| TV, SDTV, HDTV and Video Cables |
From "Home Tech"
episode HTC-101 |
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Unraveling TV confusion gets trickier all the time. Multiple television and broadcast formats have turned TV selection into alphabet soup. Standard TV, flat-screen TV, SDTV and HDTV barely scratches the surface: there's also VHS, S-VHS, S-video, component video, composite video, digital cable, analog cable, and satellite TV. And, of course, there are rabbit-ears. Some (though not all) of those terms will be clarified in this segment. The good news is that, though the level of confusion among consumers may be rising, levels of picture quality and sound quality are also. The new technology, high-definition television, or HDTV, puts out a clearer picture than a standard television set because it has twice as many scan lines -- the lines that make up the picture on the TV's monitor. Aside from HDTV, there are other relatively recent improvements over older-style standard televisions. There are flat-screen monitors, wide-screen TVs, projection television systems and plasma screens. There are also new types of interconnects (the cables that connect your television to other components in your audio/video system) that offer improvement over standard coaxial cable. Interconnects now include composite cables (with the familiar RCA-style connectors like those used in stereo systems), component cables and S-video cables. There are advantages to each type of television monitor and connecting scheme.
Selecting A Television Without question, one of the most critical components of a home theater system is the television itself. If you're serious about home theater, don't take this decision lightly, and don't make a snap decision. Take some time to learn about and audition the various types of television formats at your electronics store or audio/video specialist. In fact, visit several dealers and do some comparison shopping. This is a significant financial investment, and it's a decision you'll live with for some time, so take some careful consideration before you buy. Following are some simple guidelines to keep in mind as you begin looking: - Decide on a total budget for your home theater (including speakers, surround-audio receiver, DVD, etc.). Put approximately 50 percent of that total toward your television.
- Decide what size screen you want. Measure the space where you'll be placing your screen so you'll have a good idea from the outset what size you want, and you won't be talked into something bigger than your space can accommodate.
- Decide what a/v components you will be hooking up to your television and purchase the necessary cables.
- Finally, the biggest decision: Decide which type (format) of television is right for you, keeping in mind your total budget.
Following are some of the most relevant terms to keep in mind when selecting a television: - Standard analog TV -- The familiar standard color television with which everyone is familiar. The resolution (measure of picture clarity) on televisions is determined by the number of scan lines. On standard television, the picture is made up of 525 scan lines. The shape of a standard screen is based on a 4x3 aspect ratio -- an almost-square shape (figure A). The term analog refers to the fact that these televisions are built to use analog-signal technology rather than digital technology.
- Flat-screen TV -- This simply refers to the screen itself, not to a specific picture technology. Standard televisions, as well as newer varieties, can now be built with a flat front rather than the familiar curved screen seen on older televisions. Some people find the flat screen more appealing, but a flat-screen television does not necessarily have higher picture resolution than other standard analog televisions. A standard flat-screen TV still has a picture made up of 525 scan lines. Some models are 4x3 aspect ratio (figure B). Others, however, do have the wider 16x9 aspect ratio, making for a more impressive picture -- especially when viewing feature films that were shot in wide format.
- Standard digital TV (SDTV) -- This format has picture quality superior to analog since it builds its picture from digital information. In most cases, SDTV will also make use of the 16x9 aspect ratio (figure C). SDTV, however, should not be confused with HDTV. They are two separate technologies, and HDTV has the superior picture quality.
- High-definition TV (HDTV) -- This format offers the greatest picture resolution since the picture is composed of 1,080 scan lines, more than twice that of standard television. The sharpness and clarity of HDTV, even on very large screens, is clearly superior to standard television. When most people see HDTV for the first time, they are struck by the picture's intense realism and crispness and the accuracy of the colors. Within HDTV format, there are several types of televisions available. Those include the following:
- HDTV (rear projection) . Features a large screen size and 16x 9 aspect ratio. This is usually the most affordable type of HDTV (figure D).
- HDTV (front projection) . Offers absolute largest screen size, but works well only in a dark environment (figure E).
- HDTV (tube type) . Works well in natural light. One disadvantage is that, since all components are contained in a single unit, these tend to be very heavy. The screen is smaller than projection-style HDTVs (figure F).
- HDTV (flat or plasma screen). The most sophisticated (and expensive) HDTV. The entire unit is built into a thin, flat frame (figure G). It can be hung on the wall much as a painting would, without taking up floor space.
Understanding Video Cables and Inputs There are four types of video inputs and corresponding video cables: digital component, composite, S-video and coaxial. On the back of your television are the ports that are used to connect all of the equipment you will be using (figure H). The instruction manuals that come with your television and other video components will give you specific information on hookup. Important: Make certain when you purchase a television and accompanying a/v components (a/v receiver, DVD, VCR, etc.) that the hookups are compatible. Your salesperson can provide you with that information. Following are some characteristics of the various types of video inputs:
- Component (or digital component)
Newer style hookup using RCA connectors.
Provides the clearest picture.
The video signal is broken down into individual component parts -- red, green and blue.
Separating the signal results in richer color and better clarity on the screen.
To hook up a device such as a DVD player or newer VCR to your television, make sure that the colors correspond -- red to red, green to green and blue to blue.
- S-video
Images are split into two colors groups.
Hookup requires a special S-video cable
Pin configuration on the cable prevents the cable from being plugged in incorrectly (e.g., upside down).
- Composite
Older style hookup using RCA connectors.
All the color streams are mixed together in one signal.
Only one standard RCA-type cable is needed for the video signal. (Right and left audio cables are separate. Typically the video cable is designated by a yellow connector, the left audio cable has a white connector, and the right audio has red.)
- Coaxial
Uses a coax cable and screw-in connectors.
For simple antenna input or, on older cable converters, for cable input.
RESOURCES :
Ultimate Electronics
Ultimate Electronics was featured in the DIY Home Technology workshop.
Ultimate Electronics
Thornton, CO 80260
Phone: 303-412-2500
Website: www.ultimateelectronics.com
Crutchfield home audio and video
Crutchfield is not only a catalog retailer specializing in a wide array of popular audio and video equipment, they excel at providing information and resources for audio-system installation. Their free catalog offers advice on selecting the best type of system for your tastes and the most suitable equipment for your audio and home-theater needs.
Stereo Review's Sound and Vision magazine
Stereo Review's Sound and Vision is a magazine dedicated to home audio and video equipment and home-theater entertainment.
Web site: www.soundandvisionmag.com
The Sensible Sound magazine
The Sensible Sound is a magazine devoted to helping audiophiles and home-theater enthusiasts find the best bargains in high-end audio and video equipment.
Web site: www.sensiblesound.com
The Perfect Vision magazine
The Perfect Vision is a magazine devoted to high-performance and audiophile level equipment used in home theater systems.
Web site: www.theperfectvision.com
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