Super Bowl XL HDTV Buyers Guide

By Suzie Ridgway
January 30th, 2006

Ahhhh, Super Bowl Sunday. What better time (and excuse) to get yourself hooked up with your very own HDTV system than when you've got all of your buddies coming over to watch the big game? Whether or not you're rooting for the Seahawks or the Steelers, or just love the game itself, check out our HDTV Buyer's Guide to find out exactly what you need to do to get your hands on the coolest (and possibly most expensive) TV you may ever purchase. The good news is that they're now more affordable than ever.

What does HDTV mean, exactly and why is it better than standard TV?

HDTV, as you may very well know, means High Definition Television. What you may not know, is that the picture is five times sharper and clearer than a standard, analog TV because there are more pixels packed together (300,000 to 2 million) to create a highly detailed picture, versus analog images (200,000). HDTV is also transmitted in widescreen format, 16:9 (16 units wide by 9 units high), giving the viewer the movie theatre experience, versus analog screens at 4:3. And, last but not least, HDTV programs typically have better sound. Way better. Most contain 5.1 Dolby Digital Surround Sound for a complete audio and visual immersion in the comfort of your living room.

How do I receive HDTV?

First and foremost, the program you want to watch must be transmitted in high-definition. That's not to say that you won't be able to watch the program if it's not, but it definitely won't have the same visual "wow factor" if it's not transmitted that way.

Signals are transmitted to televisions three ways: over-the-air broadcast, cable service, or via direct broadcast satellite. At home, the signal must move through your antenna, cable or satellite dish to the receiver (either via an integrated set or a set-top receiver). Your cable or satellite service may require a special HDTV set-top box or service. Call your provider for info.

If you don't have cable or satellite service, fear not and just pick up an antenna. Some people put an antenna on the roof of their homes, while others can use good, old fashioned rabbit ears. If you are in the U.S., check out the handy color-coded antenna mapping guide at www.antennaweb.org, from Consumer Electronics Association and Decisionmark, to find out your specific area's antenna status. To find out what over-the-air stations broadcast in HDTV visit NAB.org. A free program guide can be found at www.titantv.com.

What equipment do I need?

Option 1: HDTV set with an integrated tuner. This system is an all-in-one monitor with an internal tuner. Basically, you will only need to plug your antenna, cable service or satellite service into the back, as the receiver is built inside the set.

Samsung's new TX-R3079WH Slim Fit 30-inch TV features an integrated HDTV tuner and costs less than $1000 dollars.

Samsung TX-R3079WH

With a fully integrated HDTV tuner and CableCARD compatibility, the Sharp LC-45GD4U, a 45-inch LCD TV, is a complete state-of-the-art HDTV. Prices range from $2500 to $5000.

Sharp LC-45GD4U

Option 2: HDTV-ready monitor and set-top receiver. If you already have an HDTV-ready monitor, you'll need the extra set-top receiver, a.k.a. tuner, that sits on top of, or near, your monitor. The antenna, cable or satellite service will plug into the receiver, which plugs into your monitor.

If you need an HDTV-ready flat-screen, plasma, projection or direct view TV, check out our guide for choosing the right one. Click here to check it out!

For Digital Trends' HDTV tuner reviews, visit our HDTV Tuner review section.

Better Cables. New gear often comes with the cheapest of cables. Do yourself a favor and buy a good cable (or cables) that carries high-definition signals. Your best bets are component, DVI and HDMI cables.

Speakers. For the ultimate in the home theatre experience, you might as well spring for the surround sound speakers and set everything up at once. Who wants an amazing picture, but mediocre sound?

Aperion Audio Intimus 422

This system includes four Intimus 422-LR satellite speakers, an Intimus 422-C center channel speaker, and two Intimus-powered subwoofers, the S-8 and S-10. The fit and finish of these speakers are excellent. The system has a 30-day home trial, received our Editor's Choice award and is a steal for just $799. Click here to check out our full review.

Aperion Audio Intimus 422

Onkyo HT-S580

A one box solution designed to easily integrate with any DVD player, the HT-S580 combines style with power for your enjoyment. 100 watts of power to each channel are pumped out to the included speakers to surround you with the latest Dolby Digital or DTS encoded soundtracks. $299.99. Click here to check out reader reviews.

Home Theatre in a Box

Or, if you need a receiver, DVD player and speakers, you can either buy separate components or go for the simplicity, affordability and overall performance of a Home Theatre in a Box (HTIB).

Denon S-301

The S-301 stuffs surround circuitry, an AM/FM tuner and DVD player into a mid-size chassis. Two liter-size speakers flank the TV and a 9 ¼ x 14 ½ x 18-inch powered subwoofer—packed with amplifiers—completes the package. There are no rear speakers -- that's the clever part. The S-301 packs Dolby Virtual Speaker technology, which simulates center and surround channels from a pair of left and right front speakers. Click here to read our full review.

Denon S-301

Cambridge SurroundWorks 200

The Cambridge SurroundWorks 200 is a compact system that's big on sound, ideal for small spaces. The $999, easy to set-up system bundles the AVS600 DVD player/receiver with a single, multi-driver speaker enclosure and separate sub. Click here to read our full review.

Cambridge SurroundWorks 200

*Better cables are not only key to a high-definition picture, they're also key to great sound. Check out Monster Cable (www.monstercable.com) for their Home Theatre in a Box S-Video Five Channel Speaker & Subwoofer Connection Kit for just $79.95.

Once I get my system all set up, how do I get the best picture possible?

For optimal results, and personal preferences, you will need to do some level of color balancing. The easiest way to accomplish this is with the free THX Optimizer comes with any THX-certified DVD, such as Pixar's "The Incredibles". The THX optimizer works even better if you go to www.thx.com and purchase their blue-lens glasses for $2. Other easy options available for purchase include the Avia Guide to Home Theatre (www.ovationmultimedia.com, $49.99), Digital Video Essentials (www.videoessentials.com, $24.99), or if you would rather use a professional, choose from a list of I.S.F. (Imaging Science Foundation) calibration technicians at www.imagingscience.com.

< Back to full article at Digital Trends

Super Bowl XL HDTV Buyers Guide

Better Cables. New gear often comes with the cheapest of cables. Do yourself a favor and buy a good cable (or cables) that carries high-definition signals. Your best bets are component, DVI and HDMI cables.

Speakers. For the ultimate in the home theatre experience, you might as well spring for the surround sound speakers and set everything up at once. Who wants an amazing picture, but mediocre sound?

Home Theatre in a Box Or, if you need a receiver, DVD player and speakers, you can either buy separate components or go for the simplicity, affordability and overall performance of a Home Theatre in a Box (HTIB).

Home Theatre in a Box

Or, if you need a receiver, DVD player and speakers, you can either buy separate components or go for the simplicity, affordability and overall performance of a Home Theatre in a Box (HTIB).