Television viewing has certainly changed over the years. From black and white to color in the early days, to the ever increasing size of screens more recently, the home viewing experience is improving. The more recent quest has been focused on increasing picture quality with better color accuracy and clarity. As a consumer, it can be difficult to keep up with all of the terminology and the features of the various types of televisions. For those who have not dedicated time to keep up with this changing world of television, a very brief overview is in order to help in the search for a great picture.

The first step in getting the best possible picture is to receive the best possible signal, which at this time is digital. Satellite TV and digital cable offer the majority of digital television out there at this time. However, changes in broadcasting are forthcoming as all major networks should discontinue broadcasting analog signals and convert completely to digital by February 2009. Digital signals offer many advantages but the most obvious result will be a higher quality picture (and sound). With this change, owning an HDTV set would be of benefit although owners of analog sets will probably be able to purchase inexpensive converter boxes to be able to view the digital signals. Of course, if users want the full picture such as what they see in movie theaters, they will need a "wide screen" with 16:9 aspect ratio versus the 4:3 aspect ratio seen in most traditional sets.

Secondly, a few words about HDTV are in order. HDTV is one form of digital television. It transmits six times more information than you get through analog TV. This gives the viewer stunning pictures with far greater detail, clarity, and color accuracy. An HDTV is capable of displaying resolution of 480i, 480p, 720i, 480p, 720i, 720p, 1080i, 1080p. The "i" means that the signal is displayed on the screen "interlaced" and the "p" means that it is displayed by progressive scan. Progressive scan generally produces a higher quality picture. The highest quality signal a conventional TV offers is 480i, but this is the lowest quality signal for an HDTV. Potential buyers looking for the best picture should accept no less that 720p.

Numerous technologies such as plasma, LCD, and DLP provide displays with outstanding color accuracy, contrast, depth, and clarity. All have a good life span, dependability, and work well in most environments. The choice is primarily based on personal preferences although plasma screens are not recommended for locations at altitudes over 6,500 feet. Plasma tends to offer the largest of screens and is somewhat less expensive than LCD screens of the same size. LCD screens on the other hand emit less heat and use less energy.

Obviously there are many options for getting an outstanding picture to enhance the viewing experience. As there are a number of great technologies, the type of display is less important than getting a digital signal and a set that can both receive the full high definition image and display it with the best possible resolution.