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Need cables for
your new Plasma, LCD or DLP TV?
We carry a full line of home electronics cables for
much less than you expect! We have hard to find
extra-long cables, S-Video cables, DVI cables and more.
We have cables for any specific need or to accommodate
any option you'd like to add to your system!
Click Here for Cables Matched to This Item. |
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ATSC - Means 2009
Digital TV Ready
Buy with confidence that ATSC TVs are designed for
the future!
The ATSC Standard for Digital Television (DTV)
encompasses a number of Standards, Practices, and Guidelines
for Digital Television. What it means for today's television
consumer is that ATSC TVs are ready for the future! They
comply with the requirements for the transition to Digital
TV sets and all digital transmission to occur by February
17th, 2009. ATSC Digital Ready TVs have digital
tuners already. TVs and related Tuner products
that are not ATSC will require a separate digital tuner
after the transition date. |
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How To Pick Your
Best TV Size? How Do You Watch TV?
Does your family gathers together on movie
nights? Are you a lone sports fan who really
gets into your favorite game, or has the whole neighborhood
over? Do you have an intimate TV room, or a huge
home theater? Do you watch in the bedroom, or
the living room?
The size of the TV that's best for you and your
family depends on how you like to spend your time
and the size of your room.
- FAMILY ROOMS
For family rooms and other spaces with high TV
use, 37 inch and larger are the most popular
choices. In large rooms, the largest size
possible is usually best.
- BEDROOMS
For bedrooms, offices and other medium-sized spaces,
look in the 26 to 37 inch size range.
- KITCHENS & SMALL ROOMS
For kitchens and smaller rooms where you are closer
to the TV, consider a 15 to 19 inch screen.
Limited Space?
 Are
you limited in the space you have available on the
wall or in a piece of furniture? We have the
perfect tool to help you calculate the exact size that
will fit!
Just Click
Here |
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How To Pick Your
Best TV Type?
Several important factors determine the quality
of your HDTV picture. So how do you find a picture
you like?
- TV TECHNOLOGY
As you probably already know, there are several
TV technologies available. LCD televisions
are thin and lightweight with a high-quality
picture, even in brightly lit rooms. Plasma
screens are heavier than LCDs but may deliver
a slightly picture in dark rooms with more intense
colors. DLP TVs offer brilliant screens,
but are thicker than LCDs or Plasma.
- RESOLUTION
Think about TV resolution as the number of pixels
contained in one "frame" of
a television show or movie. More pixels
in each frame will give you better picture detail. 720P
and 1080P are the two most common resolution
standards for HDTV now. With about 1 million
pixels in each frame, 720P provides a vivid,
high definition picture. 1080P offers the highest
level of HDTV quality with over 2 million pixels
in each frame, creating even greater picture
details. While broadcast is mostly limited
to 720P, 1080P is the standard for high definition
disc players like Blu-Ray.
- CONTRAST RATIO
Contrast ratio is a number that measures the difference
in light intensity between the brightest white
and the darkest black on the screen. In
general the higher the contrast ratio number,
the better the image quality. Most times,
you will find Dynamic Contrast Ratio specified,
but be sure you are comparing the same type of
contrast ratio.
- CONTRAST ENHANCEMENT
Another way to improve contrast ratio is with contrast
enhancement technology. Most of the time, this
uses back lighting to improve apparent contrast. This
is especially helpful in dark rooms, as it helps
your eyes adjust to the best light levels. This
dynamically improves contrast, resulting in deep
blacks in darker scenes without losing fine details
in shadows and other dark areas of the picture.
- BIT COLOR
Another important contributor to picture
quality is what is called "bit depth". This
is the size of the number that is used to assign
colors on the screen. The higher the number,
the more displayable colors will appear (see the
image below). Of course this is only true if
both the display processor and the panel support
that number of bits!
More Bits = More Colors |
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What Is High
Definition And How Is It Different From Standard
Definition?
High Definition or "HD" is a technological
leap forward from standard definition, with up to 6x
the picture resolution, so that what you see is sharper
and more realistic. Regular TVs and the TV channels
you watch at home are typically in standard definition
(unless you watch HD channels). DVD are
also in standard definition. Standard definition
(480i & 480p) is lower quality than high definition. Many
older TV sets are standard def, and can only show standard
def content (programming). Many new TVs are called
High Definition TVs (HDTV). They are capable
of showing high def content in: 720p, 1080i, and 1080p,
all high definition formats, but 1080p provides the
highest picture quality of them all.
Click
Here To Learn More » |
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How To Protect
Your HDTV And Make It All Work!
You've bought your ideal television or home
theater, but have you considered how you will protect
it, or make it all work together? It's not as
complex as it might seem, but it is important to consider,
since devices may work differently, and have incompatible
modes. Plus after investing in your hardware,
bad things can happen to damage them.
- MOST IMPORTANT: SURGE PROTECTION
 If
you have a computer, you know all about surge
suppressors and battery back-up UPS devices. But
do you have a UPS for your HDTV and Home Theater
system? HDTVs and Home Theater systems
are just as susceptible to surge and power damage
as computers, so it is critical you add a very
good surge suppressor or UPS to your setup at
once! Plus if you have a UPS, you'll be able
to watch TV or listen to music if the power goes
off! (for as long as the battery lasts of course!)
Click
Here for Power Protection products.
- CONTROLLING IT ALL: ADVANCED REMOTE CONTROLS
 Almost
every device you have came with a remote control,
some even are called Universal Remote Controls. But
every device, HDTV, or Home Theater component
has special features and functions, not supported
by the generic Universal Remotes, especially
if you want "One Button" control of
several devices at once. For these you
need Advanced Remote Controls, that not only
control everything, but reduce it all down to
One Button tasks that even a Cave Man could operate!
Click
Here for Advanced Remote Controls.
- GOT HELP? GET AN INSTALLATION & SETUP
SERVICE
 With
some of today's HDTV and Home Theater systems,
you may want to consider getting expert help
from certified technicians that can quickly install
your HDTV on your wall, hide the cables and wires,
balance the display settings and the 7.1 surround
sound, for the maximum in sound and picture quality. You
can still tell your friends and family that you
did it, it will just be our secret!
Click
Here for expert installation services available
when YOU want!
- GET A GUARANTEED BUYBACK FOR YOUR HDTV
 Another
way to protect your investment, given the changing
pace of technology, is to add a Guaranteed Buyback
to your HDTV purchase. This will guaranty
the trade-in value of your HDTV a year or two
in the future, when you will be ready to upgrade
to the latest technology.
Click
Here to view Guaranteed Buyback options.
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A Quick Guide To TV Definition Terms
HDTV - (High Definition) television monitors
reveal either 720 progressive (720p), or a minimum
of 1080 interlaced lines, known as 1080i. An HDTV will
show 540 lines at a time. These resolutions create
extraordinarily sharp, lifelike images as well as the
truest and most vivid colors ever seen on a television
screen.
EDTV - stands for Enhanced Definition Television.
EDTV monitors display at least 480 progressive lines
(480p). Because EDTV shows more lines simultaneously
than SDTV, its pictures are sharper, richer and more
realistic.
SDTV - Standard Definition TV is what’s
rapidly becoming old-fashioned television. Although
SDTV offers a decent picture we’ve grown accustomed
to, it features up to 480 interlaced lines (480i),
but can show only 240 of them at any given time. Although
SDTV produces a sharp picture and good color, its performance
is dramatically inferior to HDTV or EDTV.
For
More Information - Visit Our Guide To Plasma & LCD
TVs |
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How Compatible
Is HDMI?
HDMI is fully backward compatible with PCs, displays
and consumer electronics devices incorporating the
Digital Visual Interface (DVI) standard. Both HDMI
and DVI were pioneered by Silicon Image and are based
on TMDS®, Silicon Image's powerful, high-speed,
serial link technology. HDMI supports standard, enhanced,
or high-definition video, plus multi-channel digital
audio on a single cable. It transmits all ATSC HDTV
standards and supports 8-channel digital audio, and
with 5 Gbps of bandwidth, HDMI can accommodate future
enhancements and requirements. Because HDMI was designed
specifically for consumer electronics applications,
it offers an array of additional consumer enhancements.
As digital content can manifest itself in a variety
of sizes, resolutions and formats, HDMI-enabled systems
will automatically configure to display content in
the most effective format. In addition, if implemented
in a specific device, HDMI enables a single remote
point and click, allowing manufacturers to deliver
home theater systems that automatically configure from
a single command from a remote control -- turning on
or off the components necessary to view a DVD, listen
to a CD, or watch cable or satellite TV.
What is the difference between HDMI 1.3 and
HDMI 1.3a, or 1.3b?
For consumers, there is no difference between HDMI
version 1.3 and 1.3a or 1.3b. These minor revisions
to the specification typically relate to manufacturing
or testing issues and do not impact features or functionality
in a specific product. In addition, HDMI Licensing,
LLC is actively working with manufacturers to reduce
confusion for consumers by de-emphasizing version numbers
and focusing instead on product features and functionality.
How can I identify which HDMI products
support a specific feature, such as DVD Audio or
Deep Color?
The key for consumers to remember is that HDMI has
consistently enabled a variety of the most innovative
new technologies (whether they are DVD Audio, SACD,
1080p/60, etc.). However, in many cases, it is up
to each manufacturer to choose which features to
implement in any given product. The manufacturer
can choose the mix of features that makes sense for
its customers and products. So, customers must choose
devices that have the features that they want (instead
of focusing on which version of HDMI is implemented
by the device.). Consumers interested in confirming
whether a particular consumer electronics product
supports DVD-Audio or any other feature over HDMI
are urged to review users’ manuals and product
reviews, or check with manufacturers directly.
What Is Firmware Upgradeable?
Many of today's electronics product are designed
for today's standards. Yet like personal
computers, they have advanced capabilities that
will let them be upgraded for use with new technologies
and standards. The ability to upgrade the
firmware of an electronics product allows you to
extend the useful lifespan of the device you purchase,
and be able to expect support for many (if not
all) of the emerging new standards.
What is the difference between Active HDMI
and Passive HDMI?
There is no active or passive HDMI in the HDMI specification.
These terms apply to cables. Active cables have built-in
electronics to enable long cable runs, and typically
these cables require a power supply. These cables
use active electronics to help push the signal farther
than typical passive cables. |
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What Is A VESA
Mount?
A VESA mount is one that has been designed to be compatible
with the Flat Display Mounting Interface (FDMI) Standard. The
standard defines all aspects of the mount dimensions
and characteristics, to assure full compatibility between
compliant TV manufacturers and the manufacturers of
compliant or certified mounting hardware.
Remember, if you are looking to mount your monitor
or TV on a VESA compatible mount or stand, check
the individual product specificiations to make sure
it is a VESA Mount compatible device!
Click
Here For Our Flat Panel TV & Monitor Mounts »
Who Is VESA?
 VESA
is an organization that supports and sets industry-wide interface
standards for the PC, workstation, and consumer electronics
industries. VESA promotes and develops timely, relevant,
open standards for the display and display interface industry,
ensuring interoperability and encouraging innovation and
market growth.
Click Here
To Learn More About VESA » |
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About HDTV Viewing
Angles
The Viewing Angle of any TV is an important specification. The
wider the viewing angle, the more enjoyable your experience. Viewing
angles above 150° means you can view your TV from
a reasonable range - from the front and off to the
sides. However, viewing angles above 170° are
best! Many of today's Plasma and LCD HDTVs offer
viewing angles of 178°, and their images do not
suffer from degradation at very high viewing angles. LCD
TVs were originally designed for a one user experience,
as a computer monitor, but the technology has kept
pace with the demands for ever increasing viewing angles,
and most offer excellent viewing experiences. Between
LCD and Plasma; Plasma TVs have the advantage, but
by a small margin.
Viewing angles are not an issue with projectors
because the light source is coming from in front
of the screen, and not from behind. However, the
surface on which you project (screen or wall surface)
may have a slight impact on viewing angles, so it
is important to choose the best screen possible. |
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TechTip: Cleaning
Your LCD Monitor or TV
Now that you have your new LCD Monitor or Widescreen
TV, it is important to use the right products to clean
it. The wrong cleaner can damage the surface
of your display. However, there are many new
cleaning products on the market designed especially
for LCD displays. We recommend using a soft, lint-free
cloth and a special
LCD cleaner. (You can also use a cleaner
that contains any of the following: Water, Vinegar
(mixed with water), or Isopropyl alcohol). BUT Do
Not Use cleaners that contain any of the following
agents: Acetone, Ethyl alcohol, Ethyl acid, Ammonia,
Methyl chloride! Important: Do not spray
any liquids directly on the LCD screen. Always apply
the solution to your cloth first, not directly to the
parts you are cleaning. Always use a soft cotton cloth.
Some materials, such as paper towels or old rags can
cause scratches and damage the LCD screen.
CLICK
HERE FOR OUR SPECIAL LCD CLEANING PRODUCTS » |
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LCD Technology: Response Time - Enabling
crisp full-motion video
With the recent widespread use of PC and online games,
and PCs equipped with DVD drives give users more opportunities
to see moving images such as those in 3D games or action
movies on screen. This increase in motion picture content
means computer monitors must be able to display not
only still images, but moving ones as well. Manufacturers
and IT publications often cite a fast response time
as an indication that a display can play videos or
games with little or no blurring. Hence, we would like
to share with you what response time is, and how helpful
it is in determining how well an LCD display (TV or
Monitor) can portray moving images. Click
here for our Guide To LCD Response Times » |
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