LCD Television Does Not Always Mean High Definition
The is some confusion and misconception about high definition programming with some believing they have to have either a plasma or LCD television in order to receive high def programming. Some of these same folks believe that as long as they have a plasma or LCD television they are set to receive high definition, but not all televisions are created equal when comes to digital broadcast reception. The high definition quality is only apparent when the broadcast signal is in digital format and the television is capable of high definition viewing. The input signal must also be digital to offer the high definition that viewers are looking for.
Similar to the LCD monitors used by most computers and most of the electronic equipment used in medical services, they are not really high definition. Those with analog television tuners are unable to use high definition signals and have to rely on set top boxes provided by the cable or satellite companies that convert the digit signal to analog. Even some of the newest LCD television sets are not designed for digital reception.
Although the picture quality is better on large screen televisions, when compared to projection units, not all LCD television units are high definition. Additionally, many do not realize that the term high definition is related to picture size and not the quality of the displayed picture.
Make Sure What You Get With LCD Television
When looking to buy a new television, understanding that all programming will be in digital format by 2009, those cable-ready televisions on the market today will still require a set-top box to view programming on cable. Those with a digital, high definition LCD television will be able to plug the cable into the television as they do with their current analog set receiving an analog symbol.
There are still many people who receive programming through an antenna and the connection for an LCD television will be the same, but once all programming is broadcast in digital format, they will need a converter to translate the signal into digital format. Thanks to the new government regulations on digital broadcasting, everyone will be able to buy the equipment needed, or contract with a cable or satellite company to watch television in digital format.
The important thing to remember when buying a LCD television is that even if it is not high definition, it will have a brighter, clearer picture even when viewed at an angle, and the sizes have grown in recent years to allow for big screen viewing.
