HDTV News

1080i or 1080p

2010-05-31T05:38:00.000-07:00

Since the first High Definition TV appeared in 1998, HDTVs have been on the mind of every TV buyer. But with so many choices in the market place, how do you know what TV set you should buy? There are loads of factors that will influence your decision: price, size, resolution, type of TV, connectivity, etc… and we want to make it a bit easier for you. We are sure you have heard the terms 1080i and 1080p, but what do they actually mean?
1080i

1080i is considered to be an HDTV video mode. 1080 stands for 1080 lines of vertical resolution. The term implies a horizontal definition of 1920 pixels, so we can say that 1080i TVs have a resolution of 1920x1080 pixels, or about 2.07 million pixels. The programming broadcasted today by most of TV broadcasters has a maximum of 480 visible lines of detail so you can get an idea of the image quality produced by 1080i sources with more than double the visible lines (up to 1080).
The letter at the end of 1080i describes the type of scan the television uses to display the picture. “i” stands for interlaced. That means the picture is scanned in two passes, or “fields,” each lasting 1/60th of a second. The first pass fills in the odd numbered lines, leaving the even numbered lines blank, which are filled in by the second pass. Because each field takes 1/60th of a second, and there are two of them, 1080i actually needs 1/30th of a second to convey a full frame. Because human vision works by retaining images for a brief period of time on the eye’s retina, the interlace scan process makes two separate scans of an image appear as one frame.
1080p
1080p (or True HD) is the next step up on the scale of TV resolutions and it’s certainly the best resolution you can get on a TV (at this moment in time).
1080p also provides a resolution of 1920x1080 pixels, but that’s where the similarities with 1080i stop. The letter “p” at the end of 1080p stands for “progressive”. This means that the picture is scanned in a single pass (rather than in two passes with interlaced formats), which makes for a smoother, cleaner image, especially with sports and other motion-intensive content.
So if you are still not sure what resolution you should choose (1080i or 1080p), our advice is to go for 1080p as it will be the format of the future and it offers the best image quality you can get.

Visit Free HDTV to pick up your own HDTV for nothing!

Positive Points on LCD HDTVs

2010-05-26T13:59:00.000-07:00

If you are planning to purchase a new television set, there just hasn't been a better time to acquire first-class equipment that will go on for years at inexpensive costs. Certainly, television technology continues to improve and as the new HDTV broadcasting set up becomes more consistent the monetary values will continue to fall, but not the quick drops that we have we have encountered in the previous few years though.

So what are these LCD high definition televisions? What makes them incredibly distinctive, and what should you bear in mind before buying one?

Well, LCD monitors have been utilized in PCs for a number of years now, and they are famous for their intense, superb color rendition, so it was just natural to use that technology to the HDTV format. LCD screens are much thinner and lighter than projection TVs and older CRT screens as well, so they can be very useful in smaller rooms that just could not maintain a bigger monitor before LCD or plasma screens came along. Scores of people even fix LCD screens to the wall using special brackets that fasten them strongly in place, and this is perhaps the best in space saving design.

If you have such an impressive, exquisite screen you now need to have programming that captures full advantage of the screen's viewing aptitude, and that is where HDTV comes in.

It is two technologies that were intended for each other. HDTV permits television broadcasting to be sent off in a signal that is exceedingly compact with digital information with reference to both the video and audio. It is a gigantic jump above the older analog television broadcasts that most television stations have been utilizing for years.

In reality, the HDTV signal can hold screen resolution information up to ten times that of the long forgotten analog signals. So when you join together that much clearer and splendid resolution with a LCD monitor that is proficient at presenting the signal in the entire of it's deliberate glory, you carry out an arrangement that is challenging to beat for sheer viewing pleasure.

Just make certain that the LCD television that you obtain either has a HDTV tuner already in it or is labeled as "HDTV Ready" which states that it can be hooked up to a HDTV tuner like the ones utilized by satellite and cable companies that highlight HDTV programming.

As soon as you view television programming with both technologies of HDTV and a LCD screen, you will speculate how you lived without it all this time.

Visit Free HDTV to grab yourself a new LCD HDTV for free!

HDTV High Definition

2009-06-09T08:30:00.000-07:00

High Definition Signal

One area of problem for HDTV is the so-called high-definion signal. It is because TVs and broadcast facilities should be made simultaneously compatible to make the high-definion technology work.

Because HDTV is digital, digital broadcasting system is required by it. Not unlike signals where simple radiowaves transmit TV signals, digital is somehow more complex and complicated.

In the US, since digital shift will require all households to throw their analog TV sets in favor of the digital TV sets, the legislation has passed a bill mandating the federal government to subsidize the shiff initially through offering subsidies to convereter boxes.

Converter boxes are machines that will convert digital broadcast signals into analog signals so the analog TVs can receive and show them off.

Because high definition TV sets are so, so expensive, the proposed bill is the alternative solution lawmakers have come out with so the digital shift could soon happen or be accelerated.

Similar measures are certainly dim and far away in other countries, especially in the third world.

DVD signals are one example that would clearly illustrate high-definion signals. DVDs are far clearer and more superior than its predecessors, the Betamax, the VHS and the VCD.

HDTV and shopping

The introduction of high-definion TVs has somehow made TV shopping far more complex and harder. It is because high-definion TVs have added to the already long list of TV names and models.

Although it would surely take into account to the consumers’ benefits, HDTV has somehow created further confusion among the TV set shoppers and buyers. Now they have to do a little research to find out more about the promising high-definion TV technology.

One downside to the emergence of high-definion TV is its very expensive price. Since it is new technology, it is expected that high-definion TVs are far more expensive and costlier than their analog counterparts.

Hdtv high definition or high-definion

High-Definion Television (Hdtv)

High-definion Tvs were introduced to the market in 1998. until then, it had just been an ambition and dream for all televiewers to experience near-perfect television viewing experience.

The wikipedia website defines high definition TV as a modern model of television that vastly uses the digital signal transmission technology.

The definition is very much accurate and up to date. HDTV could never be a full scale technology not unless a country completely mandates the switch of TV broadcasts to digital from analog.

Analog TV transmission is the current TV broadcast transmission used. The digital TV transmission, as the name implies, requires digital signal reception, digital transmitting technologies and digital receiving ends like the high definition TV.

In the United States, shift to digital broadcasting will be entirely implemented by February 2007. other countries will follow then, with Australia leading the other countries planning to shift to digital broadcasting by 2009.

HDTV vs. Analog

HDTV is far better than your normal, traditional and conventional analog TV. It is because HDTV gives out clearer-resolution on its images and pictures. The sound quality is equally amazing.

Analog TVs have been around for quite some time. The mode of transmission of TV signal is somehow simple, but more often, problematic and sub-standard.

Comparing HDTV and analog Tv is just like comparing betamax and dvd. Betamax technology was the early movie-video playing technology popularized by giant TV maker Sony.

Though betamax quality is acceptable, it was made obsolete and far less popular with the launch of the VHs technology, and later, the DVD technology.

DVD videos, apparently and noticeably are of great image quality. The sounds are equally good. You must be envisioning or picturing out this time how analog and HDTV compare with each other.

But for sure, the perks and distinct features of high definition Tvs will far offset the pricing downside. There is no arguing against that.

Credit: Free HDTV

HDTV

2009-06-08T06:53:00.000-07:00

HDTV

How High Is Your Definition?

The increasing popularity of crystal-clear broadcasts in American TV has indicated that HDT has arrived and here to stay. Analog TV shift to an all-digital system herald a new dawn in the 65-year history of television. Hours of HDTV content are already available every night. Viewers can easily determine if a show is presented in HDTV if the message �Presented in high definition where available is shown in the beginning of a program.

Basics of HDTV:

HDTV- a new type of television that combines an HDTV tuner and HD-capable display. Almost all of HDTVs available in the market use the 16:9 widescreen aspect ratio. An HDTV tuner can receive analog and digital over-the-air broadcasts.

HDTV-ready TV- features only the high-resolution display and can only receive digital broadcasts if connected with a separate HDTV tuner. HDTV-ready TVs can have the 16:9 widescreen ratio or the square like 4:3 aspect ratio.

Choosing the right shape of a TV is important in the HDTV experience. A 4:3 screen will be advisable if a considerable amount of local and network dominate programming and these is a low number of over-the-air or cable HDTV programming in your TV market area.

However, with the arrival of new technology also calls for viewers to adapt to the situation. Those still using TV sets purchased nearly a decade ago will not be able to get the most out of the HDTV experience. For this you need to have a tuner to receive and decode HDTV signals from a source, and a high-quality screen that can reproduce the outstanding details and colors from an HDTV broadcast.

The chief reason why HDTV pictures look considerably clearer and crisper than normal TV is due to the higher resolution of HD. Normal TV pictures only have 480 lines of vertical resolution, while the most common HDTV�s have 1,080-line interlaces scan and 720-line progressive scan. The best analog quality that can be offered by analog TV is 480i, which in contract is the lowest quality signal in digital TV.

Getting started in HDTV is not as expensive like in the past few years, as prices of tuners and HDTVs continue to drop but the quality of products are constantly improving.

To help you maximize your HDTV setups without breaking the bank here are some tips to avoid costly mistakes and help you enjoy HDTV at its best.

Finding HDTV broadcasts within your area

Over-the-air-broadcasts: Nearly 1,500 local station across the US are transmitting Digital TV signals today. About 90% of digital station broadcasts are made in the UHF range an these can be accessed with the use of a normal UHF antenna. For this scenario you need:

- HD-compatible TV
- HDTV tuner- some are already built in an HDTV
- Outdoor or indoor UHF antenna
- The HDTV broadcasts in your area (of course!)

Cable HDTV:

Nearly all cable companies in the US offer HDTV service to their subscribers (especially those living the major cities and TV markets). Digital cable will offer more channels and the picture quality of broadcasts will be noticeably more crisp. However, consumers must always remember that digital cable is different from HDTV via cable. For this setup you need the following:

- HD-compatible TV
- HD-compatible cable box
- HD programming from cable company

Digital Satellite TV:

HDTV via satellite is available for those living the US and has a clear view of the sky. In short, this service is available almost everywhere. HDTV channels are already available from the top satellite TV providers DIRECTV and the DISHNetwork. Those lucky enough to live in major cities can even get local stations in HD via satellite. For this setup you need:

- HD-compatible TV
- HD-compatible satellite dish
- HD-compatible satellite receiver
- HD programming

Once you start to enjoy HDTV, going back to normal TV is likely not anymore an option. The crystal-clear viewing experience becomes addictive and anything less becomes mediocre. Many HDTV viewers have become impatient towards the slow growth in the number of compatible programming available.

However, HDTV will receive a boost from the introduction of the Blu-ray and HD DVD within the next twelve months. These new formats will enable HDTV viewers to watch and enjoy high-definition versions of their favorite movies for as long as they want.

Credit: Free HDTV

Tips for finding Wii in stock

2009-06-08T02:51:00.000-07:00

The Nintendo Wii made its debut over a year ago. Despite that, the game console is still hard to find and most people will finding one a little tough. Because of this, you will need a bit of work and luck in finding and buying your own Nintendo Wii.

The Wii is the fifth home video game console made available by Nintendo. A unique feature of the console is its wireless controller called the Wii Remote. It can be used as a handheld pointing gadget that has the ability to distinguish motion and rotation in three dimensions. The Nintendo Wii bundle includes the Nunchuck unit, which features an accelerometer and a conventional analog stick with a couple of trigger buttons. The Nintendo Wii home video game console has become extremely popular that customers are finding that stores do not always have it in stock, and if they do, the stocks are immediately depleted. Here are some tips to help you secure a Wii.

1. Secure a Wii preorder first thing in the morning. A lot of merchants release their stocks of the home video game console in small batches. They usually begin their stock releases at 8am so if you are planning a Wii preorder, you have more chances of securing your game console at this early hour compared to any other time of the day.

2. Check with the stores for early morning releases. Go to the electronics section of the store and ask for the number. Call them first thing in the morning and check if Nintendo Wii stocks have arrived. When they do have the stocks, you can just walk in and pick up your game console before anybody else does. Some stores get them in 10-20 stocks, but require customers to wait in line. They typically do not have the Nintendo Wii in stock 15 minutes after they have opened. You can also check out stores that hand out vouchers an hour before their opening.

3. Make sure that you are well informed about the checkout procedures of the store you’re getting your stock from. If you plan to buy Nintendo Wii online, it’s best that you go over the store’s checkout process beforehand. This helps prevent you from running into certain situations with long procedures or like when the online store asks you for information you don’t really have to give out.

4. Go to merchant sites and fill up pre-registration forms. Several online merchants require a pre-registration and need you to set up an account before you can place your Nintendo Wii order. As this is a time-consuming task, it’s suggested that you perform this prior to making an order.

5. Use Microsoft’s Live Toolbar. If you think leaving your pertinent details on a merchant’s web site is not secure, you can use the Live Toolbar from Microsoft. This tool is particularly helpful to help you speed up the process of filling the necessary details. It has an auto-fill feature that keeps your name, address and credit/debit card details, which are kept in an encrypted file in your own computer.

6. Use a Nintendo Wii Finder. Through the game console finder, you will be able to track store inventory at the major merchants and retailers in real time. It will also let you know when the game consoles are in stock.

Credit:Lars Nichols - http://yourwii4free.net

Free Nintendo Wii

2009-06-07T11:28:00.000-07:00

The Specs:
Wii boasts 512 megabytes of internal flash memory, two USB 2.0 ports and built-in Wi-Fi capability. A bay for an SD memory card will let players expand the internal flash memory. Design was optimized with state-of-the-art processing technology.

FreeHDTVConsole includes a simple guide to understand the complete process from clicking the link till answering the door to the delivery man with your free Nintendo Wii.

Credit: FreeHDTVConsole

Nintendo Wii

2009-06-07T11:18:00.000-07:00

The Wii is Nintendo's fifth home console, the direct successor to the Nintendo GameCube, and able to play all official GameCube games. Nintendo first spoke of the console at the 2004 E3 press conference and later unveiled the system at the 2005 E3. Satoru Iwata revealed a prototype of the controller at the September 2005 Tokyo Game Show. At E3 2006, the console won the first of several awards. By December 8, 2006, it had completed its launch in four key markets.

On September 14, 2006, Nintendo announced release information for Japan, North and South America, Australasia (Oceania), Asia and Europe, including dates, prices, and projected unit distribution numbers. It was announced that the majority of the 2006 shipments would be allotted to the Americas, and that 33 titles would be available in the 2006 launch window. The Wii was launched in the United States on November 19, 2006 at $249.99. It was later launched in the United Kingdom on December 8, 2006 at £179. The UK suffered a widespread shortage of console units as many high-street and online stores were unable to fulfill all pre-orders when it was released. The Wii was launched in South Korea on April 26, 2008 and in Taiwan on July 12, 2008.

Credit: Wiki