You have practical decisions to make. Among them:
• Physical location
• Screen size
• Resolution
• Display and décor options
Start with deciding where you’d like to place your new HDTV. Flat-panel sets give you the flexibility to put the picture where it works best for your lifestyle. Plan on positioning the TV so the display faces the main seating area as straight on as possible.
When choosing screen size, think about how far most viewers will be from the screen. It’s rare for people to wish they’d bought a smaller TV, but sometimes it makes the most sense. Being very close to a very big screen will reveal even the best TV’s shortcomings.
Proximity is also a factor when it comes to deciding which screen resolution will work best for you; while HDTV is incredibly clear, lower-resolution broadcasts will not look as good up close.
Next, decide if you’d like to display the TV on a stand or hang it on the wall. You have many options with each. Many people are attracted to flat-panel TVs that hang on the wall like magic. If that is the best choice for your room, there are a few things to take into consideration. Make sure the wall you choose is up to the task. An alternating current (AC) outlet should be nearby, and you may want to hide the required cables. Consider engaging a professional installer.
Also ask about available brackets for your TV; typically they must be purchased separately. Several kinds are available. Choices include:
• Flat (allows for a basic, clean installation parallel with the surface)
• Tilt (if your room throws you a curve ball with its angles, this may the best bet)
• Articulating (swings out, rotates side to side and tilts up and down)
The Web site www.antenna.org provides links to several sites selling antennas suitable for HDTVs.
With HDTV, like many things in life, you get back what you put into it. You must have quality sources supplying a video signal to your new set to fully enjoy its ability. To get high-definition television broadcasts from major networks, you can use an off-air antenna if you are in range for reception from the nearest tower. You will also need a set with a built-in HD tuner if you choose this as your source.
But most people want more than just local networks. The options are to subscribe to your local cable-TV provider or sign up with a provider that lets you receive signals from a satellite. Be sure to ask for HD programming and hardware! While not every HD station offers high-definition broadcasts 24 hours a day, the majority of the networks’ prime-time offerings, most movie
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