HDTV Buying guide

If you are thinking about buying an HDTV then you have come to the right place. With so many types and features to consider if can be easy to get lost in all the lingo but it need'nt be that way.

1080p,1080i,720p - The screen resolution
When buying an HDTV you will need to consider what your requirements are. One of the most important aspects is the screen resolution. (note: a higher resoltion does not always mean a better picture!).

1080p is full HD; If the TV can display 1080p pictures then you will be able to watch movies, games, sky (etc) at full HD resolutions. If you do not intend to use a console on the TV, if you don't have satellite TV with HD available or if you dont have HD movies to watch then it is not important to get a TV that has 1080p resolution. Most others will let take a 1080p signal and downscale it to the screens resolution which still gives amazing quality usually.

Remember, if a screen says it is "HD ready" this does not mean it can display ful HD images, only that it can take an HD signal.
Be aware: A lot of newspapers and press reports seem to be written by people who do not have an ounce of technological credibility. They will try to make you beleive that, for example, "plasma is dead" or the sets need "to be refilled". Its all nonsense - as a general rule of thumb, plasma TV's have a better picture quality than LCD. This isn't always the case, and you should try and look at both before buying. For more information you might also want to see some more facts on plasma vs lcd technology