Today in the UK we are witnessing a revolution that is transforming our television viewing experience towards digital TV. Some of these advances aren’t available to the general public at the moment, while others are and are waiting to be explored.
When it comes to choosing a new television it is easy to feel bombarded with options and technological jargon that has because synonymous with salespeople; so here is a quick guide to the options available:
Standard Definition (SDTV)
SDTV is sometimes criticized for its poorer quality compared to newer formats such as High Definition. Large flat panel displays quickly exposed the shortcomings of SD with low resolution PAL signals on larger screens often producing a grainy picture which lacks sharpness. It is worth noting, however, that even though HD is on the increase not everything is available in the new format and those who buy HD Ready TVs aren’t necessarily done with SD. If you aren’t willing to spend more on a HD subscription, you should look for a flat panel TV which copes well with the old SD signal.
High-definition (HDTV)
When the first HDTV hit the market in 1998 the world expected a television paradise with superior resolution and digital surround sound. It promised to be a gift enjoyed most by avid movie-watchers, sports fans and tech enthusiasts. HD technology offers truly superb picture quality with a depth and clarity that has to be seen to be believed. The difference in quality between HDTV and conventional TVs becomes more apparent when you compare the total number of pixels.
3DTV
An increasing number of TVs are being sold with built in 3D capability. Films are now sold on special 3D Blu-ray discs that you can play on your 3D TV, while SKY have launched a dedicated 3D channel in the UK (free, but only to its HD subscribers). This feature of course comes at an extra cost though. If you are not sure, a slightly cheaper option is to buy a 3D ‘Capable’ TV which comes without the 3D transmitter you get on a 3D ‘Ready’ TV.
Whichever TV option you choose you need to make sure you have the right accessories. For an up-to-date range visit at http://www.maplin.co.uk/.