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Choosing the Right HDTV

HIGH DEFINTION TELEVISION SHOPPING GUIDE
Things to Look for When Shopping for a TV

As anyone in the market for a new television knows, the array of technologies out there can be confusing and a bit overwhelming. To help consumers navigate the aisles of their local retail stores, Pioneer offers these tips for buying just the right TV:

Look for High Definition TV. Shoppers shouldn’t be fooled into thinking that any widescreen television is HD. Many are standard definition, which will not provide the crystal clear picture quality associated with high definition television. Prospective buyers also need to understand that digital doesn’t necessarily mean HD. When in doubt, consumers should ask the sales associate for clarification.

Ask to see the television in its “off” position. Savvy consumers should check to see if the screen is black, or if it looks like a washed-out gray. The blacker the screen is in its off position, the better chance it will provide increased black levels for a vibrant, nearly three-dimensional picture depth.

Watch a fast action scene. If the TV is playing a slow-moving video, shoppers should ask to see a fast action movie or sporting event. When the baseball or hockey puck flies through the air, it shouldn’t be followed by a trail of fuzz. If it does, they should look for a set that has a faster video refresh rate.

Watch for detail, particularly in dark scenes. When looking at an image of a tree outside in the dark, viewers should be able to distinguish individual branches and leaves. Check to see if a pinstriped suit just looks gray, or if the actual stripes can be distinguished in the fabric. Details should be crisp.

Color accuracy is important. With HDTV, a can of cola should look as red on screen as it does in person. It shouldn’t be orange-red or burgundy. A football field or golf course should be true green. Consumers should take the time to check colors and flesh tones for accuracy.

Is there a halo effect around objects? Viewers should be able to see where a person’s hair ends and the background scenery begins, without a white outline separating the two.

Everyone has a different personal preference about what constitutes superior picture quality. Thankfully, with today’s HDTV technology, it’s possible to see every detail in the picture and almost become part of the action. Since the time for HD is now, it is important for consumers to to take their time and really look for the details that differentiate a television that is just okay from one that is truly top-of-the-line.

A connoisseur who is ready to splurge on the best should consider a display with a native resolution of 1080p. This is the highest level of high definition available and will provide pictures so realistic they practically pop off the screen. For the ultimate in high definition entertainment, Pioneer introduced the world’s first 50” 1080p plasma TV that features more than 2 million pixels.