How to by a television online - From Tycromedia

Getting a new television has never been so exciting, thanks to a host of new technologies that deliver crisp, detailed pictures, realistic sound, more channels than ever and stunning designs that you'll want to show off.

If you haven't already gone digital or gone HD, now is the perfect time to make the switch. The digital switchover is round the corner, more HD programs are available and LCD and plasma televisions have never been so affordable.


The introduction of digital broadcasting and the prospect of high-definition content are transforming television.
Starting on 17 October 2007, analogue TV signals will be turned off region by region and completely replaced with digital signals. Already, almost the entire population can receive digital channels.




There are three ways of receiving digital channels.

* Buy and connect a digital tuner (also know as a Freeview Box) to your existing television.

* Get a television with a built-in digital tuner – these are called integrated digital televisions (IDTVs).

* Cable and satellite providers offer free-to-view and subscription channels . You may need additional
equipment for this, usually available directly from the supplier, and a one-off payment.




Better choice
Freeview has grown to 41 channels, including the five main channels. There are dedicated channels for kids, history buffs, movie fans and many all-round entertainment channels. You can also receive digital radio stations through your digital TV.

Better picture quality
Digital broadcasts don’t suffer the interference issues of analogue TVs so you get clearer, better pictures.

Widescreen TV
Many digital programs are broadcast in true widescreen so the picture isn't stretched. That means great looking television that film fans will love.



Since high definition exploded onto the scene, there’s been a lot of jargon flying around. Here’s the deal.

HD stands for High Definition in general and relates to all the latest technologies required to bring clearer and sharper television pictures into your home.
HDTV refers to high-definition programming and the equipment, such as digital receivers, able to receive HDTV.

HD-ready is a logo often displayed next to actual TVs and means that they are capable of receiving HD transmissions and displaying them

HD-ready TVs:

* can accept and display HDTV programming - up to the resolution of the TV
* have a component video input
* need to be connected to an HD source to actually receive HD programming
* have an HDMI or DVI terminal so that they can accept a HDTV signal
* have a screen with a minimum of 720 horizontal lines; so-called full HD TVs have a minimum of 1080 horizontal lines


That means that to watch HD programs, you’ll need:

* an HD-ready TV
* a set-top box to receive HD signals – you can get from broadcasters such as Sky, and Virgin Media
* a subscription with a broadcaster that delivers HD programmes


Sky currently offers 12 HD channels. The BBC is currently running HD trial broadcasts, available via satellite and cable. Even if you don’t subscribe to HD programming, buying a HD-ready TV means you’ll be able to enjoy other benefits, including better picture quality.

What makes HD better?
So what gives HD television and programmes such incredible detail, clarity and intensity?

More pixels equal more resolution. And resolution is the main reason why high-definition pictures look better. Instead of having 576 visible lines of detail, HD programming and HD-ready TVs can display up to 1080 delivering incredible clarity and detail. That’s much more detail than a standard-definition television, which means clearer and sharper pictures. HD also uses millions more colours than normal TV.

The 3 HD formats
There are 3 different high-definition formats:

* 720p - which has 720 lines and is a progressive scan format - progressive scan means that the whole picture is loaded at once,
rather than line by line, delivering a smoother image that stays sharp during motion.
* 1080i - more lines and pixels.
* 1080p - the third format, combines the superior resolution of 1080i with the progressive-scan smoothness of 720p.
All 1080p formats are known as full HD


So which should you choose – a TV with 720p, 1080i or 1080p?

* 720p resolution is the most widely available and affordable
* most current HD programming is in 720p format
* you will still be able to receive higher standard HD programming such as 1080, the quality will simply be ‘downgraded’ to 720p


720p - For most of us then 720p will still deliver incredible detailed and realistic pictures and means you’ll be able to enjoy the benefits of emerging HD technologies.

1080p - Gaming enthusiasts and movie fans with Blu-ray or HD DVD players will find that a 1080p television is the only way to fully experience the true potential of high-definition PS3, blu-ray and other HD DVD players. Plus, we’re seeing more blu-ray and HD discs being released, providing cinema-quality picture and sound.

What else affects the picture?
The number of pixels and resolution isn’t the only factor affecting the picture quality. Contrast ratio (the difference between the blackest blacks and the whitest whites) and brightness are factors. A higher level of brightness, for example, will produce a more vibrant picture. Average brightness is 500cd/m2.
Most manufacturers also incorporate their own picture-enhancing technologies to deliver more brilliant, realistic colours and to bring further clarity to fast-action scenes. Samsung, Sony, Panasonic, LG and Philips all have their own collection of such technologies.



When choosing the right television for you, consider the following factors:

* Your budget
* Your viewing distance
* The look you want
* LCD or plasma


If you are looking to purchase a new TV, we recommend you get a HD-ready digital model, particularly if it is going to be your main TV. The digital part means you’ll receive Freeview and be prepared for the digital switchover. The HD part means you’ll enjoy crisper, richer images when connected to an HD source.

Your budget
In general, the price of televisions depends on the size of the screen and the resolution level although both add to your viewing experience. Integrated tuners and multiple HDMI inputs affect the price, but save you space and a tangle of cables. Some TV models have added extras, such as picture-in-picture, virtual surround sound, comb filter and more. Our range of flat-panel televisions range from less than $200 to $6000.

Your viewing distance
The distance between the TV and where you’ll be sitting to watch it will affect what size will give you the best viewing experience. Sitting too close to a large screen means you’ll miss out on the big picture. Sit too far away from a small screen, however, and you’ll lose the feeling of being immersed in the action.

Below is a guide on the ideal LCD or plasma size for different viewing distances:

VIEWING DISTANCE

SCREEN SIZE

• 1.5m - 2.4m
• 14" - 21"
• 2.4m - 3m
• 23" - 32"
• 3m - 3.6m
• 36" - 42"
• 3.6m+
• 43" - 60"

The look
The good news is that all this technology comes wrapped up in super-slim designs that can make a design statement in any home.

Want that wow factor? Recreate a cinema-like experience in your home with large plasma. Or hang a stylish LCD as you would a piece of art.

Increasingly, you can also experiment with colour. Black and silver are the most popular, but you can also find white, red, brown and blue television sets.

Flat -panel TVs
Flat-panel TVs have become the most popular television thanks to::

* lifelike picture quality
* ultra-thin design
* fantastic colour representation
* less glare
* space saving
* can be wall-mounted
* flicker-free picture
* wider viewing angle

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