If you've been thinking about getting an HDTV, I cannot urge you strongly enough to buy one. If you hurry, you can have one in time for the big game on Sunday. If you prefer save a little more money, wait until just after the Super Bowl. Either way you can't lose.
I've become an HD snob. I can't watch SD channels anymore. Since I got digital cable installed I don't need to fuss with an antenna to change HD channels. Now I surf the HD channel range only. For better or worse there is no turning back for me.
I highly recommend purchasing an HDTV buyer's guide. It will help teach you about the pros and cons of the different available technologies. I'm a big fan of DLP sets. Samsung is the leader in DLP technology as they have a great partnership with Texas Instruments. DLP sets give you a great bang for your buck. You get a large viewing area with a smaller footprint than CRT sets, but you don't pay the significantly higher LCD or Plasma prices.
Remember to consider the size of the room when sizing the TV. A general guideline is a TV should be placed where the viewing distance is 2 to 2.5-times the diagonal screen measurement. For example, a 42-inch TV works best if the viewing area is 84 to 105-inches away, which is equivalent to between 7 and about 9-feet away. Buying a TV that is too large for the space will make pixels and other potential viewing defects more obvious.
I'm also a fan of 720p resolution. I think the 60 frames-per-second trumps the increased resolution of a 1080i set. The 30 frames-per-second of a 1080i picture is noticeable to me when watching fast-action sports. I detect a slight motion blur. I think that a 720p image is as smooth as can be.
Whatever you decide to buy make sure to view it in person at the store. Don't buy any TV that you haven't had the chance to play with first. Ask the store personnel to change the channel and view a few different HD feeds and even some SD feeds. Try to see the negatives about whatever technology/resolution you wish to buy. Look for rainbows, the "screen door" effect, motion blurring, and viewing angle, both vertically and from the sides. These potential negatives are not detected by everyone.
If you are happy with the set in person, take it home. Just make sure that you supply a digital signal to your new TV. You can use an antenna with your set if it has a built-in tuner, or if you have an HD receiver. Otherwise you must sign-up for HD service with your cable or satellite provider.
The Red Sox will be the first baseball team to broadcast every home game in HD this year. There has never been a better time to be a fan.
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