How to Buy a High Definition Television

If your still watching an analog TV, time is running out for you! Less than 2 short years from now analog programming will cease to exist. In February of 2009 like it or not, analog TV will be gone forever. You'll need a digital TV, or at the very least a set-top box to continue using that old analog television. Meanwhile the prices on high definition televisions have come down to earth. There is also a lot more HDTV programming available in most markets, with a ton more soon to come. If you haven't taken the plunge for an HDTV set yet, now would be a good time to look into it. I'll tell you this, once you watch one for any length of time you won't want to watch anything else! For me it's almost unbearable to watch regular cable at all.

When it comes to picking out your new HDTV, you'll need to know some things. Don't just run out and buy the first one you see that looks good. Before you go there are some in's and out's you will need to know.

Make Sure it's a True HDTV Set.... Pay attention to the lines of resolution. It must have a minimum of 1280 X 720 pixels to be true HDTV. There are a lot of less expensive units on the market called EDTV's (enhanced definition). They do not have the same resolution! Only buy a set that is true HDTV.

HDMI Connection Port.... Your new HDTV should have at least 1 HDMI connection (2 is better). Make sure the HDMI port supports 1080p (the latest format), and HDCP which will allow you to connect a Blue-Ray or HD DVD player, as well as view and receive copy protected broadcasts.

Thin is In.... Prices on LCD and Plasma sets has come down quite a bit in the last couple years. What cost $4000 a few years ago can be had for less than half that now. You won't need to buy a bulky rear projection set to keep the bottom line reasonable. The Plasma and LCD units have a nice wide viewing angle, and can be easily mounted on a wall.