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Technology Tip
High Definiton Television
This month I'm diverging from my usual computer article and exploring something different -
high definition television. I'll pass on my thoughts, observations, and make some recommendations.
Some of you have already stepped into this area and have purchased a high definition TV (HDTV).
Others have hesitated due to price, technical complexity, or thinking standard analog TV is fine for me.
These are all logical concerns. For those that may be interested in HDTV - read on.
The latest information regarding analog TV (including standard cable TV) is that the FCC has mandated
that cable carriers, such as Comcast, must carry analog signals for 3 additional years after the mandatory
over-the-air switch from analog to digital that will take place on February 17, 2009. Within Hershey's Mill
we are not concerned with over-the-air signals, only standard analog cable signals. Those of you that have
analog sets should be fine up to February 17, 2012 and perhaps longer. After that Comcast may supply
converter boxes but that is still undecided.
Upgrading your TV viewing to HDTV is not all that difficult. However there are some things to be aware of such
as floor space, screen size, viewing distance, TV cable jack location, cable box, and AC power. First,
make a trip to Circuit City in Exton and view their HDTV's. You can get a good idea of what it is all about.
Keep in mind these sets may not be adjusted for the best picture and the video that Circuit City uses is "canned".
I came away with the thought they all looked good and it was too difficult a decision. So I decided to head
to the Internet and do some research. I looked for editor and user reviews of selected HDTV's. One good site
is www.cnet.com. On the left side of the page, click on Reviews, Televisions, then HDTV World to learn more.
can also read about HDTV's in the November 2007 issue of Consumer Reports. Although plasma and LCD sets offer
near equal quality pictures there are some differences. Plasma offers better contrast and wider viewing angles.
LCD offers bright pictures particularly in well-lit rooms. You need to decide which technology best suits your
viewing needs. After considerable research I chose a Panasonic plasma with an anti-glare screen that reduces
room reflections. It is the top rated model in Consumer Reports for 42" plasma models. For sports plasma may
have a slight edge because of faster response times. You also don't need to spend extra money for 1080P resolution
unless you sit closer than 6-7 ft. from a HDTV and wish to see every pixel detail. The general guideline for
proper viewing distance with the recommended 720P set is 3-4 times the diagonal measurement of the screen.
After deciding on your HDTV, check out the www.comcast.com web site to view the various Comcast TV packages available.
Move down the left side of the Web page to Shop and click on Digital Cable with On Demand. While you are there
you can purchase the service, or you can call 1-800-COMCAST. For the fastest service you can also visit the
Comcast Customer Center next to Lowe's (left side) on Rt. 30 in Downingtown. When you go in, pick up a ticket
for Cable TV and wait your turn. You need a cable box for On Demand, the Program Guide and also to properly
decode the HDTV signal. There are 2 kinds of cable boxes. One comes with a hard drive to record TV shows and
one without. I decided to ditch the VCR and record everything digitally on the new Comcast cable box. They give
you all the cables (HDMI type is the best to use) and when you get home and make the connections all you need
to do is call their 800 number to activate your new HDTV service. If you like to watch movies, record TV shows
(DVR type box), or listen to the 40+ music channels available, you need the cable box. Another choice is
a cable card in place of a cable box if you are ONLY interested in watching HDTV and the other digital channels.
Make sure to choose a HDTV that accommodates cable cards. Most do not. Comcast's HDTV cable box prices and
packages are as follows: The digital cable box with a DVR is $11.95/M. Digital Cable Preferred package
(with On Demand, plus 1 year of HBO and Starz!) is $10.00/M. Other configurations are available too.
The Comcast Customer Center will set you up for any of the services you viewed at the Comcast Web site.
Good instructions come with the box and it's no harder to connect to the HDTV than a VCR and perhaps easier.
One thing to note - Plasma TV's are heavy so plan on a neighbor or a friend to help you lift it in place if
you use a stand. The Panasonic TV is 80 lbs. Make sure both of you are in good physical condition to perform
this task. If not, consider purchasing the "White Glove" or similar setup that many stores offer. If you choose
to wall mount the TV it should be done by a professional.
Now for the bottom line, do I recommend a HDTV? Absolutely! It's a wonderful viewing experience with clear
lifelike pictures, no snow, noise, or wavy lines. In fact the non-HDTV digital channels offer the same noise
free quality. Even Channel 20 looks better on a HDTV.
To get answers to your questions about HDTV, Comcast's service, and of course computers, please come to the
PC Club meeting. We meet the second Tuesday of each month at 7:00 PM in Winfield Hall.
Don Trauger
To get answers to your questions about computers, please come to the PC Club meeting. The computer club
meets the second Tuesday of each month at 7:00 PM in Winfield Hall.
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