Choose the right gear for high definition
Submitted by: Ian Morris
Tip 1: Understand the labels
Like the best things in life, you need to make an effort to get the best from high definition, and with CNET.co.uk's guide, you'll be well on your way to HD bliss.
The most obvious pothole on the road to high definition is making sure your new TV is 'HD Ready' and therefore compatible with all upcoming technology. Most new flat-panel TVs are now badged as 'HD Ready'. This means that they meet a minimum technical specification:
Look for the HD Ready badge when you buy a television
• The minimum native resolution of the display is 720 physical lines in a widescreen (16:9) aspect ratio
• The display device accepts high-definition input via component video and DVI or HDMI
• These HD-capable inputs must accept 720p (1,280x720-pixel) and 1080i (1,920x1,080-pixel) video signals
• The DVI or HDMI input must support High-bandwidth Digital Content Protection (HDCP)
The last point on that list is the one that has caused the most problems for TV manufacturers. Most flat-panel displays feature computer inputs, so they have long offered 720 lines of resolution. But as high definition gained momentum in the US and Japan, European content manufacturers wanted to safeguard their content with copy protection, and HDCP was born.
Providing the HD Ready badge is on the TV, you're fine.
Submitted by: Ian Morris
Ian Morris is CNET.co.uk's resident expert on all matters relating to televisions, DVD players and PVRs. He loves high definition because, he says, "It's the future of television, offering the sharpest and smoothest picture for the ultimate home-cinema experience."
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