Technology In Our Lives J Bringing High-Definition Television Into Focus (NAPSA)—If you are thinking of scoring a new high-definition TV so you can enjoy the sport of your choice, here are a few things to consider before taking the plunge into the world of high definition. Plasma or LD? While both plasma and LD TVs deliver stunning, high-definition picture quality, each technology hasits benefits. When choosing the right set for you, it’s important to consider the features that fulfill your viewing needs. LD TVsaretypically lighter and more durable, making them easier to hang on the wall. Also, inherent anti-glare technology and extremely high resolution ensure crystal-clear picture quality. Plasmas tend to give more “bang for your buck” as they typically come in larger sizes ata cheaper price. Plasmas can also create a great home theater experience because their screens can display blacks with a high degree of accuracy, which means better detail in dark scenes on TV shows or movies. The first consideration in buying an HDTVshould be the technology. For example, HP’s plasma and LD TVs include innovative Visual Fidelity technologies, which deliver a vibrant, crisp and dynamic world-class picture that makes you feel like you're right in the stadium. eB I , A It is important for sports fans to remember that just because a TV is described as “digital,” that does not mean it is high definition. In addition, an ultrawide view- ing angle allows you to see the picture from anywhere in the room so all your friends can enjoy the game. Resolve to get the right resolution You’ve probably heard the terms 720p, 1080i and 1080p but may not be sure what they mean. The numbersrefer to the lines of resolution the TV provides and therefore determine what makes a set high definition. It is important to remember that just because a TV is described as “digital,” that does not meanit is high definition. True HDTV performance requires at least 720p performance. That means if a TV can’t display at least 720 lines of resolution, it is not an HDTV. Is there enough HD programming available tojustify the TV upgrade? As the federal government encourages broadcasters and consumers to adopt HD, it is gradually becoming the standard. For instance, not only are the majority of this season’s National Football League games broadcast in HD, but many channels are currently increasing the amount of HD programmingavailable. It’s also possible to enjoy the benefits of high definition on some of your favorite shows including movies, dramas, sitcoms, sporting events and news. Just remember that in order to enjoy the benefits of HD programming, you must get an HDcable box from your provider. A new generation of TVs If you’re looking for the ultimate set that the entire family can enjoy—from football season to the Final Four to spring training—the HP MediaSmart TV may be the right fit. It is a fully networked digital TV, merging the P and the TV with theability to stream photos, music and videos from your P onto a stylish HP high-definition LD display. That means you can view family photos, listen to your favorite songs or download and watch movies right from the couch. To learn more, visit hp.com/ go/televisions for a guide to the world of HDTV.
