HD Ready TV Buyers Guide

So you’ve decided its time to buy that new High Definition Ready Television, but what do you actually need to look out for?

High Definition Hardware’s TV Buyers Guide covers the key things that you need to be aware of when purchasing a new High Definition TV.

Screen Size

This will more than likely be the biggest influence on which TV to go for, and along with budget, will dictate the type of set that you will buy.

As you probably know, a televisions screen size refers to the size of the screen – measured diagonally.  Naturally, the larger the screen, the greater the display area will be. Your choice will probably be governed by a combination of personal preference and available space. If your purchase is going to be the center of attention in a large living room, then the larger sets of 32” and over will probably be top of your list. If however, you are looking for a display for a space such as a bedroom or kitchen, there are many smaller sizes available that still provide great picture quality and flexible connectivity.  Larger screens will no doubt provide more of the wow factor however, especially with High Definition material.   

Keep in mind that the nature of flat panel displays means they do take up significantly less space than a similar sized traditional CRT (Cathode Ray Tube) television; you can even hang some on the wall!

Format – LCD or Plasma.

The two most common formats for large flat panel TVs are LCD and Plasma. Each has their own strong points, but we have no particular preference. LCDs seem to offer good value for money, whilst Plasma possibly just has the edge on quality. The choice depends on budget and personal preference. Try to look at potential sets next to each other and compare the picture quality.

There are other options such as Rear projection and Projectors, but they are outside the scope of this guide.

Integrated Tuner: 

Some new television sets still only have a built in analogue tuner. Although, this will allow you to receive analogue broadcasts via an aerial, an analogue signal will likely struggle to make the most of the capabilities of a large LCD or Plasma display. Also keep in mind that the BBC will cease transmitting of analogue signals in 2010, so you will need some means to receive digital broadcasts (Freeview, Cable, Sky etc) by then. Although this may seem a long time away, it makes sense to future-proof as much as possible when making what is likely a significant purchase.

Built in Digital Tuner:

TVs that have a built in Digital tuner will allow you to receive the growing number of Free Digital channels via Freeview. Provided you are in an area where reception is available you should be able to receive a significant number of digital channels with added features such as a 7 day Electronic Programme Guide (EPG) and interactive features through the popular (or not) Red button.

HD Ready:

There seems to be a significant amount of confusion from the ‘Non-Techie’ masses as to what is actually required to receive High Definition TV broadcasts or to watch High Definition video.

There are a considerable number of displays on the market that, although on the surface seem competitive, are not actually HD Ready, and may not be compatible with future products such as Sky HD and High Definition video formats such as HD DVD and Blu-Ray.

In order to make sure your chosen display is compatible there are a few things you need to look for.

The most obvious is the ‘HD Ready’ logo.

This should only be displayed on sets that meet with the standards required to display High Definition Video, however there have been some reports of sets that display similar logos, but do not meet the requirements, so you do need to keep your eyes open. Other labels such as ‘HD Compatible’ ironically offer no guarantee of compatibility.

Panel resolution is another key factor in a HD Ready display; this will be reported as the maximum number of pixels the TV is able to display, both horizontally and vertically.

A common panel resolution is 1366 x 768. This is an acceptable resolution for most buyers and should provide a good quality image from a High Definition input, much lower than this and the panel may have to scale the image significantly, reducing quality.

Without going in to too much depth, High Definition signals (as with Standard Definition signals) supply the TV with a series of lines that make up the picture. A High Definition signal simply has more lines of information than standard and therefore displays a more complex and potentially higher quality image.

There are currently two common HD formats 720p and 1080i, and HD ready sets should be compatible with both.

More than likely in the future we will see more HDTVs with high ‘native resolutions’ such as 1920 x 1080.

Audio

With more and more content available in high quality surround sound, it is just as important to think about audio when purchasing a new TV. 

Dolby Digital 5.1, as its name suggests, requires 5 main speakers plus a low frequency subwoofer to provide a Cinema surround sound experience in the home. Whilst some TVs do provide Dolby Digital, most will rely on Pseudo surround modes that attempt to mimic a true 5.1 set up with only stereo speakers. Although this is generally acceptable for normal viewing, movies or the latest episode of your favourite show, will benefit from a full Dolby Digital set up.

There are many solutions available ranging from the relatively cheap and simple Home Cinema Systems that include all the required cables etc right up to separate AV Receivers and ‘audiophile’ quality surround speaker packages costing thousands of pounds.

Video and Audio Connections

When looking at new Televisions you should try to select one that offers the maximum number of connections. This will make it much easier to connect devices such as DVD players, VCRs, Games Consoles and Video Cameras.

If you look at the rear of a TV you will see there are a number of different Connectors, some you will no doubt recognise, others will probably be new to you.

The type and number of connections you need on your new display depends on what external components you currently have or plan to install in the future and in order to get the best from your new TV you need to make sure you attach everything via the correct connection.

Below is a summary of the connections that are available and the most common devices with which they are used. 

HDMI (High Definition Media Interface) – In our opinion this is the most important connection to look for on a new TV. Although there are other options available this is the most convenient and future-proof means of connecting High Definition devices such as Sky HD and the soon to be released HD DVD and Blu-Ray players. Sony’s Playstation 3 (PS3) should also offer this type of connection when it eventually arrives at the end of 2006. You should ensure the HDMI connection on any new display is compatible with the new HDCP content protection standards.

Common uses: Sky HD, HD DVD , Blu-Ray . PS3, Upscaling DVD players. Next generation PC video cards.

DVI (Digital Video Interface) – An alternative to HDMI. If you must purchase a set that is lacking an HDMI port then ensure it has a DVI connection. Again it should be HDCP compliant. DVI can be used with a converter to connect HDMI and VGA equipped devices.

Common uses: Personal Computer, HDMI devices via a suitable converter cable.

Component (Y/Pb/Pr) – Commonly coloured Red, Green and Blue this analogue connection can match both HDMI and DVI for picture quality, but may not allow HDCP content to be displayed. Although Sky’s first generation HD box will allow a component connection to be used the HDMI connection will no doubt become the standard.

Common uses: Sky HD (initial boxes will be compatible), PS2, DVD.

VGA - Traditionally found on PC displays the VGA port is a digital-analogue-digital connection but can still provide excellent picture when connected to a PC or XBOX 360.

Common uses: PC, XBOX 360.

SCART – Until Sky HD came along this was the best quality connection available for connecting a Sky box to a TV. It will more than likely remain common for a few years to come, but do try to use a digital connection if possible. RGB enabled SCART is the best.

Common uses: The most common connection available. VCRS, DVD, PS2, XBOX, Freeview Boxes.

S-Video – An analogue format that can rival RGB SCART in terms of picture quality. Better than composite.

Common uses: Video Cameras, Some VCRs.

Composite Video and RF: Avoid unless absolutely necessary!

Common uses: PS2, XBOX (Use component cable with a PS2 or XBOX and HD Ready TV if possible), Analogue TV signals.

Audio Connections:

Digital Audio: There are two common options for transferring digital audio between devices these being Digital Coaxial and Toshlink (Fiber Optic). Although the digital coax seems to be preferred over the Toshlink by most, there is little between the two in terms of quality.

Standard Stereo: Commonly a Red and White phono style connection providing stereo audio in analogue format.

How do I get High Definition Content?

Currently an external High Definition receiver is needed to receive High Definition Television Signals.  This includes Satellite and Cable as well as HD-DVD’s etc, when available. 

Sky and Cable subscribers will have to upgrade their Set-Top-Box and pay a High Definition subscription to receive the new HD Channels .

Key things to Remember:

If you are not sure about anything then ASK! Although many High Street stores are not renowned for having the best sales staff, some do know their stuff, and if you are still not sure than there are plenty of other places to ask questions.

Will you need any extras?  Cables for connecting devices, batteries for remotes, extension leads, plug adaptors, surge protectors etc.   

If your main source for TV is going to be Freeview you might need to check your External Antenna is suitable and that you are in a Freeview covered area. To see if Freeview is available in your area check out our partner site Getting Freeview .

Be very wary of all the hype being generated about so called Digital capable Aerials!  To receive Digital Signals, generally all that is needed is a good quality UHF antenna.

In most cases a suitable TV Antenna will be in the price range of £20.00 to £50.00 approximately.   

Taking delivery and Setting up your new TV

Is Delivery and set up included? This is especially important for large screens as transporting can cause damage if not done carefully.

Be sure you have discussed the complete details included in any delivery and set-up. Are there any large flights of stairs that could cause problems?

Does the service include professional set up and if so what does this include?

Extended Warrantees

You have to decide whether the value is worth the extra charge!

There have been several issues highlighted with even the best quality sets, so having the comfort of an extended warrantee could be beneficial.

Having said that, a quality set that is well looked after should last a long time.

TV Calibration

Ensure that your TV is set up to provide the optimum picture. If possible have your display calibrated by a professional. At the very least, utilise a utility such as THX’s optimiser (provided on THX certified DVDs) to calibrate the colour and brightness settings of your display.

Hopefully this guide has provided you with significant information to make an informed decision when buying a new HD Ready Television. If you follow these guidelines and make sure you do as much research as possible into your potential purchase before handing over any cash, you should find the experience an enjoyable one.

Comments

[Tim]

I am not surprised to hear how many people are struggling to understand the finer points of HDTV.

You only need spend a few minutes in a High-street store and you will no doubt realise that most of the sales staff struggle, no wonder then that the average consumer is finding it hard to fully grasp the idea!

[William Whitehead]

Can I buy a HD receiver other than paying rental to sky or cable.
Thank you in advance

[Tim]

It is possible to receive HD broadcasts without subscribing to Sky etc however you do still need a satellite receiver (unless you happen to be one of the lucky Londoners offered a service via Freeview).

One such as the Humax HDCI- 2000 HDTV Receiver would suffice.

The HDCI-2000 will receive all free-to-air channels available over satellite, including BBC HD - the high-definition service from the BBC.

Of course to receive Skys HD offerings you will need to subscribe.

[James Cahoe]

What is EDTV? I have seen several LCD tvs with this description.

[Tim]

I believe EDTV is more frequently used in the US.

Basically it means a set can display lines sequentially or progressively otherwise known as "progressive scanning."

This 480-line progressive scan technique is commonly referred to as 480p.

Of course the marketers needed to come up with a snazzy name for this marvelous new concept. So they did—Enhanced Definition Television, or EDTV.

[cindy cole]

This was a great help to me- thanks for putting it into a simple a language as possible!!!

[Krishna Sudarshan]

Can a HD Ready set work with both PAL and NTSC tuners? Or would it be specific to a particular system.

[BASIL FLASHMAN]

Excellent....this man should be given the MBE !!

[essam ibrahim]

how can i combare between 2 HD LCD ,s

[essam ibrahim]

is the beovision7-40 lcd from bang&olufsen a HD LCD or not
does it needs a spesial SW to be loaded

[Tim]

Most HDTVs will accept both an NTSC and a PAL signal. It should be stated on the specifications though so check first to ensure.

Tim

[Tim]

The best way to compare two TVs is to get them side by side, and feed them the same source.

Ideally you want to compare in the same light conditions that you will be using the set as often shops are very bright and pictures can look washed out.

Hope that helps.

Tim

[Tim]

The Bang&Olufsen Beovision 7-40 is HD Ready. It has a native resolution of 1366x768 although it only has a DVI input not HDMI which for a set in this price range is a bit of a shame.

Tim

[Mark]

Hi,

Need some help setting up 37" LCD LG tv to Sony DAVIS10 home theatre dvd system also connected to my Sky + box. I can get sound through my surround speakers when watching dvd's but nothing when watching sky +, just sound from the tv speakers. I have the dvd connected to DVI port at back of tv from the hdmi port at back of the dvd. Also connecting the red/white audio ports from dvd to same ports at back of tv as i believe dvi does not transmit sound. Should i also be connecting the sky box to the dvd to get surround through home theatre. Any help is appreciated. Thnks

[Mark]

Hi,

Need some help setting up 37" LCD LG tv to Sony DAVIS10 home theatre dvd system also connected to my Sky + box. I can get sound through my surround speakers when watching dvd's but nothing when watching sky +, just sound from the tv speakers. I have the dvd connected to DVI port at back of tv from the hdmi port at back of the dvd. Also connecting the red/white audio ports from dvd to same ports at back of tv as i believe dvi does not transmit sound. Should i also be connecting the sky box to the dvd to get surround through home theatre. Any help is appreciated. Thnks

[Gurpreet Singh]

Hi I have purchased a LG 42" HD Ready Plasma Tv with 1024x768 resolution & 2 HDMI port. Please suggest me how can I view HDTV on this TV also please suggest me if I can upgrade it with HD tuner

Thanks
Gurpreet

[tim cross]

Hi, As your tv is HD ready it should accept a number of inputs however due to it's resolution there will be some scaling involved. 1024x768 is actually a 4:3 resolution I wonder if yours is actually 1366x768?

Getting an HD signal should just require an hdmi connection from a suitable source.

I doubt you will be able to add an HD tuner. The best option other than sky HD or virgin may be freesat that allows HD through a sattelite without the need for a subscription.

Hope that helps.

[Michele Feneley]

Hi
Can I connect my Sony HD camcorder direct to my Toshiba HD ready TV to watch my HD footage?
Thans
Michele

[Tim]

Hi Michele,

Yes you just need to select the appropriate connection - most like you would have been supplied with a Component or HDMI cable which will need to be connected to your TV in order to view the footage in HD.

Tim

[Mandy Smith]

We're looking to buy a new tv and are seriously considering a 32inch hd 1080p tv, are there any advantages to having a hd ready tv if you do not take a hd subscription package, we have a sky box but do not want to pay another £10 a month for subscription (sorry if this is a really stupid question - I'm going round and round in circles trying to find a simple answer). Any help would be appreciated.

Mandy