PRINTHDTV Guide
High-def for the low I.Q.
Courtesy of Toshiba
January 31, 2008 | 12:00 a.m. CST
The chili is simmering on the stove, and it’s time to crack open a beer. This is the Super Bowl; even the commercials matter. You’re ready for some football, but is your television? Time out. Vox has all the plays to make your screen ready to rumble.
Go all the way
With plasma and LCD prices declining to a fraction of last year’s costs, there is no better time to upgrade your television. LCD sets are lighter and more energy efficient than plasmas. They’re also perfect for well-lit rooms. But the plasma screen’s rich blacks, vibrant colors and high contrast give images a deeper, 3-D quality, better for a movie theater experience.
Because most screens are 42 inches or more, the only limitation with a plasma TV is its size, says Adam Peterson, technical director for Columbia’s Command Security & Sound.
Both plasma and LCD sets are made for high-definition viewing, so you won’t miss any trick plays. For those on a budget, Peterson suggests electronics stores such as Best Buy. Just make sure to buy a name brand for reliability.
More is more
If you really want high-def, just owning a plasma or flat screen won’t do. Peterson says that the on-screen picture is only as good as your source, so you’ll need to call your satellite or cable provider. Most companies provide HD programming for around $10 - 20 each month.
The difference between high-def, digital and analog is easy to see, and it’s hard to go back once you do. Mediacom offers both local stations and cable in HD. Bryan Gann, Mediacom’s director of
area operations, says after Mizzou’s successful football season, more people switched to HD.
Leo Kemper, owner of Kemper Satellite, understands why so many of his 6,000 customers are choosing the sharp quality of high definition.
“It’s much, much clearer than digital,” he says. “You can actually see the wrinkles on a face.”
When it’s time for the popcorn
For those who’d rather go to the movies on game day, HD-DVD or Blu-ray players are the perfect add-ons to your high-def toys. Originally, both were expensive, but, like television, their prices have decreased. Today they’re offered at prices that even college students can afford. Peterson says despite different hardware, both have virtually the same capabilities.
Although a combination HD-DVD and Blu-ray player costs about $1,000, single-disc players are less expensive. HD-DVD players can cost less than $200, but Blu-ray players are still selling at around $400 because their technology was released more recently. However, four major studios exclusively use Blu-ray format, and two use HD-DVD only.
But here’s the cool part: Because HD players have Ethernet hook-ups, you can connect to a network as you watch certain movies. Viewers with specially released discs can unlock online content, download ringtones and wallpapers and more from the comfort of their couches.
If only these machines could make your popcorn.
