This Is It! The Official HDTV Installation Blog For over a decade high definition television has set the standard for coach potato viewing at its finest! It is estimated that roughly 75-80% of all homes in the U.S. have some form of HDTV equipment or service running through their wires.
That’s a lot of people. Still, with all the information available on the web and through various other sources the average homeowner still doesn’t have a clue as to how high definition works or how it’s installed. Not knowing can cause a lot of frustration and headache down the road with l
Like anything else, HDTV installation is an investment. Sure, it pales in comparison to, say, a home renovation or a new roof. What it promises, however, is high-quality viewing that is unmatched in the industry. Consequently, the question you find yourself asking is, “what do I look for when having HDTV installed in my home”…good question.
Back to Basics First, let’s start at ground zero with a few basic things you need to know. Consider the following:
Resolution
– At the top of the checklist and the most obvious characteristic is resolution. What we mean by resolution is how many lines of picture data – or pixels – are stacked on top of each other vertically across your television screen. The highest quality HDTV’s range from 720p (meaning 720 pixels) to 1080p. The provides a crystal clear high-quality screen for you to watch.
Aspect Ratio
– The aspect ratio is the ratio of the width to the height of an image on a TV screen. The aspect ratio of HDTV is 16:9. This gives you the kind of picture that you would expect.
Refresh Rate
– In general terms, the refresh rate describes how many times per second a picture is refreshed across the screen. Refresh rates range from 60 Hz to 120 Hz with 120 Hz being the preferred rate.
What Screen Size Should I Get?
Choosing the right screen size is more about external factors rather than the HDTV features. The biggest factor is how close or far away the TV will be from where you are sitting. Some other items to consider is where the TV will be placed. Will it be inside a cabinet or on the wall? How many people are in your family and where will be they be sitting? Knowing all these factors will determine the size of the TV. A typical size for an HDTV is 55 to 65 Inches.
3 Things to Consider During Installation:
Having your TV installed is another matter entirely. There are several options to choose from and different features that can truly enhance your experience in front of the tube.
Today, you can bundle services due to the technology. You can get telephone, video, audio, TV and just about any other type of digital data streaming with Fiber-to-the-home broadband.*
HDMI Connections
– When it comes to HDTV, HDMI ports and cables are everything. The rule of thumb is more ports on the TV and heavy duty cables which can handle the flow and last longer. You’ll also want to ask your technician about HDCP compatibility. licensed and experienced technician can give you the low down and help you make a well-informed decision.
Audio Enhancement
– Just remember this one thing: TV’s still have weak sound. They are designed to enhance your viewing pleasure, not your listening pleasure. So when upgrading to HDTV, save a little extra aside for an audio system. A good example of this is placing a soundbar above or below your TV. This instantly turns your living room into a miniature theater and wow everyone in the room!
Smart TV
– When having your TV installed, make sure to ask about all the available ‘smart’ features that come with the TV. Although most modern television sets come equipped with smart features, don’t assume anything. Ask for features and be specific.
One More Thing: Professional Installation Is Where It’s At We all believe that we’re media wizards. When we see technology, we put on our white coats and lab glasses and go to work – only to find out that we’ve made a mess of things. For just a few extra dollars, you can rid yourself of the hassle of installing your own equipment. Professionals know what cables are best, where they go, and how to save time, money, and space putting it all together for you. Find a reputable professional with experience and the rest will take care of itself.
If you would like to learn more about HDTV Installation, please call North Shore Technologies at 440-392-9928, or fill out our online request form.