more and better priced advertising charges.

Of course, it's impossible to put everything about the future of satellite TV vis a vis Internet television software into just one article. But you can't deny that you've just added to your understanding about the future of satellite TV vis a vis Internet television software, and that's time well spent.

Recommended
Free Internet Television Membership for free TV on Your PC Or Laptop or Independently Watch Over 3000 TV STATIONS on your PC or Laptop for free!! with Internet Television Software...The world really is at your fingertips now, as you discover new hassle-free ways of watching over 3000 television stations from all over the world. Can you beat that? Over 3000 STATIONS on your PC or Laptop for free!!

Watch Television Online

Watch the next series of American Idol anywhere and anytime on your computer screen and sing and dance all the way to the bank. Its very easy to watch television online.

Are you like one of the tens of millions who can't wait for a new series of American Idol to come around? You can watch it and watch television online anytime. Don't you love to see these people, some of whom have been blessed with extraordinary talents coming forward to face the cameras and the lights, their talents being unearthed and discovered and reaching instant international fame? The idea behind the series is to take an ordinary person, usually young, and propel them into the spotlight, put them under pressure and see who comes through to earn their rewards. This is now easily viewable anywhere in the world if you watch television online.

If you, like most of us can't sing or dance to save yourself, then all you can do is sit back and enjoy the spectacle on your television screen in the comfort of your own home. Television audiences for the latter stages of the competition are amongst the highest on American television, and the American Idol now approaching its sixth series, seems to be growing all the time in popularity.

But let's say that not everyone in your family shares your enthusiasm for following the careers of rising young talent. Many homes have several televisions for that purpose; all linked to cable or satellite television and each with their own receiver costing quite a few dollars a year to hire. But nowadays the trend is more and more to say goodbye to the cable guy and move on to the latest software revolution that allows access to hundreds if not thousands of television channels through the internet that let you watch television online. All that is needed is a wireless internet connection and your computer or computers can become a television or televisions. It's as simple as that.

Or on the very night that the final of American Idol is due to be shown, you can't be around. You will be on a road trip or have to attend a business meeting or a family function. Instead of saying to yourself" How can people be so stupid as to get married on the day of the American Idol" final, you simply bring your laptop with you, and sneak of to watch it in another room where there is a broadband internet and you catch watch television online. You might discover several people, possibly including the bride and groom, looking over your shoulder trying to catch a view of who is going to take the prize.

And what does al this television viewing freedom cost? Not a lot, is the answer. These software programs can be bought on line for a one of price of around $50.00. Without doubt the finest value around in entertainment. Once you have the software downloaded, don't forget that you are no longer dependant of your current program supplier and you can bid them and each of their receivers "Bon Voyage". By investing in this software, you not only will be able to recover the money invested within three months at the most, you will have become part of a television viewing revolution and like many others watch television online. Makers of television sets, who have to foresee trends in technology, have begun to introduce televisions with built in receivers that can access the internet. This tells you that the TV/PC revolution is a reality and here to stay.

In the meantime till you gradually change all your television sets to incorporate this technology, what many people do is install another one or two broadband lines. Each is linked to a separate computer, which is linked to a television receiver, this mean that the options to watch television programs from around the World or double or even tripled. Someone can be watching "American Idol" while another member of the family is watching sports or current affairs of a cartoon for the children. And all this for $50. Who is the American Idol around here?

The following link will take you to watch television online. All you have to do is follow this link Here to start watching television online

Television's History

The history of television is a long and interesting one. The statue and Hall of Fame Plaza were conceived and overseen by production designer Jan Scott, winner of 11 Primetime Emmy awards more than any other woman in the history of television. In 1950 the second longest running comedy in the history of television first appeared on the air. The history of television is short, but compared to the telephone and the computer, it hasn't kept up with the advance of technology.

Broadcasting

The company also began broadcasting regular programs, including scenes captured by a mobile unit and, on May 17, 1939, the first televised baseball game Ñ between Princeton and Columbia universities. By 1941 the Columbia Broadcasting System (CBS), RCA's main competition in radio, was broadcasting two 15-minute newscasts a day to a tiny audience on its New York television station. The Federal Communications Commission's (FCC) 1941 ruling that the National Broadcasting Company (NBC) had to sell one of its two radio networks was upheld by the Supreme Court in 1943. The second network became the new American Broadcasting Company (ABC), which would enter television early in the next decade. But full-scale commercial television broadcasting did not begin in the United States until 1947. James Aubrey, president of CBS television, doubled the network's profits between 1960 and 1966 by broadcasting simple comedies like The Beverly Hillbillies (1962Ð71).

Among the many special series produced for public broadcasting, The Civil War (1990), a five-part historical documentary, was particularly successful and won some of the largest audiences ever achieved by public TV. In Great Britain the British Broadcasting Corporation, the country's dominant radio broadcaster, established and retained dominance over television. In 1936, after several networks were formed, the British Broadcasting Corporation started the first television service. In 1942, television broadcasting was somewhat brought to a halt. In 1957, a news cast was videotaped instead of broadcasting live. At the same time, the Colombia Broadcasting System (CBS) began to develop its own color system, which was mostly composed of mechanical means. In late 1953, the FCC reversed its decision and approved the all electronic system of broadcasting color.

Color

Color TV was by no means a new idea, a German patent in 1904 contained the earliest proposal, while in 1925 Zworykin filed a patent disclosure for an all-electronic color television system. Color broadcasts are authorized to begin in January 1954. Color television in the United States had a protracted history due to conflicting technical systems vying for approval by the Federal Communications Commission for commercial use. Color television became available in Canada soon after regular color broadcasting began in the neighboring United States.

Albert Abramson, The History of Television, 1880 to 1941 (1987), is a comprehensive listing of every researcher who took out a patent during the early years of television. Learning a little bit about the history of television lends a bit of appreciation to owning a set. Abramson is a prolific author, who has written in both the professional and academic styles to document the history of television.

Clint Thomas is a successful Webmaster and publisher of www.TvThroughTime.com [http://www.TvThroughTime.com]. He provides more information about televisions and television issues [http://www.TvThroughTime.com] that you can research in your pajamas on his website.

Buying A New Television - Educate Yourself First And Prepare For February 17th

Are you familiar with HDTV basics? Are HDTV and DTV the same thing? What do I need to know before purchasing a new TV?

Are you thinking about buying a new TV right now, or at some time in the near future.

Is your Television Ready for the Transition from Analog to DTV on February 17th, 2009?

THIS DATE is much closer than you realize.

A better understanding of the transition to Digital TV, and knowing these HDTV basics, will help you to be ready when it's time to consider a new television.

Buying a new television today can be overwhelming and involves more than just visiting your local television or electronics store. Shopping for a Digital TV or an HDTV can be confusing with all the abbreviations, terms, resolution, dpi, formats and the options that you can get on televisions today. And you thought that purchasing a new car was bad.

So What Do Consumer's Need to Know

There are so many decisions confronting today's unprepared consumer, just trying to navigate through this complex maze can be a daunting experience. However, many of these frustrations can be avoided by doing some homework before hand.

Things To Know Before You Go

What is Digital TV ... and is Not. What is the Digital TV Transition... and how it will affects you. How is HDTV different from all other television formats ... and How. Understand what you want and need, so you're not Sold something YOU don't want or need!

So Where Do You Start? Familiarize yourself with the different Terms and Classifications

TV Classifications:

NTSC Analog TV- (National Television Systems Committee), Traditional TV; now being phased out on February 17th.

ATSC Digital TV - (Advanced Television Systems Committee), DTV;

This is "SDTV" - Standard Definition TV - the new, (digital) TV Standard;

replaces NTSC Analog TV.

Integrated HDTV - or simply, HDTV; DTV with an Internal (built-in) High Definition TV Receiver.

This is able to Receive and Display all ATSC TV Signals - Including HDTV Signals.

Digital-HDTV - 'Capable' or 'Ready'- Digital TV that is able to DISPLAY HDTV - BUT ONLY with the addition of an EXTERNAL HDTV Receiver.

EDTV - Enhanced Digital TV - a classification* describing Digital TV's that are basically 'high-end' SDTV's. While these often include some type of technical features, added by the Manufacturer to enhance the picture, nevertheless, the picture quality does NOT equal HDTV. Technically, there is virtually no visual difference between an SDTV and an EDTV - with the possible exception of the higher price.

* For many Consumers, this classification is of questionable value; by paying more for a TV tagged "EDTV" the consumer is only getting what can best be described as an 'upgraded' SDTV. The question is, how 'up-graded' is it, if the TV simply meets the standard for SDTV?

Different TV Display Technologies:

CRT - (Cathode Ray Tube):Traditional TV Technology - The established standard for television displays; best overall value - picture quality and cost; major drawback is bulk and mass as size increases. Plasma Display - Ultra-thin design, High Contrast Ratings, 'Fixed Pixel' Display: Size up to 60+ inches; some display limitations - costly, high burn-in risk; picture quality affected by inability to display black-color; displays are extremely heavy and fragile; picture quality lost as pixels fade; many Plasma Displays do not display HDTV resolutions. Development continues.

LCD - Liquid Crystal Display: Thin design, size limitations; good computer monitor; sharp picture for static displays; problems displaying images in motion; many LCD Displays are not HDTV capable. Development continues.

LCoS (Liquid Crystal on Silicon) - Improved LCD Technology, may hold promise for future HDTV display; costly; manufacturing problems continue; development ongoing.

DLP (Digital Light Processor) - Uses Chip and Software Technology - exciting, alternative display technology; excellent HDTV display; eliminates most short comings of other technologies; moderate cost; some viewers question "softer" picture, and use of "color-wheel;" promising future - development continues.

TV Display Configuration:

Aspect Ratio

The width to height ratio of a TV Monitor or Program.

Aspect Ratio can apply to either the television monitor (hardware), or to the TV program format.

Traditional - (4:3) aspect ratio; the display has 'square' appearance. All Analog TV programs are in 4:3 aspect ratio.

New 'Wide Screen' (16:9) aspect ratio; the display is rectangular.

Digital TV (SDTV) programs can be in either 4:3 or 16:9 aspect ratio.

HDTV is always in 16:9 aspect ratio.

As you can see, consumers have a number of decisions to make, long before making their final buying decision. Understanding the basics of HDTV requires us to become familiar with an array of strange-new 'tech-speak' terms.

Examples:

Aspect Ratio - width to height (4:3) or (16:9); refers to the TV Display and to TV Programs.

Picture Resolution - 720-p; 1080-i; 480-i/p; - and recently added, 1080-p.

Progressive Scan - display method ("p" in 720-p)

Interlaced Scan - display method ("i" in 1080-i)

D/A - A/D - digital to analog and analog to digital converter

STB - Set-top Box (aka: Receiver, Tuner, Decoder or Descrambler)

OTA - 'over-the-air' or 'off-the-air' - refers to Local TV Broadcasts

These are just a few of the new terms you will encounter.

The Digital TV Enigma

As consumers begin their quest for information about the Digital and HDTV, they soon notice what seems to be an "Information-Void." Trying to get Useful, and Reliable information about what is needed to buy a digital television set can seem difficult.

Try asking questions regarding basic HDTV; for example: Does the Transition from Analog TV to Digital TV mean that everyone is forced to buy an HDTV? or, What is the difference between SDTV and HDTV; or What is needed to have High Definition TV reception in your home? Now compare the different answers you get or the lack of knowledge on the sales persons part.

Note: The seller must disclose or have posted information regarding the lack of digital capabilities of any television for sale to you the consumer. This is a government mandate.

In stark contrast, at the opposite extreme, is the continuous flow of 'misinformation' and 'disinformation.' This flood of unreliable information has inundated the general public. The path to useful and reliable information is littered with inaccuracies, fallacies and myths. And this is further aggravated by misleading advertising and marketing ploys.

As an example, here's a question asked repeatedly by perplexed consumers concerning the transition from Analog TV to Digital TV:

"Can you tell me if it's true, that "normal" TV is going to be stopped and everyone will be forced to buy an HDTV? I don't believe they can do this ... But if it's true, when will it happen?"

Okay, that's really two questions...

The answer to the first, is of course - NO, it's not true. At least not in the way the question is posed. While it is true that "normal TV" (meaning traditional NTSC-Analog TV) will end, replaced by ATSC-Digital TV, you will NOT have to buy an HDTV!

IMPORTANT NOTE: The FCC's mandatory transition from Analog TV to Digital TV does NOT refer to, nor mean 'High Definition Television!'

Note: If you choose to keep your analog television you can purchase a converter box that will make viewing your television possible. There are coupons to help with this purchase on the website listed below and it is free to print.

This highlights one of the primary sources of so much of the public's confusion concerning Digital TV and HDTV. These are two discrete terms, yet they are frequently used incorrectly - as if they were interchangeable words with the same meaning. They are NOT the same; they designate two distinctly different classifications of television.|

High Definition Television is 'digital'; however, HDTV is just one (1) of eighteen(18) 'Digital TV Formats' designated in the ATSC Standard.

It is important for consumers to understand that 'Digital TV' does NOT mean HDTV.

Digital television's "Standard Definition TV" - SDTV - is NOT equal to HDTV - High Definition Television.

So, it's up to each consumer to inform her/him-self on the basics of Digital-HDTV.

But - Be careful!

Don't take anything for granted; don't accept statements at face value.

Verify everything you hear or read about Digital-HDTV, comparing it with different sources.

The Digital Difference

Digital TV signals are made up of coded instructions - (the same 'bits' of 'ones and zeros' that make your computer work, and give life to 'CD's' and 'DVD's') - which are transmitted to your Digital Receiver, (aka: Tuner, Decoder or Set-Top-Box "STB") which in turn deciphers the code.

A Digital TV receiver isn't concerned with signal strength, or what conditions exist between your set and the transmitter. As long as the signal gets to the receiver, and the code can be read, the Digital TV is able to reproduce a near-perfect picture - virtually identical to the original, back in the TV Studio.

A distinct advantage of digital broadcasting is that bad reception is a thing of the past. One reason Cable TV caught on is because it delivers clear TV pictures without regard to the viewer's location. Viewers don't have to be constantly adjusting the antenna in an attempt to "tune-in" a weak signal from a distant transmitter to get a clear picture. Digital TV (DTV) eliminates the "snow" and "ghosting" caused by the weak signals from distant or blocked transmitting towers. If the analog television set does not receive a strong, undistorted signal from the tower, you will not get a perfectly clear picture.

Both digital and analog television signals weaken, the farther they travel away from the transmitting tower. On an analog TV, the picture slowly deteriorates from bad to worse as the distance between tower and receiver increases. However, the picture on a digital set will stay perfect until the signal becomes too weak for the receiver to distinguish between a (1) and a (0), at which point the image disappears completely.

This has been referred to as "the cliff effect" - the picture remains stable until it abruptly "drops off" the screen. This might be compared to sending Morse Code. As long as the person at the other end can make out the dots and dashes being transmitted they will be able to read the message. Once they lose the distinction between a dot and a dash they lose the message. Digital TV acts the same way; instead of sending dots and dashes, it sends millions of (1's) and (0's) every second.

As long as the TV Receiver can read the (1's and 0's) it displays a virtually perfect picture. The bottom line ... you either receive a 100% quality image, or nothing at all. What this means to the digital television viewer, is not having to worry about getting a "bad" picture. Either you have a picture or you don't. However, if you are receiving over-the-air, "OTA" (Over the Air) broadcasts, it is crucial for the antenna to be accurately directed towards the signal source - the transmitting tower of the station you are watching.

Adding an "H" to 'DTV' = W O W! While our objective is to become familiar with HDTV basics, so far we have focused mainly on Digital TV - DTV. What then is HDTV - High Definition Television? And what is the difference between DTV and HDTV?

DTV differs from NTSC-analog TV in the technology used to transmit the signal. And we looked at some of the reasons why Digital is better than analog. But when comparing Digital TV or "SDTV" (Standard Definition TV) to HDTV, the difference is as night and day! High Definition Television is digital television - BUT ... It's IMPORTANT to understand that Digital TV does NOT mean HDTV! HDTV is just ONE of (18) ATSC designated formats that comprise Digital TV. In High Definition Television, the picture displayed on your television screen begins as an HDTV signal captured by HDTV Cameras, (or converted from film or another format with HDTV Equipment). The HDTV Signal is transmitted to the HDTV Receiver and finally displayed on an HDTV-Capable TV Monitor. But it must also meet the ATSC Standards for High Definition Television in order for it to be "true" HDTV.

Note: It is more than likely you will confront mis-information stating that Digital TV in various configurations is 'high definition television.' This is NOT True! You may also be told that as long as the TV meets one or two criteria, or if it has been enhanced by the Manufacturer, using some proprietary engineering "magic," this makes it - "as good as" - HDTV. Again, NOT TRUE!

If what you want is HDTV, be sure the television you are considering, is really "True" High Definition Television. How Do you Know a TV is - HDTV? To answer this question a 'bit' of basic TV technology will be helpful.

It will be helpful in understanding some of the basic elements of HDTV by educating yourself. After all, this is a discussion about Digital-HDTV - possibly the most significant 'leap forward' in consumer-technology to impact our society in more than a century!

The image you see on your television screen is comprised of a series of horizontal lines. An electron gun 'shoots' energy beams (light) which strike a layer of phosphor on the inside surface of the picture tube, causing it to glow. These glowing lines create the image displayed on your TV screen. How they are formatted, which resolution is used, what standards are met, are some of the factors that determine the type of television picture you will receive.

TV Resolution.The quality of the picture displayed on the TV screen is primarily the result of the television's "resolution." Put simply, TV 'resolution' refers to how many horizontal lines are displayed on the TV screen.

Note - Although the horizontal lines are counted, (in this instance) this is referred to as the "Vertical resolution," because the lines are counted from top to bottom - or vertically. TV Resolution is sometimes expressed as the total 'pixel' count, which is a product of the number of lines and number of pixels per line

Why Is "Wide-Screen" TV The DTV Standard?

DTV sets are sold in two 'Aspect Ratios.' Aspect Ratio refers to the ratio between the horizontal (width) measurement and the vertical (height) measurement of the screen. This ratio is also used in reference to how the picture is transmitted and displayed on the screen. The two aspect ratios used in DTV are (4:3) and (16:9). That is, (4) units wide by (3) units high, and (16) units wide by (9) units high respectively. Your NTSC-analog television has an aspect ratio of (4:3); the screen appears almost 'square' because it has just slightly more width than height. For instance, a (4') wide screen would have a height of (3').

Go to the link below to find more information on the Analog to DTV Transition on February 17th, 2009 before your left in the dark.

This brief introduction to Digital TV and HDTV basics, provides an overview (intentionally simplified) of how DTV differs from traditional Analog TV, and how HDTV differs from Digital-SDTV; and a little about the Transition from Analog TV to Digital TV. This is just a start towards a better understanding of Digital TV. Now that you're familiar with some of the basics, you are better prepared to begin considering which Digital HDTV is right for you.

http://inform4you.googlepages.com

The Impact Of LCD Television

LCD televisions are usually brighter than plasma TVs, and many can double as a computer monitor or media-center display. LCD televisions are now coming out bigger and at prices that are really starting to compete with those of similar-size plasma TVs. LCD televisions tend to have a slightly slower response time than their plasma counterparts. LCD televisions use less energy that their plasma counterparts and tend to have a longer lamp life (although recent advances in plasma technology have made the lamp life issue almost a moot point).

LCD

LCD Television technology has advanced greatly, particularly with respect to the reproduction of black levels. Large LCD televisions can literally be hung on the wall, while smaller sets, up to 21-inch screen size, can easily fold under a wall cabinet. The only major drawback with LCD television sets is that larger screen size LCD panels are usually more expensive than their plasma equivalents. Though LCD Television sets are turning out to be even more affordable than ever, with 40-inch LCD TV sets selling almost on par with similar screen-size plasma televisions, yet LCD televisions still represent an expensive investment.

Although Plasma TVs seem to be getting all the attention in this area, the LCD television is also making an impact. Plasma televisions share most of the same characteristics as LCD televisions, but do show strength in areas that LCD's come up short. Many people feel that and LCD television showing a blank, black picture, can appear almost gray in contrast to the plasma image which is much closer to a true black. Up until recently, it was rare to see an LCD television in a 37-inch screen size. Size is still an issue with respect to LCD Television.

Smaller sizes are therefore the rule when in comes to LCD Television. These new LCD Televisions are all set to go head-to-head against plasma screens for the future of TVs. The main things one has to see are the size of the LCD Television and the price of the TV. You have to see the factor called the higher Color depth, of the LCD Screen the ability of the Screen to show more number of Colors, shorter response times by which the LCD Television is able to show even fast moving objects with out blurring the fast movements.

LCD

LCD's on the other hand look best when viewed straight on. LCD panels have been used for a number of applications, including computer monitors and television displays.

Television

Television (TV) product specifications are obtained from merchants or third parties and although we make every effort to present accurate information. Burn-in is no longer much of a concern as it used to be with plasma televisions up to the recent past, especially for people with normal TV viewing requirements. Flat panel televisions are quickly becoming quite commonplace on store shelves and in consumers' homes. Sony Bravia KDL-40V2500 40-inch 1080p LCD Television The Sony KDL-40V2500 is a 40-inch 16x9 LCD television with a native pixel resolution of 1920x1080 (1080p) and a real world contrast ratio of 1,300:1. The detail, color consistency, and contrast, on this LCD television is great.

Clint Thomas is a successful Webmaster and publisher of www.TvThroughTime.com [http://www.TvThroughTime.com]. He provides more information about televisions and television issues [http://www.TvThroughTime.com] that you can research in your pajamas on his website.

8 Advantages You Should Know Before Buying A Television Online

The way people shop for electronics is changing. Many buyers buy televisions and other electronics online. The World Wide Web is fast becoming the preferred marketplace as customers are able to buy products of their choice at the best prices. If you are careful you could buy a television online and not get duped. You just need to buy the television from a reputed online store and not from little known or unknown websites.

According to experts buying a television online will get you the best deal. Most online prices are lower than retail even after considering shipping and say insurance costs.

The advantages of buying a television online are:

1. You can choose from a wide range of brands. While retail stores stock only running brands online stores offer a huge selection of televisions.

2. You can compare product features online by using online tools and take a decision after weighing the pros and cons.

3. Most online television retailers will have user friendly systems that offer at least three quotes for each customer. This means you can compare prices and costs before choosing a television.

4. Most websites have attractive seasonal promotions and often you can get a great bargain on a high-end television.

5. Online television stores that follow "fair" business practices display return policies, guarantees, and shipping costs clearly. So when you buy a television all terms and conditions are clearly defined.

6. Take advantage of specials like online saving codes, deals for credit card owners, free shipping offers, and daily specials.

7. Look for huge discount seasons. Often you can get as much as 50-75% off during the discount sales.

8. You can use a credit card to make the payment and the television will be delivered at your door step. Just be sure to check that the payment gateways are of the highest security.

Buying on the internet means you can be an informed shopper. There are websites that guide you on how to choose a television, and how to get a great bargain. Then there are unbiased reviews on televisions and websites that continuously update which television brands are on the top ten listing. You can study the market and get answers to any questions you may have before making a final choice.

Protect yourself by buying from an authorized dealer and ask about after sales service and warranties. Always check about how they will ship the television to you and how they will ensure that there is no damage whatsoever. Ask whether they will replace a defective unit and what the return policy is, most online stores have a thirty day return policy.

Always buy a brand that has a wide network of service centers in operation. Find out what service and parts cost would be over time. Even if you buy a television manufactured abroad, find out every detail like performance, clarity, longevity and so on. Read online television buying tips written by experts before you actually make a purchase.

Timothy Rudon is a writer for http://www.1855television.com, the premier website to find television, plasma television, lifetime tv, television listing, television without pity, lcd televisions, history of television, television reviews and many more.

Television's Highest Quality Format

Analog television (or analogue television) encodes television and transports the picture and sound information as an analog signal, that is, by varying the amplitude and/or frequencies of the broadcast signal. Analog television, like all other motion picture systems, exploits the properties of the human eye to create the illusion of moving images. Analog television service is the traditional TV system. Analog television has been the standard broadcast technology since the inception of television using magnetic waves to transmit and display pictures and sound. Analog television has an aspect ratio of 4 by 3, which means the screen is 4 units wide by 3 units high.

HDTV

HDTV, the highest quality format, provides high resolution, a widescreen format, and surround sound. HDTV is a name given to two of the digital television (DTV) formats. HDTV programs can include Dolby Digital surround sound, the same digital sound system used in many movie theaters and DVDs. HDTV uses the same amount of bandwidth (the size of the communications channel) as the current analog system, but with HDTV, about six times more information is transmitted. HDTV is the highest quality of DTV, but it is only one of many formats. HDTV pictures are created by scanning up to twice as many lines. HDTV sets have wider, movie-theater like screens that more closely resemble human peripheral vision, making it more natural to watch. HDTV sets are "backward compatible," meaning existing analog equipment (VCRs, DVD players, camcorders, video games, etc. HDTV is best viewed on a new high-definition television. HDTV uses a wider 16 by 9 aspect ratio, which delivers movies with less "edge cropping" and provides a more intense viewing experience. HDTV's digital audio sounds better than a standard television's analog sound, just like digital CDs are superior to analog radio.

Cable

Cable Television Networks are already being broadcasted in simulcast since 2004 and analogue cable services were switched-off in April 2007. Cable and satellite subscribers with analog TVs should contact their service providers about obtaining converter boxes for the DTV transition. Cable here faces minor but growing competition from satellite and more recently, television via high-speed Internet connections with the service known as IPTV. Cable operators must ensure that all local broadcast stations carried pursuant to this Act are 'viewable' by all cable subscribers," explained Martin, in a statement.

Analog television was introduced in the Netherlands in 1951. Analog televisions will work until all analog broadcasting ceases. Analog televisions are now commonly referred to conventional televisions. Analog television sets will continue to receive analog broadcasts at least through 2006 and possibly longer. Analog Television signals, both broadcast and cable, as well as VHS, in most cases, will look worse on an HDTV than they do on a standard analog television. Analog television technology is around 60 years old but still produces good quality pictures. Analog televisions will no longer function unless they are connected to a cable or satellite supplier that continues to deliver analog. Analog television uses a series of wavelengths to represent picture elements.

Clint Thomas is a successful Webmaster and publisher of www.TvThroughTime.com [http://www.TvThroughTime.com]. He provides more information about televisions and television issues [http://www.TvThroughTime.com] that you can research in your pajamas on his website.