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Tips:
The HDTV world is a sea of information when it comes to specifications, manufacturers, different types of displays, technical
jargon and industry buzz words. Rest assured, the process is easier than you think. Arriving armed with some basic knowledge,
knowing what to look for and trusting your instincts will make this process a lot less complicated. Don’t be fooled by
specifications alone; not all televisions are created equal and some are definitely better than others. Below are some key areas to
focus on when benchmarking a television’s performance and figuring out whether or not it’s the right fit for you and your home.
The big picture
For many of the measurements manufacturers use, there is no current industry standard for obtaining the measurements.
Additionally, each manufacturer uses different technology names and, in certain case, specifications for their particular TVs. If
you really want to see what makes one TV better than another, let your eyes be the judge. Trust your instincts and don’t be afraid
to get up front and personal. Move close to the displays and look at details. Everything you see should look lifelike, realistic and
almost three dimensional on a high quality, high-performance display.
Size
Most people in the market for a new flat panel television are replacing either a large projection TV or a traditional CRT television.
Remember, all new HDTV’s are manufactured with a widescreen (16:9) or are rectangular in shape. While you may be replacing
a 36” CRT, in the HD world, the equivalent size is a 42” (diagonal) display. Simply put, 30” is the new 40” (diag.); 40” is the new
50” (diag.) and so on. Don’t make the mistake of settling for a smaller size HDTV; get it home and wish you had purchased a
larger one.
Resolution
The larger the prospective television, the greater the importance resolution plays. While 1080p may be the latest buzz word in the
world of high definition television, the majority of content you’ll be watching will still be 720p or 1080i. Blu-ray Disc is the only
consumer disc formats available today in 1080p. Don’t be fooled by numbers; contrast (what your eyes perceive, not just a high
ratio number) is just as important as resolution.
Sharpness
While looking at images on the screen, pay special attention to lines and edges. How sharp are the lines and edges of the objects?
How clear and detailed are they in dark or fast-moving scenes? Ask yourself, does this feel real? The difference may appear subtle
at first, but once you’re aware of it, it’s a difference you won’t stop noticing. Don’t be afraid to get up close to the TV and look
carefully at the edges.
Room Environment
Try to view the TV you are considering in a lighting environment similar to your home and based on the room in which you plan
to use it. Most often store lighting is flooded with overhead fluorescent lights, making it very unnatural and nothing like your
home. This can significantly influence the overall picture and ultimately the experience you will have when you bring your new
television home. Consider when you watch television the most. If you’re like most people, it will tend to be in the evenings with
prime time TV. Nighttime viewing is generally much darker than daytime; keep in mind, bright televisions tend to wash out a
picture. Movement of running water - should be fluid, not pixilated. You should be able to see minute details and pristine images
no matter what the action is.
Keep in Mind:
Source does matter
HDTV is what everyone wants to see. It is the source of choice in most retail environments so most flat panels look their best.
Much of today’s network and broadcast programming, however, is still in standard definition. This means when people bring
home a new HDTV expecting to enjoy the benefits of high-definition instantly, they are sometimes disappointed. The newer
models of flat screen TVs addresses these concerns and is armed with seamless technology to help delive the best possible
picture no matter what the signal is, standard or high-definition.
Manufacturer
A flat-screen television for most people is a major investment. You should choose a brand that has the history and reputation to
make you confident in your selection. Spend some time getting to know what makes the TV of your choice different from any
other HDTV available today. The more you know about this TV, the more you will realize not all televisions are created equal.
Versatility
Consider what else you might want to use your new HDTV for. Your family can use it as the center for digital photo viewing,
computer connectivity, video games and blockbuster movies to mention a few. Another important element to consider is ensuring
your new high-definition TV can accommodate the necessary connections for your various needs now, but also into the future.
Black level
The deeper the black, the greater the ability the TV has to achieve a realistic picture. Look for subtle details in darker scenes. This
indicates the television is equipped to produce sharper contrast and greater dimension in a picture. You should be able to
distinguish gradation in dark scenes. A good example to look for in the store is to look closely at the intensity of the blacks from
TV to TV. Directly compare the black screen transitions between different content or in the credits at the end of a movie. Be sure
to compare across the various brands and models.
Color accuracy
Colors should be true-to-life, not cartoon-like (unless you are watching animation). You should see detail and subtle gradations in
the color where intended. Skin tones should be natural. Bright, colorful scenes should be vivid and practically pop off the screen.
Details
Look for details within the picture on the screen. Try to spot faces in crowds, details like single blades of grass, tree branches
and individual leaves and pens in shirt pockets.
Viewing angles
Take a good look at each television screen standing directly front and center, then move off axis left and right to the sides of the
panel. Is the picture consistent from different viewing angles? Are colors maintained in the same hue or do they change the
further you move off center? What about image clarity as you move off axis? Does the picture remain crisp and clear or do
images become soft and hazy? The picture should remain consistent.
Fast-moving scenes
In fast-moving scenes, you should feel as if you’re in the action. Messy lines or square pixels should not interfere with your
favorite movie or sports program. Can you read the license plates in car chases? Do you notice the actual curve of a football as
it flies through the air? Pay close attention to those details, it will become crucial in how much you will enjoy your new TV.
The HDTV world is a sea of information when it comes to specifications, manufacturers, different types of displays, technical
jargon and industry buzz words. Rest assured, the process is easier than you think. Arriving armed with some basic knowledge,
knowing what to look for and trusting your instincts will make this process a lot less complicated. Don’t be fooled by
specifications alone; not all televisions are created equal and some are definitely better than others. Below are some key areas to
focus on when benchmarking a television’s performance and figuring out whether or not it’s the right fit for you and your home.
The big picture
For many of the measurements manufacturers use, there is no current industry standard for obtaining the measurements.
Additionally, each manufacturer uses different technology names and, in certain case, specifications for their particular TVs. If
you really want to see what makes one TV better than another, let your eyes be the judge. Trust your instincts and don’t be afraid
to get up front and personal. Move close to the displays and look at details. Everything you see should look lifelike, realistic and
almost three dimensional on a high quality, high-performance display.
Size
Most people in the market for a new flat panel television are replacing either a large projection TV or a traditional CRT television.
Remember, all new HDTV’s are manufactured with a widescreen (16:9) or are rectangular in shape. While you may be replacing
a 36” CRT, in the HD world, the equivalent size is a 42” (diagonal) display. Simply put, 30” is the new 40” (diag.); 40” is the new
50” (diag.) and so on. Don’t make the mistake of settling for a smaller size HDTV; get it home and wish you had purchased a
larger one.
Resolution
The larger the prospective television, the greater the importance resolution plays. While 1080p may be the latest buzz word in the
world of high definition television, the majority of content you’ll be watching will still be 720p or 1080i. Blu-ray Disc is the only
consumer disc formats available today in 1080p. Don’t be fooled by numbers; contrast (what your eyes perceive, not just a high
ratio number) is just as important as resolution.
Sharpness
While looking at images on the screen, pay special attention to lines and edges. How sharp are the lines and edges of the objects?
How clear and detailed are they in dark or fast-moving scenes? Ask yourself, does this feel real? The difference may appear subtle
at first, but once you’re aware of it, it’s a difference you won’t stop noticing. Don’t be afraid to get up close to the TV and look
carefully at the edges.
Room Environment
Try to view the TV you are considering in a lighting environment similar to your home and based on the room in which you plan
to use it. Most often store lighting is flooded with overhead fluorescent lights, making it very unnatural and nothing like your
home. This can significantly influence the overall picture and ultimately the experience you will have when you bring your new
television home. Consider when you watch television the most. If you’re like most people, it will tend to be in the evenings with
prime time TV. Nighttime viewing is generally much darker than daytime; keep in mind, bright televisions tend to wash out a
picture. Movement of running water - should be fluid, not pixilated. You should be able to see minute details and pristine images
no matter what the action is.
Keep in Mind:
Source does matter
HDTV is what everyone wants to see. It is the source of choice in most retail environments so most flat panels look their best.
Much of today’s network and broadcast programming, however, is still in standard definition. This means when people bring
home a new HDTV expecting to enjoy the benefits of high-definition instantly, they are sometimes disappointed. The newer
models of flat screen TVs addresses these concerns and is armed with seamless technology to help delive the best possible
picture no matter what the signal is, standard or high-definition.
Manufacturer
A flat-screen television for most people is a major investment. You should choose a brand that has the history and reputation to
make you confident in your selection. Spend some time getting to know what makes the TV of your choice different from any
other HDTV available today. The more you know about this TV, the more you will realize not all televisions are created equal.
Versatility
Consider what else you might want to use your new HDTV for. Your family can use it as the center for digital photo viewing,
computer connectivity, video games and blockbuster movies to mention a few. Another important element to consider is ensuring
your new high-definition TV can accommodate the necessary connections for your various needs now, but also into the future.
Black level
The deeper the black, the greater the ability the TV has to achieve a realistic picture. Look for subtle details in darker scenes. This
indicates the television is equipped to produce sharper contrast and greater dimension in a picture. You should be able to
distinguish gradation in dark scenes. A good example to look for in the store is to look closely at the intensity of the blacks from
TV to TV. Directly compare the black screen transitions between different content or in the credits at the end of a movie. Be sure
to compare across the various brands and models.
Color accuracy
Colors should be true-to-life, not cartoon-like (unless you are watching animation). You should see detail and subtle gradations in
the color where intended. Skin tones should be natural. Bright, colorful scenes should be vivid and practically pop off the screen.
Details
Look for details within the picture on the screen. Try to spot faces in crowds, details like single blades of grass, tree branches
and individual leaves and pens in shirt pockets.
Viewing angles
Take a good look at each television screen standing directly front and center, then move off axis left and right to the sides of the
panel. Is the picture consistent from different viewing angles? Are colors maintained in the same hue or do they change the
further you move off center? What about image clarity as you move off axis? Does the picture remain crisp and clear or do
images become soft and hazy? The picture should remain consistent.
Fast-moving scenes
In fast-moving scenes, you should feel as if you’re in the action. Messy lines or square pixels should not interfere with your
favorite movie or sports program. Can you read the license plates in car chases? Do you notice the actual curve of a football as
it flies through the air? Pay close attention to those details, it will become crucial in how much you will enjoy your new TV.
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