An HDTV is the main component of a "high-definition" home theater system. In order to watch movies and TV programs in high-def (HD), you need an HD video source and an HD receiver, or "HDTV" to display that source. Older, standard-definition (SD) TVs do not support HDTV's dramatic advance in picture quality and clarity.

HDTV images look decidedly better than any prior TV technology. That's because the new television sets show up to 6 times the detail of a SD TV screen, and the jump in quality is unequivocal, especially when they are viewed side-by-side.

When you are set to take the HDTV plunge, you'll want to remember a few things, such as your living room dimensions, the variance in the new technologies, and the numerous ways sets can be calibrated. These and other factors will assist you in selecting the best HDTV for your viewing environment and budget.

Where?

First, choose the proper spot for an HDTV. Take all of the room light sources into account, windows and otherwise. It's actually a better idea to put the set next to a window than across from one. That's because ambient light can wash out or reflect off the display. Preferably, the screen should be located at the long end of the room, centered horizontally against or on the wall. This allows more viewers to be in or very close to the central "viewing axis". As for vertical location, a standard rule is that the center of the screen should be approximately the same height as your eyes when seated in your furniture.

How Big?

While size indeed does matter when it comes to HDTV shopping, bigger is NOT always better. Even the best large-screen sets will have visible pixellation when viewed too closely. Of course, placing a set at too great of a distance is a waste of its HD potential. Below is a sizing chart to help you choose the perfect HDTV size for your room. Simply measure the viewing distance in your location to figure out which TV size is right for you.

LCD? Plasma? DLP???

There are several types of HDTVs available that come in a variety of high-definition resolutions. They each have their proponents and opponents. Once again, the viewing environment and favorite types of content will help determine which TV is the right one for you. The HDTV comparison chart below should provide you with a better understanding of your available options.

"p" is for Picture Perfect

Since the best picture quality is likely the main reason you are in the market for an HDTV, the display should be your #1 priority when comparing the options. Performance can vary a dramatically between brands and even different models of the same brand. We feature a top-rated HDTV model on this lens to help you make an informed decision.

The numbers you might have seen attached to HDTVs (720p, 1080i, or 1080p) reveal how many vertical lines of resolution are shown in an image. This is obviously important but only half the story. The "i" stands for interlaced, which means the display image is broken into halves and displayed in an alternating manner. Generally, your eye will not notice this visual trick, but high-action scenes will sometimes have a blurry or "ghosting" effect. Progressive-scan images ("p") show the entire image at all times and, therefore, do not suffer from this ghosting.

With that in mind, 1080i and 720p images actually look just about the same and nearly every current HDTV support both of these standards. You will need a 1080p set to enjoy the full image resolution of Blu-ray discs as well as most new video game systems.

Newer HDTV sets support 1080p, but tend to be more expensive than 720p or 1080i HDTVs. The benefits of the extra resolution you enjoy with 1080p are most obvious on screens 42 inches or larger. It allows you sit nearer than you could with a 720p model before you start to perceive the individual pixels. On the other hand, satellite, cable, and over-the-air HDTV programming tops off at 1080i resolution. Still, if you expect to be using a Blu-ray DVD player or playing high-def video games, you may want to pay a little extra for a 1080p TV to have complete flexibility with your system.

Of course, resolution, contrast, black level, brightness, and color accuracy also contribute to picture quality. A TV with terrific HD picture quality should display a natural-looking image with deep blacks, accurate colors, and clear detail. You'll likely be living with your picture for years to come, so take your time before you decide.

Make A Connection

Make the most of your HDTV purchase, use the highest-quality possible connection: HDMI. It's a single cord that supports all high-definition images and can carry multi-channel audio also. HDMI is the only thing you need to connect your Blu-ray DVD player or digital television cable or satellite receiver to your HDMI-equipped HDTV. HDMI avoids the digital-to-analog conversion that can degrade your image quality by keeping a digital signal throughout your home-theater system.

Take a look at the HDTV we have highlighted below. You can also browse our HDTV Warehouse Store. Whatever model you decide on, you will certainly notice the difference when your favorite movie, sporting event, or program unfolds before your eyes in spectacular high definition.

Samsung LNT4061F 40" 1080p LCD HDTV Product Details:

* Color: Black

* Brand: Samsung

* Model: LNT4061F

* Dimensions: 24.70" h x 38.20" w x 11.8" l, 46.00 pounds

* Display size: 46

Samsung LNT4061F 40" 1080p LCD HDTV Features:

* 1080P (Full HD)

* 10,000:1 Contrast Ratio

* 16x9 Aspectr Ratio w/ PIP

* (3) HDMI, (2) Component Inputs

* Swivel Stand

Samsung LNT4061F 40" 1080p LCD HDTV Connections:

* HDMI (version 1.3): 3 (1 CEC cabaple)

* Component video: 2 (Y, Pb, Pr)

* S-Video input: 1 side/1 rear

* A/V inputs: 1 side/1 rear

* PC inout: 1

* Headphone Jack: 1

* USB 2.0: 1

Samsung LNT4061F 40" 1080p LCD HDTV Product Description

For people looking to step up to full 1080p resolution in a 40-inch flat-panel LCD, Samsung's 2007 model LNT4061FF is a good choice. Besides offering full 1080p resolution the LNT4061F also features a 10,000:1 dynamic contrast ratio for rich blacks and subltle texture display, an 8ms response time panel for smooth motion, hidden side speakers, an NTSC tuner, and 3 HDMI ports.

Samsung LNT4061F 40" 1080p LCD HDTV Compared to other Samsung Models

The primary differences between Samsung's LNT4061F and the LNT4065F LCD HDTV is in the contrast ratio and video processing power. The pricier LNT4065F offers a 15,000:1 dynamic contrast ratio compared to this model's 10,000:1 ratio, and also offers full 10bit video processing over this model's 8 bit system. The more expensive model should display finer gradients of shading making for more detail in darker scenes. The video processing difference should ensure smoother motion in fast moving scenes for the LNT4065F.

Samsung LNT4061F 40" 1080p LCD HDTV Video Processing

The Samsung Digital Natural Image engine (DNIe) Video Enhancer refines all analog NTSC and wideband video inputs for an overall improvement in picture quality. DNIe improves contrast, white level, picture detail and incorporates digital noise reduction to improve lower quality video inputs. The 3D Y/C digital comb filter constantly analyzes the three dimensions of picture height, picture width, and picture changes-over-time to dramatically reduce edge image artifacts while improving transition detail.

Samsung LNT4061F 40" 1080p LCD HDTV Audio Features

High-quality virtual surround sound can be experienced with just the speakers built into the TV. SRS TruSurround XT technology delivers an amazing, simulated 3D effect with clear dialog and powerful bass through hidden side speakers. TruSurround XT audio adds three audio enhancement technologies to produce an amazingly immersive sound experience.

* Dialog Clarity brings movie dialog into Focus during the playback of any surround-encoded material to make speech much clearer and crisper.

* TruBass creates incredible deep rich bass allowing a person to perceive significantly deeper, richer low bass tones that are far beyond the physical low frequency capabilities of the speaker itself.

* The SRS WOW feature widens the soundstage by processing standard two-channel stereo material as well as multi-channel encoded material for a dramatic improvement in the playback of any stereo audio over a two-speaker system.

Samsung LNT4061F 40" 1080p LCD HDTV delivers the full brilliance of HDTV with décor-enhancing style - and industry-leading value. Enjoy the incredible detail of 1080p resolution, the endless color range of 16-bit processing, the finely nuanced tones of a 10,000:1 dynamic contrast ratio, and the quick motion of an 8ms response time. With the amazing SRS TruSurroundXT%u2122 system, full-bodied sound comes from two bottom speakers.

Three HDMI ports, USB 2.0 and full connectivity lets you add DVDs, camcorders, PCs and a range of other digital devices; HDMI-CEC capability lets you control all CEC-compatible devices with one remote.

Samsung LNT4061F 40" 1080p LCD HDTV Wide Color Enhancer

Traditionally, blues and greens are weak colors, which are most affected by luminance. In bright scenes their color expression can appear bleak & weak. Hence with Wide Color Enhancer, experience the visualization of uncovered color domain such as spring sprout or summer sky blue.

Samsung LNT4061F 40" 1080p LCD HDTV Anynet Plus

As CEC means Consumer Electronic Control, CEC system intelligence carries device control functions between all connected HDMI (CEC enabled) A/V devices. When you connect A/V devices like BD Player, AV Receiver, Home theater with HDMI cable, you can control all of them with one-touch control and a single remote control.

Samsung LNT4061F 40" 1080p LCD HDTV Wider Viewing Angles (S-PVA)

Left side, right side or upside-down, whatever your LCD TV's location, SAMSUNG's new innovative S-PVA (Super Patterned Vertical Alignment) solution allows you to see any display clearly due to the 178° wide-viewing angle. Horizontally and vertically, your LCD TV will always be well placed to enjoy the entertainment no matter what your angle of view is.

Samsung LNT4061F 40" 1080p LCD HDTV 8ms Response Time

The ultra-fast eight-millisecond response time means smooth, crisp fast-action video.

Samsung LNT4061F 40" 1080p LCD HDTV Built-in DACS speaker Systems

Samsung's Directionalized Acoustic Chamber System technology (DACS) is a revolutionary, computer-simulated technology that enhances low range sound performance, sharpens mid-to-high-range sound quality and improves overall sound clarity. This overcomes the acoustic limitations of traditional speakers by projecting sound evenly throughout the room.

Samsung LNT4061F 40" 1080p LCD HDTV HDMI Connectivity

Dual connectivity allows users to experience the latest in pure digital quality. With two HDMI connections, you can connect your DVD player and digital cable/satellite to experience the best picture possible.

Samsung LNT4061F 40" 1080p LCD HDTV PC Compatible

A Samsung LCD TV can function as a high-resolution PC monitor and a high-end TV without any sacrifice in picture quality. Outperforming PC monitors in brightness, response time, resolution, and of course, screen size, SAMSUNG lets you adapt to the expanding multi-media revolution.

Samsung LNT4061F 40" 1080p LCD HDTV 10000:1 Dynamic Contrast Ratio

While viewing either very bright or very dark scenes, it can be difficult to distinguish main images which blend into the background. Dynamic contrast dramatically mitigates this problem by adjusting the backlight intensity, providing up to a 10X improvement in contrast.

Samsung LNT4061F 40" 1080p LCD HDTV 3 HDMI

High-Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI) enables simple and easy connection of digital devices with a single cable that transfers uncompressed audio and visual contents without data loss. Samsung LCD TV offers three HDMI for AV enthusiasts to connect with various appliances, such as a home theater, DVDP, Game console, Blu Ray, and Digital Camera.

Samsung LNT4061F 40" 1080p LCD HDTV USB 2.0

The LN-T4661 provides USB 2.0 for your convenience in using many portable digital devices. Through USB connection, you can display photo/image files in your digital camera, USB memory stick or memory cards, and listen to mp3. Moreover, USB 2.0 support high speed of up to 480 Mbps which is 40 times faster than the speed of USB 1.1.

Samsung LNT4061F 40" 1080p LCD HDTV CCFL(Cold Cathode Fluorescent Lamp)

The NTSC (National Television Systems Committee) has established the color standards all TVs in America try to meet. And typical LCD TVs only meet about 72% of this standard. Certain SAMSUNG LCD HDTVs use Cold Cathode Fluorescent Lamp backlights to give you 92% coverage of the NTSC standard, ensuring truer, more breathlessly vivid colors.

Samsung LNT4061F 40" 1080p LCD HDTV Hidden Bottom Speakers

Besides pleasing your senses with high quality audio, you will save space with our hidden bottom speakers.

Samsung LNT4061F 40" 1080p LCD HDTV Side AV Inputs

Connect your LCD TV to the peripherals that add to your convenience.

Samsung LNT4061F 40" 1080p LCD HDTV VESA Compatible

With the VESA compatibility feature, Samsung has provided hole mounts on the back of the LCD TVs that are based on the VESA standards. This way you can set-up your TV on the wall the way you want it to look.

Samsung LNT4061F 40" 1080p LCD HDTV

Ordered this TV as it looked to be a good buy, and is rated high by Consumers report.

This TV works very well and has an excelent picture.

I rate it an excelent buy.

Samsung LNT4061F 40" 1080p LCD HDTV - Great TV - superb intro to HD

...I was considering the more expensive versions of this TV (the 65F perhaps) but really couldn't understand or justify the extra expense. I was also interested in the 46" version, but again, about a 35% increase in cost just didn't seem quite worth it.

This TV is PLENTY big enough for me and looks absolutely superb. I've had a little 19" HD TV until now, and couldn't entirely understand what the HD fuss was about. This TV has shown me. I watched some golf and the superbowl over the weekend - I am NOT a sports fan, but just couldn't stop watching the superb picture! Just incredible. The golf practically looked 3D!!

If you're looking for a decent sized HD TV for a little over a thousand bucks, look no further.

Samsung LNT4061F 40" 1080p LCD HDTV - Great TV... Works great with Antenna... good value

...Hooked up roof antenna cable and turned set on, searched for channels and here in Phoenix, found about 50 channels, 30+ digital, and all major networks plus some others HD... Awesome and has ruined us so need to order another one for the bedroom.. roof antenna is 20 year old original, so was pleasantly surprised to see it pick up digital and awesome HD without a new purchase needed. Great introduction to digital and HD... don't need cable or Dish.. Superbowl was AWESOME to watch on this TV... my wife was even impressed...

Easy to use and setup... instructions good... loaded a memory stick with family photos and plugged into USB slot, and selected wiselink, listened to MP3 music while running a slide show of grandkid photos... outstanding clarity.. now plan to load all our photos and review them this way..

Bought the cheap ($49) Magnavox upconverter from Sam's Club with HDMI cable and tried a couple of movies... one was slightly better, and another one was awesome... near HD quality so anxious to go back through my DVDs.. my netflix movies work with no problem... the newer movies seem to look better being upconverted...

A great introduction to digital and Hd!!

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