Top 5 HDTV Myths: All Flat-Panel TVs are HDTVs

The rate at which technology continually advances often produces confusion and misconceptions concerning the capabilities and differences between older and newer appliances. HDTV sets and accompanying HD accessories are prime examples. Having a little information about potential HDTV purchases saves consumers time and money in the long run.

No Difference Between Digital Television and High-Definition Television

When all television broadcasting signals converted from analog to digital during 2009, individuals subscribing to cable or satellite services did not experience any visual differences. Older televisions missing digital tuners or viewers using aerial antennas required special external converters. However, digital signals do not equate to high-definition broadcasting. High-definition viewing revolves around receiving a crisper picture because the number of pixels per image increases. Not all networks transmit high-definition signals. Production companies may or may not create individual programs using high-definition technology. If viewers do not own HDTV sets or use HD connectors, transmitted HD signals and HD programs appear no different than traditional broadcast images.

All Flat Panel TVs Provide High Definition Technology

The space saving flat panel television sets on the market today contain either LCD or plasma technology. The advanced electronic technology contained within these appliances creates a clearer, crisper picture compared with sets equipped with archaic cathode ray tubes. However, this technology does not represent HDTV. High-definition television sets additionally feature special tuners that readily receive and display HD signals. HDTV technology also includes a viewing screen having a 16:9 ratio over the 4:3 ratios of older model televisions.

HDTVs Display All Broadcasts in High-Definition

Having an HDTV does not mean that all broadcasts automatically appear in high definition. Unless otherwise specified as a strictly high-definition channel, major television broadcasting stations may transmit HD and standard definition programs. Individuals not subscribing to digital cable providers do not receive the digital signals required for high-definition displays. Individuals using analog connection cables between DVD players, or other video devices, and television sets do not transmit HD signals to the TV. Ensuring the best quality picture requires installing High-definition Multimedia Interface or Digital Video Interface or HDMI and DVI cables between all electronic audio/visual devices.

HDTV Require HDMI Cables

While optimal high-definition viewing requires using HDMI or DVI cables, HDTVs do function using traditional analog connection cables. HDTV manufacturers take into consideration that individuals often have older home entertainment components, which lack ports for high-definition connections. These components generally only accept analog signals that do not produce HD quality output. Unwilling to spend the money for upgrading an entire system, many individuals happily watch HDTV without using digital cables. The initial expense of HD digital cables also deters some who may prefer acquiring the connectors at a later date.

Bigger Screen Sizes Provide Better Picture Quality

HD means visual displays appear in 720i or 1080i resolution settings. These numbers mean that pictures contain either 1280 x 720 pixels or 1920 x 1080 pixels. These settings do not change with the size of the viewing screen. If watching a smaller screen TV along side a large screen TV simultaneously, viewers notice the larger screen does not produce the same quality picture at close range. As the screen size increases so does the size of each individual pixel, which minimizes the sharpness of the image. Large screen television sets are typically meant for comfortable viewing at greater distances.

Paul is writing for Quatrix Antennas, a Sydney based digital TV antenna installation company.