HDTV is all the rage, but just what is it and why is it so popular? Here are some of the very basics to get you started on the road to the ultimate experience in home entertainment.

1. 720p, 720i, 1080/p, and 1080i – the difference in the HDTV formats. While there isn’t a huge difference, there is some. For all basic television viewing, the 720p/50 formatting is the best. The most superior image quality is the 1080p/50. The biggest difference in the formats is actually just the price.

2. The wide screen you are paying big bucks for may actually be smaller that the traditional set you are giving up. It all comes down to viewing space. Television sets (including the widescreen HDTV sets) are all measured diagonally from corner to corner to determine the “size.” If you do the math, a 50” wide screen provides just 1063 square inches of viewing space. A traditional 50” screen provides 1200 square inches. So all may look the same, but it is far from it.

3. Not all HDTV sets are created equal. Some sets that are being sold as HDTV are only ready for the technology. These sets lack their own tuner to process the transmissions. For a true HDTV make sure the set comes with a built in NTSC, ATSC (HD turner), and has shows at least 720p.

4. You can now pick up HDTV programming with the application of the age old “rabbit ears.” Adding an antenna to your set will make it possible for you to pick up any HD broadcasting in your area (the larger the viewing market, the more likely programming will be available). There are even some websites to help you set up your antenna to the correct coordinates.

HDTV is inevitable. In the United States, the federal government has mandated that all broadcasts must be digital by 2009. By knowing the HDTV basics, it will be easier for consumers to enter the market without feeling completely overwhelmed.

Kathryn Lang is a freelance writer covering the home entertainment industry. She has written various articles on HDTV news equipment and regularly writes on the HDTV Digital forums.

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