DO |
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| Consider 1080p (for progressive) high-definition TVS: These sets come in all flavors. The most popular are plasma, LCD, and DLP (digital light processing). Relatively new to the market, they'll be more expensive than sets the same size, from the same manufacturers. But shelling out the extra dough now will help you avoid headaches later, especially if content providers follow through with plans to limit the next-gen player's functionality because of piracy concerns. |
| Remember size matters: Eagle-eyed viewers might spot differences in picture quality between next-gen players and current players on screens smaller than 50 inches, but even backers of the new players say the differences really shine on really big TVs. |
| Look for plenty of device connection options: Many new gadgets, including Blu-ray and HD-DVD players, use a relatively new connector type called HDMI, or high-definition multimedia interface. Video and audio are sent down a single cable in their digital form to the HDTV. Component video, on the other hand, translates the picture to analog and back again, resulting in loss of some quality. Studios also plan to use HDMI as a sort of gatekeeper to keep content safe from piracy. Buy a set with two or more HDMI connectors. |
| Buy extended warranty protection: HDTVs are becoming increasingly more complex, with lots of moving parts that can fail at any given time. If you're buying a set with bells and whistles, such as built-in hard drives for digital recording or on-screen TV Guides, make sure to consider extending the often limited warranty in case something goes kablooey. |
DON'T |
| Forget sound options: Blu-ray and HD-DVD players can deliver 5.1 or 7.1 stereo sound, for a true theater-like experience. Make sure you have a good audio system, speakers and a digital audio cable to make hearing as good as seeing. |
| Skimp on protection: A nice surge protector from Belkin or Monster will keep your expensive HDTV and next-gen player from frying if power spikes unexpectedly. |
| Spend too much time comparing HD-DVD with Blu-ray: Both will offer very good picture quality, and movies on each can look vastly different, depending on the way they are mastered. Consider HD-DVD may cost less but ultimately may offer fewer titles and choices of manufacturer than the more robust Blu-ray camp. |
Getting the Most Out of Your Next-Generation DVD Players
Assuming you can get your hot little hands on either Samsung's new Blu-ray player or Toshiba and RCA's HD-DVD player, you'll want to make sure you have the right equipment—TV and audio receiver—to get the most out of the new gadget. With HDTV penetration still only about 10% of households, people buying sets this year need to consider their options carefully. Here's a guide to get started: