A Sony Bravia LCD 46-inch television. - File
THE RUSH is on to acquire a high-definition (HD) television, at least in the United States. Certainly, Jamaicans might follow suit shortly as they try to keep up with the digital era.
Jamaica-born Andrew Lorenzo 'Fergie' Ferguson, an information technology consultant living in Pompano Beach, Florida, raves about the satisfaction that an HD-ready plasma monitor offers. His has a digital broadband receiver with a built-in digital video recorder.
Today, Ferguson shares his expertise on the cutting-edge technology.
First up, having an HD TV is no guarantee of service if your TV or cable provider does not provide this feed.
"The sky is the limit," said Ferguson, as up to 500 hours of your favourite shows, sports events and movies can be recorded, simultaneously if you desire.
This feature eliminates the need for a regular DVD player, an up-convert DVD player, a high-definition or Blu-ray DVD player! There is also no need for buying a DVD recorder or additional high-definition multimedia interface (HDMI) cables.
MOVING FROM ANALOGue TO DIGITAL HIGH DEFINITION
Whereas analogue technology limits viewing pleasure with fewer available channels, digital transmission allows for hundreds of channels, including music channels.
The ultimate in viewing pleasure for consumers is digital light processing high-definition television (DLP HDTV) and HDTV. Bear in mind, however, that the DLP is not a typical flat-screen TV and lies at the summit of the expense scale.
The other forms of digital TV replacing analogue are the flat-screen plasma and liquid crystal display (LCD) monitors and televisions.
HDTV VARIATIONS AND DIFFERENCES
There are basic differences between an HDTV and a TV that is HD-capable/HD-ready, said Ferguson.
The variations of HDTV display technology are a) 1080I or interlaced video; b) 1080P or progressive-scan TV; and c) the 720P or progressive scan TV. An HDTV has a built-in HD converter, and needs no digital cable box. However, you will need a digital converter box to access pay-per-view (PPV) channels, special-event channels, and video-on-demand channels.
Not having a digital broadband cable box is like a car without gas. "It makes no sense," Ferguson advised.
He also warned against purchasing a bulky DLP television, as lighter versions afford greater flexibility for consumers to mount monitors on walls.
Regular channels come in high - definition on a full HDTV, unlike the HD-capable/HD-ready option, which requires a cable box for optimal quality and performance.
DLP HDTV is in a class by itself, showing basic channels in high definition, with maximum enhancement, said Ferguson.
Reiterating that enjoying your HD experience is all about the digital converter box or DirecTV/Dish Network 'Turbo HD', Ferguson said the box was the common denominator.
FACTS FOR ENJOYMENT
There are several ways for consumers to enjoy this awesome technology. Prior to digital television (DTV), analogue movement or signals were used.
Media entities saw ways to generate more income and increase viewing options for consumers. Electronic corporations also saw ways to generate income and enhance visual presentation.
When acquiring a flat-screen TV, get the full facts on digital television and related technology. Be mindful that DTV is a bidirectional movement of audio and video transmission, and refers to the signal which is received and broadcast. High definition refers to the technology by which images and stereo sound are received by the end user, the viewer.
MOUNTING
As stated above, very few options for DLP exist that can be mounted on the wall, while all variations of the plasma and the LCD are mountable. Wall mounts can be purchased at the store or on eBay. Extreme caution must be taken to prevent your new toy from falling and sustaining irreparable damage.
PICTURE QUALITY
When it comes to the viewing, there are four types of display technology in terms of resolution of the picture quality.
Digital light processing (using small semiconductor/microchip to generate millions of colours)
The 1080p
The 1080i
The 720p
The average joe might not opt for the ultra-expensive DLP, but if your pocket is deep, you'll benefit from enhanced brilliance as a result of the embedded microchip which generates millions of vivid colours. The other two - 720p and 1080 pixels - are more common and cheaper, but the colour and image are less impressive.
FEATURES
vWhen it comes to enjoying cable the cheap way, it's all about the cable box. Once you have acquired your HD-capable or HD-ready TV, it's down to understanding and manipulating the capabilities and the multitude of features available for pleasant viewing. These features and capabilities of the box, accessible via remote, will blow your mind. Using the remote, you now can pause, rewind and fast-forward.Then there is the on-demand feature. This is all about the menu button and learning how to use it. This feature allows one to order pay-per-view events, and watch movies, sports and fitness, and other programmes at one's leisure. The personalised timing advantage is priceless, Ferguson said.
Every single James Bond movie is available, on demand and free. There is also a movie-collection feature, which helps in searching for specific genres, for example, kids, superhero, holiday, etc. There is a list of new movies, which facilitates access to the most recently released films on DVD. This eliminates the need for a DVD player. As mentioned before, these obviate the need for external gadgets, thus allowing more space and a less cluttered house.
Please submit questions and comments to anthea.mcgibbon@gleanerjm.com or columns@gleanerjm.com.