Newk's
Nook: Digital TV is on the way. Here's a primer. Remember , unless your
using an aerial(remember those) for TV reception you will not need a
converter box.
Q. I'm going to purchase a new LCD HDTV. I
know that the higher the contrast ratio, the better the picture. But how high
is enough? For instance, is a 50,000:1 contrast ratio really worth an
additional $900? Also, can you explain HDMI cables and why they're important to
use?
A. Contrast ratio is important when choosing
an LCD TV. It is the difference between the blackest black and the whitest
white.
As
you note, greater contrast ratios generally mean a better picture. You'll see
more detail, especially in the shadows.
But
manufacturers have a dirty little secret. They may measure contrast ratios in
different ways. The numbers from different manufacturers might not be
comparable.
So,
when you're choosing a television, look closely at the picture. You may not see
the difference between 50,000:1 and 25,000:1 contrast ratios. Or, the
difference may not be worth the extra expense to you.
There's
little sense in spending extra for the sake of the numbers. So, buy the set
with the best picture in your price range.
And
don't overlook other factors, like the connections offered and response rate.
My HDTV buying guide covers
everything you need to know.
That
brings me to your second question.
Let's
start with the coaxial cable. The cable company sends signals to your cable box
via coaxial cable. The cable box decodes those broadcast signals.
Your
cable box is digital. It passes the digital signal to your television via an
HDMI connection.
I
assume the box can also transmit analog signals. So, it probably also has
component video connections.
Many
people assume that digital connections are better than analog. That's not
always the case. Sometimes you'll get a better picture from analog cables. I
have a tip that explains why.
If
you go with an analog connection, use component video cables. Component video
is capable of carrying a high-definition signal.
If
you're paying for high-definition programming, though, HDMI may be best. That's
because of a little thing called HDCP (High-Bandwidth Digital Content
Protection).
HDCP
is used to protect transmitted content. A broadcaster may place a broadcast
flag in its content. The flag may restrict the program from being transmitted
over analog connections in high-definition. If that's the case, the picture
quality will be degraded.
To
learn all about HDCP, read my tip.
DVI
connections also can carry a high-definition signal. However, the DVI format is
intended mostly for computers. It cannot carry audio. Unless you're using a
separate audio system, avoid DVI.
If
you're not subscribing to high-definition channels, do some tests. See if a
component video or an HDMI connection looks best.
If
you are subscribing to high-definition channels, I recommend using HDMI. That
way, you shouldn't run up against problems with HDCP.
I have much
more information on my site about televisions and their connections:
• Play your games
in high definition
• Connect a TV to a PC wirelessly
• Running out of HDMI connections?