For Tv Buyers - A Glossary Of Terms

If you're thinking of buying a wide-screen set, or investing in a plasma TV, be sure you know what you're looking at in the store. The terminology used in the current TV market seems to change each day, with an exponential number of funny-looking acronyms and odd-sounding technical words. To assist consumers with the purchase of a new TV, the following terms have been defined.

SDTV: This acronym stands for standard definition television. An SDTV is a conventional TV with a resolution of 480i.

EDTV: This is short for enhanced definition television. With an EDTV, the image on the screen is comprised of 480 progressive-scanned lines, which add up to a better picture -- one that's superior to SDTV. Look for 480p when buying a new set.

HDTV: Everyone knows this one: High definition television is considered the best TV available. In terms of scanning, it offers a wide range for the screen: 720 or 1080 progressive/1080 interlaced. Look for 720p, 1080i and 1080p when considering your purchase.

ED-ready and HD-ready: These terms refer to plasma sets that have the capability of supporting enhanced and high definition TV with the help of an auxiliary receiver.

External receiver or set top box: This is a device usually supplied by TV service providers that lets viewers pick up digital TV.

Built-in tuner: Some televisions have tuners already built in, rendering a set top box unnecessary. With this type of built-in tuner, viewers can easily pick up HD content without having to use any kind of special, additional receiver.

Cable card: This is a feature on some TVs that takes the place of a receiver for the reception of cable transmission. Instead of a receiver or cable box, a card similar in size to a credit card is inserted into the cable card slot, and it functions like the receiver. There is no equivalent to this card with satellite TV systems, so keep this in mind when buying a TV. Also, cable cards do not provide any on-screen guides or menus.

Comb filter: This is a device that works to deliver a better TV image. These filters help the display and the resolution, and a few different kinds are available in today's TVs. The best kinds are 3-line digital and 3D Y/C filters, so look for them when shopping.

Energy star: This is a rating used to warn consumers about the energy efficiency of products on the market.

Burn in: The result of static. Burn in occurs when an image produces an outline or mark that stays on the screen due to static. The image remains on the screen, even after the viewer changes to another channel.

16:9: This number is an aspect ratio, and it applies to the size of the TV screen. 16:9 is basically a reduced version of a screen in a movie theater. This number is another way of saying ""widescreen."" All plasma sets and all high definition sets are considered widescreen, with aspect ratios of at least 16:9.

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