HDTVblog

This is very cool ... and an indication that the full potential of HDTV has just begun to be recognized.

Link: The Coming 3-D HDTV Revolution? | TVPredictions.com

Is 3-D HDTV the next big thing?

Several major companies this year have announced that they are launching products or services designed for the new 3-D market.

Just this week, Mitsubishi said it will introduce 3-D equipped TVs later this year and Disney's Pixar said it will soon release animated films on Blu-ray in the 3-D format. ...

... Clearly, the industry believes that 3-D HDTV -- whether at home or in the theater -- has the potential to revitalize the entertainment industry. While HDTV has captured the imagination of many consumers, 3-D HDTV could lead to a more engaged audience because of its capacity to arouse emotions.

Watching something in high-def makes you feel like you're there; watching something in 3-D HD makes you feel like you can reach out and touch what's there. ... MORE

Here is a very good article about -- sound for your HDTV system. There is nothing like great sound to turn television/DVD viewing into a completely different, exciting experience. When purchasing an HDTV, try and get yourself a complimentary sound system as well.

Link: Slideshows: Home Theater in a Box: Not Just for Newbies? | Dennis P. Barker/Electronic House Info and Answers

When it comes to Consumer Electronics, there’s no denying high-definition is the hottest topic. It’s all very visually exciting, but what about the sound you might ask? It’s not surprising but once folks buy a new HDTV, or an upconverting DVD player, they finally start to think about audio! Unbelievable! What people need to remember is that audio is more than 50-percent of the experience. What? Without audio, movies like “Star Wars” or “Transformers” would sound pretty flat.

So, the first item that many people purchase after a new TV or DVD player would be a new audio system so they can finally experience true digital 5.1 surround sound. While some folks may go the route of buying a stand-alone A/V Receiver with separate speakers, other folks want something simpler and less intrusive. At the same time, they don’t want a lot of wires running all over floor or huge speakers that don’t fit into the decor of the room. What to do?

So, many people opt for a product fondly called the “Home Theater in a Box” (HTiB) because the entire audio system is packaged within one carton or box. Since their inception, however, they’ve changed quite a bit. Today, these pre-packaged systems can be just as good as separates with high-quality speaker drivers, and are now offered from quality audio companies. And, some HTiBs may also include a Blu-ray Disc player/changer. There are countless variations on a theme. Many systems come with sleek and futuristic speakers, or diminutive cube-like ones that easily blend in. Some systems can also be individual components packaged together, or designed to look like a long tubular speaker to complement that new flat-panel TV. With these beauties, everything – including electronics and drivers – are housed in one tubular container. ... MORE

Special to HDTVblog.info

Link: Everything You Need to Know About the Coming Digital TV Switchover | Andrew Eisner/Retrevo.com

Will you need to replace your TV in 2009 or will you be able to use a government issued coupon to purchase a digital TV converter box?

Just about one year from now on February 17, 2009 analog TV signals will be turned off and only digital TV signals will be transmitted over the air. This is the biggest change to standard TV signals since color TVs were introduced over 50 years ago. What does this mean for you and other TV owners? Retrevo.com offers this overview of what you need to know and just in case you want to use this event as an excuse to bring your TV or Grandma’s TV up to 21st century standards, Retrevo has recommendations for the best values in TV sets and DVD recorders including HDTV LCD TVs, DVD recorders, and Digital Video Recorders (DVRs).

It's All in the Tuner

NTSC tuners take an analog signal from an antenna, cable, or other connection and turn it into something that you can see and hear on your TV. NTSC or analog tuners are usually connected to external rabbit ears or rooftop antennas. Many TV sets hooked up to a basic cable connection also use an analog TV tuner to display all the non-premium channels.

On February 17, 2009 analog signals will not be available over the air and all tuners getting signals over the air will need to be ATSC tuners which accept digital signals. TVs can receive digital signals over the air, often using the same external antennas but they’ll need to have an ATSC digital tuner in order to hear or see anything. Cable-based systems should not be affected since cable companies should continue to offer analog signals for most basic cable channels. Satellite systems already transmit digital signals and should not be affected either by the switchover.

If you happen to have a TV or device with an analog tuner you have two choices. You can buy a converter box and possibly use a government issued coupon to get a discount or you can replace the old analog-based TV with a brand new digital one.

Converter Boxes

A converter box will most likely be the cheapest solution especially if you use a $40 coupon for a $60 converter box however it could make for a few hassles. For starters, you’ll have another remote to deal with. If you’re lucky, your universal remote will work with your old TV and the converter box but Grandma will have to figure out how to switch devices on the remote to raise the volume. You’ll also have something else to plug into an outlet and fit on the shelf.

Some DTV converter boxes are already available like the Insignia Digital to Analog Converter Box which costs around $60. The recently announced EchoStar TR-40 which is expected to sell for $39.99. Expect to see a much wider selection as the months go by. Some estimates claim there are 30 million analog sets that will require converter boxes or will need to be replaced.

The federal government is offering $40 coupons that consumers can use on a basic converter box. You can request up to two coupons per household now through March 31, 2009 . Remember the coupons are only good for 90 days so make sure there is something available to purchase before requesting a coupon. DVRs or DVD Recorders come with digital tuners and are reasonably priced, but are not eligible for the government coupons.

Retrevo recommends you use this opportunity to buy a new TV. Unfortunately you won’t get the $40 government subsidy and you may have to pay $10 to recycle the old TV but you should be able to get a more energy efficient flat screen TV and move up to HDTV for under $500. Bruce Berkoff, Chairman of the LCD TV Association offers this suggestion, "Why not get a converter box for the old set, move it into the guest room, and buy a new LCD TV for the livingroom?"

Good Values in LCD TVs

The Syntax Olevia 527V can be purchased for just a shade over $500 but it offers 720p HDTV in a big 27 inch LCD TV. The Samsung LN-S1951W is a 19 inch LCD TV that gets good user ratings and costs around $400. The Toshiba 20HL67 is a 20 inch HDTV that gets good reviews and will cost you around $450. The Sharp AQUOS LC-19DV22U is a 720p LCD HDTV that you can buy for under $500.

Time to Replace That Old VCR

If you haven’t made the switch to TIVO or DVR and still have an old VCR between your cable box and TV set, chances are it won’t work either when the digital change takes place next year. You can still put a converter box in front of the old unit but you might want to take the opportunity to upgrade the old tape-based VCR to a DVD recorder. You can purchase a DVD recorder for under $200. Retrevo can help find some good values based on DVD recorder reviews, features and prices. Here are a few top picks.

Digital Video Recorders store programs on internal hard drives. TIVO is the most popular brand. You can also rent a DVR set top box from cable companies like Comcast or Satellite providers like DirecTV.

Use Retrevo to See If Your Set is Digital

Misplaced the manual to your TV? Retrevo has manuals for most popular TV sets going back many years. You can use Retrevo to help find out if your old TV is digital or analog. Use the Retrevo search box to enter your make and model number along with either the word “manual, ATSC, QAM, or digital channels.” You can also browse for a manual on Retrevo by clicking here.

Don’t forget, you can find manuals and reviews for all popular gadgets and gear including GPS, Digital Cameras, Camcorders, Printers, and more from manufacturers including Sony, Panasonic, Canon, Nikon, and more.

Resources

Find a TV recycling center

DTV Facts site

DTV Answer Site

Government Site on DTV

Consumer Reports Site on DTV

Link: Blu-Ray Wins After HD DVD Is Scuttled | Associated Press

The HD DVD is now the Highly Dead DVD.

Toshiba Corp., creator of the HD DVD, dropped out of the battle Tuesday over the next generation of movie-disc technology and conceded to the rival Blu-ray format from Sony.

It was the biggest battle between two video formats since Betamax lost out to VHS in the 1980s.

In the long run, the end of the latest format war is expected to be good for consumers, who will no longer have to agonize over which technology to choose for high-definition movies, and won't have to go to the trouble and expense of buying two players.

But in the short term, Toshiba's defeat not only leaves 1 million HD DVD customers worldwide with dead-end hardware but also ends a rivalry that kept down prices for players and pushed the Blu-ray group to match the features available on HD DVD players.

Analysts say people interested in getting a Blu-ray player would do well to wait. For one thing, it will take 12 to 18 months for Blu-ray players to become as cheap and full-featured as HD DVD players, which have been selling for just over $100, according to ABI Research.

Link: How Blu-ray Discs Work | HowStuffWorks.com

Link: What You Need to Know About Digital Television | Robert Heron/PC Magazine

The cutoff date for analog broadcast television is a year away. Here's how it will affect you, whether you get your TV signal from cable, a satellite dish, or an antenna.

Unless Congress has a(nother) change of heart, February 17, 2009 marks the cutoff date for analog (NTSC) broadcast television here in the United States. On that date, all analog televisions that utilize an antenna to receive television programming will effectively cease to work as there will be no analog TV signals left to tune. However, most people don't use an antenna to receive television programming, and viewing digital television (DTV) doesn't necessarily require the purchase of a new TV. The transition to a 100% digital television broadcasting system is all but inevitable, and the good news is that few people will even notice when nearly 80 years of analog television broadcasting service comes to an end early next year.

Most of us receive network television programming from cable or satellite television providers, and in most cases these providers will make the digital television transition a transparent (and painless) one for its customers. Satellite television subscribers will be the least impacted by the transition to digital terrestrial broadcasting as absolutely nothing will change from the perspective of the subscriber. Satellite subscribers will continue to receive programming from the "closed" system of signals that are transmitted from orbiting satellites to compatible dish-style antennas and receiver boxes. Satellite subscribers can continue to utilize whatever TV they wish as the satellite receiver hardware will handle the decoding of the incoming signal as well as provide the necessary A/V (audio/video) connections for the TV. ... MORE

Link: The Thinner the Better for New HDTV Sets | Rocky Mountain News

HDTV manufacturers are trying to make the task of buying an HDTV set much more difficult than just choosing between LCD and plasma, 42 or 46 inches.

To stand out amid fierce competition, they're adding exotic features and even a little bit of color to the plain black bezels that have been de rigueur.

They're also chasing each other to zero - zero thickness, that is. Apparently, you can't be too thin if you're a TV.

All the major Asian brands revealed new sets at the International Consumer Electronics Show, which is under way this week in Las Vegas. Most of the innovation comes from the prestigious names, such as Sony, Pioneer, Panasonic and Toshiba, which are trying to keep HDTVs from becoming a commodity product. ...

... Pioneer Corp. is one of the companies working to put its sets on a diet: It demonstrated a plasma TV with a thickness of only 9 millimeters, or three-eighths of an inch, claiming it is the thinnest 50-inch set ever. It's just a prototype, however. ... MORE

Here is some good news.

Link: Analyst: HDTV DVD Prices to Fall 50 Percent | TVPredictions.com

HDTV DVD player prices will fall 50 percent in 2007, according to Understanding & Solutions, a market researcher. The forecast was reported in Video Business. The publication says Blu-ray and HD-DVD player prices are falling faster than anticipated, but at about the same rate as standard-definition DVD players. At the beginning of the year, Blu-ray players were priced at around $999 while HD-DVD players could be purchased for as low as $499. Understanding & Solutions says the 2007 price fall will be followed by a steeper decline. HDTV DVD player prices will likely be between $200 and $300 by 2009, the group says. “I think the rapid reduction of regular DVD pricing took many by surprise, and they felt this curve couldn’t be re-created with high-def, but at the moment, all evidence suggests that the price curve for the high-def formats is mirroring that of the DVD player,” Jim Bottoms, director at Understanding & Solutions, told Video Business. ... MORE ...

This is a well written article -- recommended for baisc HDTV knowledge.

Link: Don’t Buy an HDTV Without Reading This First | George Ou/ZDNet.com

Forking out a few thousand dollars or even just a few hundred is a serious investment and the last thing you want to do is buy an HDTV with lousy color rendition. Navigating the land mind of consumer electronics is a confusing proposition even for the seasoned gadget geeks so I created this survival guide to help you make a wise decision. I'll explain the various types of HDTVs as well as cabling and testing the color depth of your display. ... MORE ...

Very concise review of what you need to know about High Definition TV ... from one of the best comsumer tech writers in America.

Link: HDTV 101: Here's What You Need to Know | Kim Komando/Indianapolis Star

In the past few years, television has undergone a revolution. Thanks to HDTV (high-definition television), we can get unbelievably clear pictures. But choosing an HDTV set can be confusing.

High-definition refers to the resolution of an image. There are a couple of HDTV resolutions: 1,920-by-1,080 pixels (1080i and 1080p) or 1,280-by-720 pixels (720p).

You won't notice much difference between 1080 or 720. These numbers refer to the number of rows of pixels that make up the picture on the TV screen. A pixel, short for picture element, is a single point in a digital image. Standard televisions only display 330 rows of pixels, which is a difference you'll notice when you move up to HDTV.

The "p" means progressive, while "i" means interlaced. With progressive-scan HDTVs designated 720p and 1080p, the picture on-screen is refreshed all at once every 1/30th of a second. With interlaced screens, which is what HDTVs labeled 720i and 1080i as well as regular standard-definition TVs are, the odd-numbered lines of resolution are refreshed first, then the even-numbered lines. Because they refresh the entire screen in a single pass, progressive-scan HDTVs offer a somewhat cleaner, smoother picture, which can help when viewing sports and other fast action. But overall, both progressive-scan and interlaced TVs are fine. ... MORE

It looks like according to this report that the prevalence of HDTVs in home around the world will explode in a relatively short time.

This probably argues for being patient if considering an HDTV purchase. As the numbers go up, the cost will undoubtedly to down. Likewise as more homes have sets the demand and supply of HD programing will increase.

Link: Number of HDTV Homes to Treble by 2011: Report | Reuters

The number of households around the world with high-definition television (HDTV) will treble over the next five years as viewers switch to its clearer, more vivid picture, according to a report on Friday.

The transition to HDTV has been called a landmark move for the industry, similar to the shift from black-and-white television to color.

According to Informa Telecoms and Media, the number of homes taking the product will jump to 151 million worldwide by 2011 from 48 million at the end of 2006 when an estimated 1.2 billion households had a television. ...

... "The falling price of high-definition sets has really caught the public's imagination, and consumer uptake is impressive," Adam Thomas, the report's author said.

But he also said some customers were disappointed with the product as, on some services, there is not always enough content to watch.

The report said it expected this to change and highlighted the situation in the United States, Japan and Australia where governments had set deadlines for broadcasters to deliver a quota of programming in HD. ... MORE