I love technology, I absorb knowledge and soak up all the detail, I explore and learn.

Sadly you would need to be like me if you want to make the right choice of your next Hi Definition Television.

Your average consumer stands almost no chance of making the right choice.

Its easy for me Hi Definition TV’s are very similar to LCD/Plasma monitors so I already know about things like:

Screen Resolutions (1366×786, 1900×1200 etc), DVI-D, HDMI and HDCP, Response Times (8ms etc)

Then to make things worse we are having this VHS Vrs Betamax thing all over again with HD-DVD and Blu-Ray both competing but incompatible formats.

My crystal ball tells me neither will win. If anyone does its likely to be Standard Definition DVD with 2 disc special editions going for £4.99. DVD is going to be around for a long time.

All joking aside HD-DVD will win.

So right here, right now here is my advice, it will be out of date by tomorrow (just watch).

Screen Size

26” Go 720p (1366×786)
32” Go 720p (1366×786)
37” Go 720p (1366×786)
40” Go 720p (1366×786)

42” Go 720p (1366×786) if your on a budget or 1080p (1900×1200) if you can afford it.

Anything larger than 42” go for 1080p, 1900×1200.

Make sure its uses HDMI connectors and for future proofing look for more than one HDMI input. You need HDMI for SKY, HDMI for HD-DVD etc. So only having one HDMI input might be limiting in the future.

Current TV is called Standard Definition (480p)

720p is higher resolution and contains more information than 480p
1080p is higher resolution and contains more information than 720p

Things no one tells you about Hi-Definition

Normal TV through an aerial or sub standard source can looks worse the higher the resolution.

Some of you won’t be able to notice the difference between 720p and 1080p.

Don’t buy on the internet unless you have seen the picture quality with your own eyes (in a demonstration for example) At worst don’t buy one without reading a review.

LCD/Plasma’s can have dead pixels, anymore than 5 and you should send it back.

Its possible to up convert standard DVD’s so they look better on higher resolution TV’s (720p etc) You need a DVD with up converting capabilities.

If your having your own Hi-Def nightmare, drop me an e-mail your not alone.

My day job is being a really smart I.T Consultant in the North West of England.

If you’re North West based business looking help and advice with I.T get in touch I can help you. Tel: 01606-841587