Choosing A HDTV
Basically, when you are looking to buy a HDTV set, there are three main things you should consider: 1) the screen type 2) the technology used and 3) with or without a tuner.
HDTV Screen Types
There are two options you may choose from when it comes to the screen types of HDTV: standard size and wide screen. The standard sized screen has a 4:3 ratio display much like that of a normal TV unit. The wide screen on the other hand has a 16:9 ratio display which resembles that of movie theater screens. It is considered as the standard format for the HDTV signal and is the screen type recommended for watching HDTV shows.
HDTV Technologies
Direct view, using the standard Cathode Ray Tube (CRT), is still the most commonly used type of HDTV set. It has its own unique advantages and disadvantages but nevertheless it will eventually become obsolete as newer technologies are developed that give viewers more features, potential cost savings, clearer and brighter picture quality. This type of technology is quite pricey to manufacture thus the high price. It is also limited to the size of screen with its largest being only 36 inches.
The newer HDTV technologies include LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), Plasma TVs, DLP (Digital Light Processor), and LCOS (Liquid Crystal on Silicon). Just like with the Direct view technology, each of them has its own advantages and disadvantages. However the fact can't be denied that these newer HDTV technologies can produce equally the same or better picture quality.
When talking about LCDs and Plasma TVs, they have the advantage when it comes to sizes. Both can be in compact form and mostly are only a few inches thick. This would also mean that these sets weigh lesser and more options are given to as to where they can be placed around the house.
With Or Without A Tuner
There are some HDTV sets that have a tuner integrated in them while others do not. Purchasing a set without the tuner is somehow the more advantageous choice compared to the alternative for several reasons. First and foremost, without an integrated tuner, manufacturers can keep the prices of HDTV sets down. The sizes of these sets can still be compact.
The second advantage is in terms of upgrading. Nowadays, technology is rapidly developing. What is state-of-the art today may become obsolete tomorrow. Having a separate tuner will help you avoid replacing the whole set with tuner when you decide to upgrade to a newer HDTV tuner technology.
Last but not the least the fact that most cable and satellite providers give you their own tuners would mean that you need not purchase one which will give you a lot of savings.
