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Optimum Advisor: HDTV

HDTV > Q&A's

Q. What should I look for when selecting an HDTV set?
A. When shopping for an HDTV, the most important question is easy: what looks best to you? You don't want to get lost in a sea of technical details, but you should know the basics such as Aspect ratio, Number of Pixels, Resolution, Sound Quality and which Audio/Video connections you need.

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Q. Now that I own an HDTV, will I be able to see all the shows that say 'In HDTV where available' in high definition?
A. It depends on your HDTV. Many of today's HDTVs are, in fact, HDTV monitors. That means they don't include an integrated tuner that enables them to receive an HD signal. In order to receive over-the-air digital and HD signals, you need a tuner and a digital antenna. If your HDTV falls in the "HDTV Ready" category, you'll either need to buy this equipment or find a provider that gives it to you. Some satellite providers charge for equipment and monthly service. If you are a Cablevision customer and have an HD-capable television set, you can request an HD ready box and receive all the HD programming available in your package at no additional monthly cost.

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Q. Does 1080i format provide a better resolution than 720p?
A. HDTV resolution is available in two formats: 720p and 1080i. The 'p' and 'i' refer to the scan methods, or how the lines of resolution are delivered on screen. Progressive scanning format means that pixels on the screen are refreshed simultaneously. Interlaced scanning refreshes pixels in alternations, first the odd lines, then the even lines. One HDTV standard, 720 progressive (720p), comprises of 720 vertical pixels and 1,280 horizontal pixels. The p stands for progressive.

Interlaced scanning, another HDTV standard, is known as 1080i. The i stands for interlaced. Contrary to popular belief, 720p is not inferior to 1080i; 720p has fewer lines but also has the advantages of progressive scanning and a constant vertical resolution of 720 lines, making it better able to handle motion.

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Q. How many HDTV services can I get with an iO subscription?
A. Depending on your level of service, iO offers up to 45 channels of HD programming at no extra cost, including Hi-Def On Demand, MOJO, CBS, NBC, FOX, ABC, Thirteen, YES, MSG, MSG Plus, ESPN, Universal, STARZ! and HBO. Getting the power of HDTV is easier than you think. If you've got an HDTV-capable set, iO will do the rest. To learn more about HDTV and how you can experience it for yourself, visit www.optimum.com.

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Q. When it comes to HDTV, is bigger definitely better?
A. While big TVs are certainly awesome, it is possible to buy a HDTV that's too big for your home theater space. If you're too close to a big screen, your eyes will focus on the individual pixels instead of the picture as a whole. A general rule is to measure the display's diagonal screen size and multiply it by 2.5 to determine the approximate distance you should sit from the screen. Depending on your HDTV, you'll want to make some adjustments. Some sets may look better at 2 times the distance. Others may perform better at 3 times the distance. If your room is too small to sit at this distance, you may want to consider a smaller screen - or a bigger room.

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Interested in purchasing a high-definition television? Visit OptimumStore.com.