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How Your TV Purchase Can Help the Environment and Save You Money

Often when we're shopping for a new television, we put in a great deal of time looking around for the best purchase price. However, little time, if any, is put into thinking about the savings we could enjoy even after the TV makes it into the home. That's right! Your new TV can actually help reduce your overall utility costs. By choosing an Energy Star rated TV, you not only save money on your energy bill, but also help preserve the environment by releasing less greenhouse gas emissions.

What is Energy Star?

Energy Star was created as a joint program of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Department of Energy (DOA) in order to help all of us save money on our utility bills and protect the environment. Products earning the Energy Star rating are required to meet strict guidelines set by the EPA and DOA, and must function as well as or better than non-Energy Star rated models. When you purchase a new HDTV that is Energy Star rated, you can feel confident in knowing you're using less energy which will save you money on your energy bills and help preserve our precious environment.

Know Before You Buy - Understanding Digital Televisions

Compare DTV Resolution

The higher the resolution, the higher the picture quality. An HD TV will have a maximum resolution above 720. You will often see this displayed in the television’s description as 720p, 1080i or 1080p. You can also find digital televisions with resolutions below 720, but they are not High Definition. HDTV is DTV at its highest resolution. Televisions boasting 1080p are often called Full HD or True HD because the TV is able to display all 1080 lines of resolution from an HD broadcast in progressive scan format.

Compare Television Types

Digital Televisions come in many forms, including Cathode ray tube (CRT) screens, Rear Projection TVs, and Flat Panel TVs. CRT televisions look like traditional televisions, but are updated for digital. Rear Projection TVs feature outstanding picture quality with wide viewing angles on very large screens using technologies like Digital Light Processing (DLP) and Liquid Crystal Display (LCD). Flat Panel TVs including LCD and Plasma TVs are very thin and produce bright, clear pictures using technologies like LCD and plasma, but may be more expensive than some other options. A popular feature of Flat Panel TVs is they may be hung on a wall using the proper wall mount for the weight and size of TV.

Consider Other Equipment

You’ll Need to Receive DTV If you plan to receive free over-the-air digital signals, you will need to make sure your television has an integrated (built-in) digital tuner, otherwise known as an ATSC tuner. Without this tuner built-in you will need to purchase a separate receiver, or sign up for pay TV services such as satellite TV or cable.

Make Sure You Can Connect to Your Existing Electronics

Create a list of all your current electronic equipment you will want to connect to the TV such as your DVD player, digital video recorder (DVR), camcorder, VCR, computer, video games, and digital camera. Next to the item, write down the type or types of connections required of each one. The electronic equipment you have now should work with your new DTV, but you may need new cables. Making a list will help both you and your sales agent select the right cables and accessories for your particular electronics.

Not All DTV is HDTV – HDTV is Not the Same as DTV

Although you may be receiving digital signals through your programming provider, this does not mean you are receiving or viewing HD (High Definition) signals. To view HD, you must have three things in place. First, you must have an HD source such as HD programming from your satellite or cable provider. Second, you must have a receiver box or tuner that can receive HD signals. Third, your television must be able to display HD images, which means the TV will have a display resolution higher than 720. If you know you have an HDTV display, but are unsure about your equipment, you may want to contact your programming provider to verify you have the proper equipment to view HDTV.

So You Have a Converter Box. Now What Do You Do?

If you’re one of the thousands that have already applied for and received your $40 government coupons AND used them to purchase your digital converter box(es), I congratulate you. You are miles ahead of the millions left unprepared for the switch on June 12, 2009.

However, simply having the converter box in your possession won’t bring the crystal clear digital signals to your analog television unless you hook it up to your TV. I know the thought of hooking up an electronic device can make even the most intelligent person cringe in despair, but not to worry. Thankfully the converter box manufacturers have made it very simple to get up and running, even for those of us that are electronically challenged. To help you along, I’ve provided some instructions below on how to do a basic set-up. I’m defining a basic set-up as the installation of your digital-to-analog converter box with your current antenna and analog TV. I promise it’s as easy as 1-2-3-4.

First, let’s identify all the parts you’ll need to use. You’ll need your analog TV (easy enough), the indoor or outdoor antenna you’ve been using, and the coaxial cable which currently connects your antenna to your TV. Your coaxial cable will be the one with the end that looks like a hollow circle with a pin in the middle of it. You’ll also want to pull out all the contents of your new converter box, which should include the box, a coaxial wire, some instructions and a remote control. Also, you’ll want to be sure to unplug your TV before installing the converter box.

Step 1 – Unplug the existing coaxial antenna cable from the backside of your television in the port that says “Antenna In (RF)”.

Step 2 – Take the same coaxial cable that you just unplugged in step 1, and plug it into the port on the back of your converter box that says “Antenna In (RF)”. You are now done using your existing cable.

Step 3 – Now take the coaxial cable that came with your converter box and plug one end into the “Out To TV (RF)” port on the back of the converter box. Plug the other end into the “Antenna In (RF)” port on the back of your TV. You are now done using this cable.

Step 4 – Connect your converter box and your TV to a power outlet and turn them on. Tune your TV to channel 3 or 4 according to the instructions included with your converter box. Finally, use your converter box’s remote control to follow the on-screen set-up guide to scan for available digital TV channels. That’s it – you’re done!

See that wasn’t so painful. Right? If you need more advanced set-up options, like how to hook your converter box up to a VCR, the FCC site has additional instructions you can reference. Just visit www.dtv.gov. Enjoy your new digital channels!

Digital Television Switch – 2009

On June 12, 2009, all full-power television broadcasters will discontinue analog broadcasting and transition over to digital broadcasting. Digital television technology far surpasses analog television technology in both quality and efficiency. Digital programming has the capability to bring programming in movie-quality picture and sound, dramatically enhancing the tv viewing experience. Digital TV technology can also efficiently transmit more information than analog, as well as transmit multiple standard definition digital TV programs at once. Even more importantly, switching over to all digital will free up valuable analog stations, currently in short supply, to be used by public and safety services, such as emergency, fire and rescue services. Until the switch occurs, broadcasters will continue to transmit in both analog and digital formats. Customers most affected by the switch will be those solely relying upon “bunny-ears” or antennas for over-the-air broadcasting. A digital converter box will be required to convert these digital broadcasts into analog format so they can be displayed on an analog TV.

Analog TV has been around since the beginning of television. It uses magnetic waves to transmit information and display it on your television in the form of pictures and sounds. In contrast, digital TV (DTV) is a newer technology that transfers the information in bits of data, like a computer, then

displays the pictures and sounds on your television in a much higher quality than analog. Even the clarity and detail of digital stations considered “standard definition” will be comparable to the very best analog stations possible today. Digital television viewed at its optimum level is called High Definition Television (HDTV). HDTV boasts extremely high resolution pictures and Dolby digital surround sound similar to the quality found in movie theaters. Resolution refers to the number of horizontal lines making up an image. For example, current analog technology can provide a resolution of up to 480 lines, while a picture in High Definition can display up to 1080 lines. Digital TV technology also will enable broadcasters to transmit more programs simultaneously, called “multicasting”. Additionally, interactive video and data services previously impossible with analog technology will be made possible.

As with any technological change, there will be a period of adjustment and preparation. Cable and satellite providers have been broadcasting in both analog and digital since 1996 when the U.S. Congress authorized an additional channel for each broadcaster in order to enable them to introduce subscribers to digital TV services. Customers receiving over-the-air broadcasts with an antenna can still continue to use their current analog TV, but will need a special receiver box to convert the digital signals into analog. The converter boxes will be available to purchase at retail stores for around $40-$50. This has raised concerns for those who may not be able to afford such a purchase, such as the elderly, disabled, or under-privileged. In response to this concern, the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) is administering up to 2 coupons per household worth $40 each to qualifying households which can be applied toward the cost of a digital converter box. More information regarding the coupon program can be found at www.dtv2009.gov. Satellite TV and Cable customers will be unaffected by the Transition. However, you will need to make sure you have the right equipment if you want to receive High Definition signals.

How to know if you will be affected by the Digital Transition in 2009

• Television viewers currently using "bunny ears" or an antenna to receive free, over-the-air broadcasts will not be able to view TV programs after the transition without the aid of a digital tuner box. These viewers will need to purchase a converter box, upgrade to pay TV such as digital cable or satellite tv, or purchase a television with a built-in tuner.
• Television viewers currently using pay TV services such as digital cable or satellite tv will still be able to view broadcasts after the Digital Transition in 2009. For more information, please visit www.2009countdown.com.

TV Buying Tips from AllAmericanDirect.com®

Looking for a new TV? Shopping for the set of your dreams can be an exciting, yet daunting trip if you don’t know what to look for. These days, consumers have more options and price ranges than ever. Whether you’re in the market for a low budget television set, or you’re looking for latest, high-tech HD model there are a few common things to consider first.

Price - One of the first things you’ve probably already thought of is how much you are willing to spend. The sleek, high-end models are highly desirable, but realistically these sets can be pricey and may not fall within your budget. The classic CRT sets will be at the lower end of the price scale, while the DLP, LCD, and Plasma displays can be found at the higher end of the scale. Additionally, standard or enhanced definition sets (resolution of 480) are less expensive than high definition sets (resolutions of 720 or 1080). Also, you’ll need to watch out for extra charges for things that might not seem like extras. For instance, some displays do not include speakers for audio or internal tuners to convert broadcast signals into digital signals. These items would have to be purchased separately, so read the list of features carefully. You’ll also find a buffet of other optional features you may be interested in which may add to the cost of the TV such as Picture-in-Picture, V-chip technology, or an extended warranty. Don’t forget to also factor in a stand or wall mount suitable to support the new television set.

Screen Size - A second thing to consider is the appropriate screen size for the room it will be in, and the distance you will be sitting from it. There is a simple formula you may want to use as a guideline to calculate the optimum screen size for you. You’ll just need to know whether you want a standard definition or HD signal, as well as the distance in inches (length measured in feet x 12) between where you want to sit and the TV. Then divide the distance in inches by 3 for standard TV, or 2.5 for HDTV. So, if you plan to sit 10 feet from your new HDTV, the ideal screen size would be about 48”, or (10*12) /2.5. Choosing a preferred aspect ratio will also come into play when shopping for a television. TVs come in two shapes, either standard 4:3 ratio, or widescreen 16:9 ratio. Be careful though, while widescreen format is often associated with HD, not all widescreen TVs can display HD. You’ll also want to take into consideration the angle from which the viewers will be watching the television. Some sets, such as LCDs and Plasmas, have a limited viewing angle making images difficult or impossible to see when outside of the viewing range. Because the image is painted on the screen with a CRT, these TVs provide the widest viewing angles.

Location - Bigger can definitely be better and more impressive when it comes to TVs. Make sure your new large screen will fit where you want it to if you do decide to upgrade to a larger set. Larger CRT sets are heavier and have larger back ends to accommodate the larger tube, so you’ll want to double check the size of your cabinet or space allocated for the TV. If you’re using a stand you currently own, make sure it can withstand the additional weight. Plasma TVs are often shown hung on a wall, but remember these TVs are very heavy and generate a great deal of heat. It’s important they are well supported and ventilated. A professional installer may be needed to assist you in order to protect your investment, and not to mention the condition of your wall. Now that you know where you want to place your television set, you’ll need to make sure the television’s cables and cords can reach all the necessary plug-ins such as cable or satellite hook-ups and electrical outlets. Also remember, wall-mounted sets pictured in advertisements never show the cords, so you’ll want to figure out a way to manage them as well.

Hook-ups - When you’re shopping for your new television set, It may be helpful to make a list of every device you’ll want to connect to your television, along with its input type. This list could consist of such items as DVD players, game consoles, set-top boxes, and video cameras. Input types will vary according to the device. Some common connectors are RCA, S-Video, Component Video, RGB, Firewire, and DVI. If you currently have or are planning to get a satellite or cable box, you will want to have an S-Video input for the best resolution. Some newer model TVs may also have an input for memory sticks to display images from digital cameras or camcorders. The various input types to hook-up these devices can be located on the front or back of the television. So, it may be important to you to have an S-Video or RCA input conveniently located on the front of the set if you’re planning on connecting a game console to it. If you’re wanting to set up HDTV, you will want the set to have HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface) which will ultimately replace DVI as the standard digital interface for AV equipment.

Longevity - Unless you’re the type to habitually switch out your television set every few years, you’re probably wanting your new TV to last as long as possible. The lifespan of a television is expressed in half-life, meaning the number of viewing hours until its brightness is reduced by half. DLPs boast a half-life of up to 75,000 hours, while LCDs have 45,000-60,000 hours. Older model plasma TVs were criticized for having short lifespans, but newer models can have up to 60,000 hours. CRT televisions average around 25,000-30,000 hours, which even then would give you a life of 15 years or more if you watch it for 4-6 hours a day. You may also need to factor in the possibility of burn-in caused by static images displayed for long periods of time such as game scores, stock market tickers, or station logos. CRT and Plasma TVs are both susceptible to this kind of damage, however some say running static on a Plasma for about an hour will get rid of it. LCDs and DLPs are not likely to get this kind of damage.

This article is meant to be a very simple guide to assist you in selecting the right TV, and to give you somewhere to begin in your search. AllAmericanDirect.com® carries a wide range of LCD, Plasma, DLP and CRT sets, so you can compare and find the one to suit your needs.

1080i vs. 1080p

With so much emerging new technology, it’s easy to feel lost deciding which type of high definition display to choose. A popular topic that often comes up is the difference between 1080i versus 1080p resolution. What is the difference between them, and is it worth the extra cost to upgrade from your current 720p or 1080i resolution set to a new 1080p?

Simply defined, the difference between the 1080i and 1080p is the way in which the image is constructed to display on the screen. Both provide an image resolution of 1920 x 1080, with the 1080 referring to the number of lines of vertical resolution. However, 1080i displays the image in an interlaced (or non-progressive) format, meaning the image is painted on the screen in halves. In this format, first the 540 even numbered lines are painted on the screen, followed by the remaining 540 odd-numbered lines. Together they form a completed frame containing all 1080 lines of resolution. On the other hand, 1080p displays all 1080 lines of resolution simultaneously, a format known as progressive scan. Both 1080p and 720p are considered progressive scan formats, and will complete one full frame at 1/60 of a second. These types of televisions are able to receive the interlaced signals, but will have to up-convert them into progressive scan format in order to display. Sets boasting resolution of 1920 x 1080p are often referred to as ultra-HD or true-HD because theoretically the capability is there to display HD broadcasts to their fullest potential. Any vertical resolution 720p or more is considered high definition, but 1080p is the highest HD resolution available.

So the question remains , is there really a noticeable visual difference between 1080i and 1080p? For the die-hard tech enthusiast, the 1080p will probably be the only way to go, and especially if you invested in a Blu-ray Disc DVD player. If you are shopping for a large TV (over 50”), or if you’re sitting close to the TV, you’ll notice better picture quality on a 1080p set because the pixels are smaller in size and more densely packed together. The progressive format also results in a smoother image, especially if you are watching a program with a lot of action, like sports or movies. More than likely, you will not see any noticeable difference in resolution quality on a set smaller than 50”. The greatest benefit of having a 1080p is that it is capable of receiving and displaying all 1080 lines of resolution unlike the 720p, which has to down-convert the signals. During this process, some pixel information is lost, which can translate into an image with less detail. The 1080p also has the added benefit of displaying the image in progressive scan format unlike 1080i. With a 1080p television receiving 1080i signals, you will be able to receive a sharper, steadier picture than with either an interlaced format or smaller resolution. Again, you probably won’t even notice unless you’re watching on a larger TV.

Currently, broadcasters are not transmitting 1080p signals. They will likely continue to broadcast HD in either 720p or 1080i for a long time to come, mainly due to issues with bandwidth availability. Additionally, not many 1080p native resolution sets are even equipped to receive 1080p signals; they up convert broadcast signals received into 1080p. In short, broadcasting has yet to catch up to the new 1080p sets, and doesn’t look like it will anytime in the near future. Any high definition television set will receive 1080i signals by either up- or down-converting them first. You will notice an improvement in image quality on a 1080p set especially if you are in the market for a large TV over 50”, sitting close to the screen, or have a 1080p DVD player. Otherwise, look for a 720p or 1080i set and save yourself a little cash.

Glossary of High Definition Terms

Aspect Ratio – Refers to the screen’s ratio of width to height, and will be expressed as either 4:3 (standard) or 16:9 (widescreen).

ATSC – Stands for Advanced Television Systems Committee. Refers to Digital and High Definition standards.

Resolution – A measurement of the number of horizontal and vertical pixels in a screen, and is used to describe image quality. Higher resolutions create a better picture quality.

Commonly found resolutions:
• 640x480 (standard definition)
• 1280x720 (high definition)
• 1920x1080 (high definition)

Interlaced scan resolution – Indicated by the letter ‘i’ following the resolution (i.e. 480i, 1080i). Lines of resolution are divided into even and odd lines, with even lines being painted on the screen first, then followed by the odd lines.

Progressive scan resolution – Indicated by the letter ‘p’ following the resolution (i.e. 720p, 1080p). All lines of resolution appear at the same time, which results in a smoother picture and increased picture quality.

Contrast Ratio - The difference between the brightest white and the darkest black that a display device can produce. A higher the contrast ratio is better than a lower one.

Native Resolution – Refers to the image resolution the TV or monitor is designed to display. So, if an incoming signal is less or more than the TV’s native resolution, then the signal must first be up- or down-converted to display on the screen. For instance, if a TV has a native resolution of 1080i it can display 1080i images, but must up-convert incoming 480p images to 1080i. Likewise, if a TV has a native resolution of 720p it can display 720p images, but must down-convert an incoming 1080i signal to display in 720p. CRT-based projection TVs can have more than one native resolution, but fixed-pixel displays such as LCD and DLP are limited to display one resolution and convert all others.

NTSC – National Television Systems Committee. Refers to TV broadcast standards for United States.