Choose Your Features and Options
Before you fall in love with that sexy new TV, make sure you turn it around and inspect the back side, to make sure you have the right connections for forward-compatibility. You also need to do some thinking about what kind of built-in tuner you're going to need, or if you need one at all. This section is designed to help you sort out the must-haves from the who-cares.
Get the right hookups
A versatile set of input and output options is crucial to your HDTV's future. You need to be able to plug in to other HD devices, especially the ones you haven't bought yet! So don't cut corners when it comes to the back of the set: make sure you get enough high-quality connections to meet your current and future needs. When in doubt, more is better! Here's a quick look at your options, starting with the digital connections.
HDMI is the gold standard in HD connectivity, a combined audio/video cable that makes a whole tangle of older wires obsolete. It's a nineteen-pin connection that sends both digital video and multi-channel audio (as well as a bunch of other audio formats, like SACD and DVD-Audio) through a single line, and supports advanced functions like digital copy protection. Look for a set with at least one HDMI input.
DVI is the predecessor to HDMI, a 29-pin connection that provides digital video, but not the audio signal or other advanced functions of HDMI. It's rapidly being replaced by HDMI, but you can buy cable adapters to make the two communicate with each other. If the set doesn't have an HDMI input, DVI will get the job done.
FireWire (IEEE 1394, i.link) is another digital connection that you may encounter. Originally a computer connection, that is still its primary purpose, but it is also used to connect HDTV sets to HD-capable VCRs and camcorders. However, it is not a substitute for HDMI or DVI, which you will still need for plugging into protected content sources like your cable tuner.
Component video is a triple-plug analog connector that can reliably transmit a high-def video signal, but not if the signal contains "protected" content. It's extremely useful for connecting to devices that do not support a digital connection, and where digital copy protection is not an issue, such as gaming consoles and most DVD players. But remember, you're always better off with a digital connection.
VGA is the same old 15-pin, d-shaped, analog video connector that's on the back of your computer monitor. And that's the main reason you'd want one on the back of your TV - to take video input directly from a PC. Increasingly, PCs and laptops are starting to incorporate HDMI as well - another reason to make sure your new TV has HDMI capability.
RGB+H/V is usually found only on high-end front-projection sets. It's a five-jack video connector, and if your new TV doesn't have it, relax - you don't need it.
Other connection types are still around, but they're of no use to you once you step up to HDTV. S-video cannot handle an HD signal, and should be avoided. Composite video is even worse, so don't even think about it. (For more information on connections, see our
HD Connectivity Guide)
Dial in your tuner options
HDTV sets come in several different tuner configurations. The one you choose has a lot to do with how you currently watch TV. If you're already a cable or satellite subscriber, you should check out their HD upgrade plans and set-top box options before you buy a new HDTV. You might not want to pay for an integrated tuner, even a "cable" tuner, if you can't use it with your current provider, or if it duplicates gear they will be installing anyway. Here's a quick look at your options.
HD Monitor. No built-in tuner of any kind. The only signals you're going to get will be coming from an external tuner, such as a set-top box from your cable company.
HD Ready (also HD-Capable, HD-Compatible). There's a tuner built in to the TV, but it will only give you the old-fashioned (NTSC) broadcast signals. To get any HDTV signals at all, broadcast or otherwise, you'll need to add an external HD tuner of some sort.
HD Integrated. There's an HDTV tuner on board (ATSC), as well as an NTSC tuner for standard TV signals, as if you still wanted them. Add an antenna and you can pick up any broadcast station, in either format, new or old. But you're not watching any cable or satellite programs until you add an external set-top box.
Cable Tuner (also Cable Ready, CableCARD Ready) This is a set that's designed to decode cable signals straight out of the wire in the wall, without using an external set-top box. If it's compatible with your provider's system (and that is NOT a given), you'll have one less device to mess with, and could save yourself a few bucks on the monthly cable box rental. But you'll also be giving up some functionality. You may lose access to services that require a two-way connection, like movies-on-demand and downloadable program guides. And some set-top boxes have other advanced features you might want, like digital video recording (DVR) capability.
Bells and Whistles
If we haven't discussed it yet, you probably don't need it - but you still might want it! High-end HDTVs are starting to incorporate other cool features, like built-in DVRs. If you go this route you might save a few bucks on your set-top box, and probably avoid paying a third-party subscription fee, since most built-in DVRs use alternate programming guides like the free TV Guide Onscreen service. A built-in DVD player may not be on your shopping list, but some models have them. And a good set of front-panel connections is always nice if you want to plug in the camcorder without any hassles.