Published on: 06/11/06
Many years ago, in the days before PCs became a common household appliance, I put a brand new computer in the hands of a certified techno-idiot.
I wanted to see if computers were as easy to use as I said they were. I wanted to know what would happen when someone who had never used a PC opened up the box and tried to work with it for the first time.
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I'll never forget watching him grab the mouse and holding it in midair pointed toward the computer. He clicked madly, as if the mouse were a TV remote control.
That techno-idiot was a co-worker, a hyperactive reporter who had no interest in computers. He was a smart guy — just ignorant when it came to computers. I think many of you are in those same shoes when it comes to HDTV. Today we'll cover some basic questions.
Q: Shopping for an HDTV is confusing, I have no idea whether I should buy a plasma set, or LCD or DLP. There are even HDTVs that use a regular picture tube.
A: All those technologies work just fine. Base a decision on your budget and how the picture looks in the store.
A few years ago, plasma provided the best picture, but the sets had problems, including overheating, early failure and the heftiest price tag. Now, by just a smidgen, plasma still provides the brightest and clearest picture of the new technologies. Plasma is still an expensive option, but prices are dropping below $2,000 for a 42-inch set. Consider plasma if you want a thin set that can be mounted on the wall.
If you're on a tighter budget, consider a tube wide-screen HDTV set. These actually provide the best picture of any of the technologies. Video editing studios I've visited all use CRT monitors for editing.
Rear-projection LCD or DLP sets are the bargains in the new technologies. Rear-projection models once were as fat as a refrigerator, but they've slimmed down remarkably over the past few years.
I own a rear-projection LCD set. While the picture might not match up to plasma, it still blows me away.
Q: Some HDTV sets need a separate receiver, and some come with one. Which is the best choice?
A: Just as a computer monitor requires a computer to feed it a signal, an HDTV monitor requires a receiver. "HDTV-ready" sets include one. I bought a set with a built-in receiver. However, if you only get your HDTV signal from cable or satellite companies, you'll need a receiver from that company anyway. So a monitor would work just fine.
Q: What should I avoid when shopping for an HDTV?
A: As is true with most consumer electronic purchases, you will be pressed — hard — to buy an extended warranty. In many cases, the salesman gets extra money if he sells the warranty, and that can be true even for salesmen paid a salary. So you're often not getting unbiased advice. There could be times when an extended warranty makes sense, but make that decision for yourself.
Also keep in mind that many people are lured into the store based on the advertised price of the HDTV. Once you are in the store, you may find it requires a stand (I paid $500 just for the stand), expensive connecting cables and external sound systems.
You could easily spend twice what you had planned. Do your homework and decide what you'll need and how much it should cost.
Q: What if I want to skip all this HDTV stuff and keep my 25-year-old TV?
A: That's what my wife wanted to do. Don't tell her this, but it's no problem.
When all stations move to digital broadcasts in early 2009, folks who get cable will need a box to work as a receiver. Many already have one. Satellite TV customers won't need to change anything. Keep in mind though that — no matter what type of box you use — you won't get HDTV-quality pictures on that old set.
Q: So all transmission will be in HDTV after Feb. 17, 2009?
A: No. The FCC will require TV stations to broadcast a digital signal, not an HDTV signal. Think of digital as regular grade and HDTV as premium. HDTV is a specific kind of digital broadcast, designed for the wide screen and providing much better sound.
Q: Since I won't have to switch and HDTV sets cost a lot, is it worthwhile to buy one?
A: Prices will fall dramatically — they already have and will keep falling. The HDTV picture is breathtaking. So if you're buying a new set, it would be smart to buy an HDTV. If your current set is working fine, there's no harm in watching prices drop even more before you buy.
I hope this helps. By the way, that hyperactive reporter I mentioned is now a hyperactive editor. He has an HDTV and seems to be able to use it. As anyone who knows Henry could tell you, if he can do it, so can you.
