HD television: raising the bar.(high definition television)(Buyers Guide)

Today's gold standard for TV is high definition, or HD, the much-talked-about format that offers images with lifelike detail and clarity. Indications are that 2004 may be the Fear in which HDTV becomes a reality for mainstream America. So if you're shopping for a TV, it's time to decide whether HD is right for you.

Simply buying the right TV set doesn't get you HD. You need programming that is created, transmitted, and processed in HD, as explained in "Defining Definition" (page 20). Depending on where you live and the service provider you use, you may be able to enjoy prime-time HD programming on the major broadcast and cable channels and on several full-time HD channels.

This guide can help you decide whether you want HDTV and, if so, which TV set will best suit you.

HOW TO DECIDE

See HD images for yourself. Only firsthand experience will enable you to decide whether the quality is worth the extra cost. Visit a TV retailer and check out the picture quality. Don't look only at high-definition channels; also check out some standard-definition programming. Given a clean signal, some HD sets can make even standard-definition images look better than they do on a regular TV. (With a poor signal, like the worst channels from cable, an HDTV can make the images look worse.) Compare the HD set to a top-rated standard-definition TV to see if the difference sells you on HD. HDTVs also provide a modest but noticeable upgrade in quality from most DVD movies when played on a progressive-scan DVD player.

Find out how much HD content is available where you live. Before you expend energy shopping for a set, find out about HD programming available in your area and how you'd get it. Most parts of the U.S. have access to a fair amount of HD content, but offerings vary by locale and the reception method you use--antenna, cable, or satellite, See "Cable & Satellite TV" on page 31 for more information on HD offerings that may be available to you.

Decide if today's price premium for HDTV is worth paying. The cost of HDTV sets is falling, but these TVs still cost much more than conventional sets. It may be easier to justify the premium if you're shopping for your household's main set. With TVs that are pricey to begin with--such as plasma, LCD, or rear-projection --you can make an especially strong case for getting an HD set. Why spend thousands for yesterday's TV technology?