What do I Need to Know About HDTV Technology to Understand HDTV Ratings?
Understanding HDTV technology is not vital to understanding HDTV ratings. Though you are bound to find some technical jargon that you don't understand in HDTV ratings, the majority of HDTV
ratings are written in a way that even the most unskilled lay person can decipher the information and make a more informed decision about the HDTV that is best for their needs. Remember that HDTV is different from the television sets of a couple of decades ago, but only in the fact that they are designed to decipher digital signals versus analog signals. After that, learning about the pros and cons of plasma television sets, liquid crystal display monitors and the receivers needed to make HDTV pick up and decode the digital transmissions is a snap.
At www.shopping.com, consumers can find an array of information about HDTV ratings, including side-by-side comparison guides. And the beauty of the HDTV ratings on this particular site is that you don't have to depend on the comparisons of two particular models that they've chosen. Maybe you're looking at liquid crystal display models. Want to know what features ViewSonic VP171s (Silver) 17 in. Flat Panel LCD Monitor has in common with the ViewSonic VP912B (Black) 19 inch Flat Panel LCD Monitor? Just check the two models and click on the "side by side comparison" button. Do you just want to read about the features of NEC LCD4000 40 inch Flat Panel Monitor? That's easy too.
Maybe you are more interested in finding HDTV ratings for your favorite brand, or you're looking for a particular size. Again, www.shopping.com offers these search methods. The site includes a dialog of the features of several models, along with online sources where that model can be purchased.
The New York Times has recently added a section to their online offerings that includes ratings of several kinds of electronics equipment. The HDTV ratings offered on this site are based on a ten scale with ten being perfect. The best model, according to the New York Times list, is the Samsung HL-P5085W with a rating of 8.3 making it a "very good" choice. Other models rated on this list include the Hitachi 57S500 which is rated at 8.1 and gets the mark indicating it's the "editor's choice." Other ratings are available at the New York Times technology site at http://tech.nytimes.com/pages/technology/index.html. In addition to these HDTV ratings, the site has ratings for cell phones, audio equipment, cameras, camcorders and more. The site also features news and information of use to those interested in technology.
