HDTV - Do we know the difference?
A recent survey taken shows a large percentage of people are buying HD televisions (in fact in the US more than a third of households now have at least one HD set which is DOUBLE the figure of only one year ago!) However when viewing it is claimed many cannot notice the difference between the “HD” to the original image they had been viewing!
The problem is lack of information provided by the retailers and lack of knowledge of exactly what is required to view real HD! Just owning an HD ready TV does not automatically provide you with HD viewing! Many are confused by or do not even know of HDMI connections and the difference between HD broadcast or standard broadcast so in fact those claiming no difference between the two are in fact still viewing standard broadcast programs on an HD set!
When buying your new HD equipment, we suggest getting the full information regarding what HD can provide and what you actually need to benefit! If the sales rep you are speaking to cannot clearly explain the HDMI connections, the requirement for your provider to upgrade you to HD (where available) and what would be viewed as true FULL HD then walk away! They will only sell you what they want to sell!
Broadcast HD is still compressed and cannot offer the true quality as 1080p Blu-Ray for example however it is far better than standard broadcast (NTSC). You do need more than just an HD ready TV so do not be purely sold a set, walk away with the full knowledge of what is required to benefit from your new purchase!