Have you ever wondered what the difference is between HDTVs and HD Ready TV? Have you wondered which one you should buy?
HDTV and HD Ready TVs can both display high-definition picture. The main difference between HDTVs and HD Ready TVs is the fact that HDTVs can readily get HD signals without having to hook up a special tuner. In short, you can get local channels that are broadcast in HD and view it in HD just by using an OTA (over the air antenna). Remember though that while all broadcasts are now digital in the US not all of them are in HD. With HD Ready TVs you will need a special tuner of box-set to watch the HD broadcasts in high-definition. Now what this means when it comes to choosing your TV is that if you are subscribed to a cable or satellite TV service, you don’t really need an HDTV since the service provide will provide the tuner/box-set that will allow you to view picture in high def on your HD Ready TV. However, note that these service providers usually charge extra for HD equipment and channels. In terms of tv programming pricing it will be the same for HDTV and HD Ready since you will still need to use the HD equipment and subscribe to the HD channels, whatever kind of TV you use. The only reason you will still want to buy an HDTV rather than HD Ready one is the resolution.
In terms of the resolution or number of pixels on the screen you should look at each TVs specifications because it varies per TV. TV sets with 1080i and 1080p are those with highest resolutions. HDTVs have these resolutions but most HD Ready TVs only have 720i or 720p. So if you want the TV with the highest resolution then stick to HDTVs.