An HDTV is the main component of a "high-definition" home theater system. In order to view movies and TV shows 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 increase in picture quality and clarity.

HDTV images look decidedly superior to any prior television technology. That's because the new television sets show up to 6 times the detail of a SD television screen, and the increase in quality is unequivocal, especially when they are compared next to each other.

When you are prepared to make the jump to HDTV, you'll want to keep a few things in mind, such as your living room dimensions, the differences in the new technologies, and the various 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 right location for an HDTV. Take all of the room light sources into account, windows and otherwise. It's actually a better idea to locate the set next to a window than across from one. That's because ambient light can wash out or reflect off the screen. Ideally, the screen should be placed at the long end of the room, centered horizontally against or on the wall. This lets more viewers to be in or very close to the central "viewing axis". As for vertical location, a good rule is that the center of the screen should be approximately the same height as your eyes when sitting down in your furniture.

How Big?

While size indeed does matter when it comes to HDTV shopping, bigger is NOT always better. Even the best big-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 ideal HDTV size for your space. Simply measure the viewing distance in your location to figure out which TV size is right for you.

LCD? Plasma? DLP???

There are various types of HDTVs on the market 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 ascertain which TV is the best fit for you. The HDTV comparison chart below should provide you with a better understanding of your possible options.

"p" is for Picture Perfect

Since the best picture quality is likely the main reason you are shopping for an HDTV, the display should be your top priority when comparing the options. Performance can vary a quite a bit 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) tell 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 TV image is separated into halves and displayed in an alternating fashion. 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, thus, do not suffer from this ghosting.

Ultimately, 1080i and 720p images actually look just nearly identical and just about all current HDTV support both of these standards. You will want a 1080p set to take advantage of 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 models. The benefits of the extra resolution you receive with 1080p are most noticeable on screens 42 inches or larger. It allows you sit nearer than you could with a 720p set 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 anticipate using a Blu-ray disc player or playing high-def video games, you may want to pay a little extra for a 1080p TV to have maximum flexibility with your system.

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

Make A Connection

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

Take a look at the HDTV we have featured below. You can also browse our HDTV Warehouse Store. Whatever set you decide on, you will definitely notice the difference when your favorite movie, sporting event, or program happens before your eyes in brilliant high definition.

Samsung LNT4065F HDTV Product Description:

Thrill to high-def TV and Video performance on this 40" widescreen LCD TV. Prepare for the clearest, brightest LCD picture with Samsung's LN-T4065F. Full 1080p resolution from the LN-T4065F has color-saturated picture boasted by a 15000:1 dynamic contrast ratio, displaying rich blacks and capturing subtle nuances. A fast 8ms response time ensures smooth, lifelike motion and exceptional performance when used with videogame applications. SRS TruSurround XT Sound from hidden side speakers delivers simulated surround sound from 2 channel dome speakers with full-range, premium audio output. Enjoy connectivity with all your other digital devices with 3 HDMI ports and a full complement of inputs. With HDMI-CEC connection, peripheral devices such as DVD player can be controlled by TV remote control. High-resolution pixel density with built-in image scaler handles inputs from a variety of digital and analog sources. 178 degrees viewing angle improves viewing angle, contrast, and brightness to provide an even better picture. For brilliant HDTV viewing, there's an ATSC TV tuner. Wide color enhancer Built-in digital tuner ( ATSC / Clear QAM ) Fast 8ms response time V-Chip System Picture-in-Picture - 1 Tuner PIP Super clear panel Watts per channel - 10 Watts x 2 channels stereo SRS TruSurround XT for virtual-surround sound Hidden side speakers Sound leveler - Helps maintain volume at a steady level, even during those loud commercial breaks Premium Audio HDMI-CEC allows you to control any HDMI peripheral on the HDMI network connected to the TV Ports - 3 HDMI High Definition Multimedia Interface version 1.3 (2 rear/1 side), 2 Component video inputs, 2 S-video inputs (1 side/1 rear), Side and Rear A/V inputs, PC input, USB 2.0, RF antenna inputs and Swivel stand Dimensions - 41.0 x 24.2 x 3.4 inch without stand / 41.0 x 26.4 x 11.4 inches with stand Weight - 41.7 pounds without stand / 48.9 pounds with

Samsung LNT4065F HDTV Product Details:

* Color: Black

* Brand: Samsung

* Model: LNT4065

* Dimensions: 24.20" h x 41.00" w x 3.40" l, 41.70 pounds

* Display size: 40

Samsung LNT4065F HDTV Features

* 1080P (Full HD)

* 15,000:1 Contrast Ratio

* 92% Color Gamut

* (3) HDMI, (2) Component Inputs

* Swivel Stand

For people looking to step up to full 1080p resolution in a 40-inch flat-panel LCD, Samsung's LNT4065F HDTV model is a good choice. Besides offering full 1080p resolution the LNT4065F also features a 15,000:1 dynamic contrast ratio for rich blacks and subltle tecture display, an 8ms response time panel for smooth motion, hidden side speakers, an NTSC tuner, and 3 HDMI ports.

Samsung LNT4065F HDTV Compared to other Samsung Models

The primary differences between Samsung's LNT4065F and the lower priced LNT4061F LCD HDTV is in the contrast ratio and video processing power. Where this model offers a 15,000:1 dynamic contrast ratio and a 10-bit video processor, the LNT4061F has a 10,000:1 ratio, with an 8-bit video processor. The LNT4065F 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.

Samsung LNT4065F HDTV Image 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 LNT4065F 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.

The sleek Samsung LNT4065F HDTV with full 1080p resolution is just the beginning. The color-saturated 40" picture displays rich color and captures the subtlest of nuances, all in smooth, lifelike motion. From hidden side speakers comes sound that surrounds you, enhanced by the premium audio of 2.2 channel dome speakers. You'll also enjoy controlling your other digital devices with the convenience of using just one remote.

Samsung LNT4065F HDTV Super Clear

Superior Clarity by Blacker Black expression Super clear LCD panel in 2007 , the cutting technology, combined with 1080p high resolution gives you the most realistic black color. Your blacks will never again appear grayish and you can see fantastic black details even in dark scenes. In other words, Super clear LCD panel in 2007 adds outstanding clarity by improving contrast ratio in bright environments? and also enhances Color reproduction level.

Samsung LNT4065F HDTV 15,000:1 contrast ratio

The more color steps between the darkest and the brightest, the higher contrast ratio can be achieved. Making the dark color darker at best, Samsung's DLP® TV achieves Highest Contrast Ratio (Dynamic Contrast).

Samsung LNT4065F HDTV USB 2.0

Samsung LCD TV Tulip 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 LNT4065F HDTV Game Mode

Can't get enough of video games? The LN-T 4065F enhances the excitement of the game with exhilarating graphics and awesome sound that makes you feel like a character in the game. When the game mode is turned on, the contrast in dark areas is amplified, the bass sound is enriched, and the response time to game console's movement is shortened, creating the best environment to enjoy fast-moving video games.

Samsung LNT4065F HDTV Startlingly Slim Design

Sleek and modern, the LN-T4065F lends elegance to any décor. The super-slim bezel design, with full glossy black and chrome coating, has a premium look. Hidden side speakers deliver the astonishing acoustical richness of SRS TruSurround XT virtual surround sound. Careful touches further enhance the appearance and feel.

Samsung LNT4065F 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 LNT4065F 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 LNT4065F HDTV Enjoy Dazzlingly True-to-life Images

There's high definition - and then there's Full HD 1080p resolution. Imagine detail so crisp, it's like watching images burst into life before your eyes. Even contrasts within shadowy scenes are heightened. Samsung's super clear panel makes blacks dramatically darker to further enhance sharpness, while the screen's anti-reflective coating enhances color clarity, even in bright rooms.

Samsung LNT4065F HDTV The Picture-in-Picture Advantage

A convenient touch to your viewing experience, Picture-in-Picture allows you to simultaneously display images from different sources. With this feature, you can watch your favorite TV program while accessing data from your computer. Or enjoy a DVD while keeping tabs on late-breaking news. Single-tuner Picture-in-picture doew not allow for watching two TV shows simultaneously.

You cannot go wrong with the Samsung LNT4065F HDTV

Once the Giants made it to the Superbowl I knew it was time for an HD TV. I had been comparing 40 inch models for some time. The Samsung 4065 always seemed to have the best picture...The set was delivered by CEVA (formerly American Eagle) on 2/1, within the delivery window they gave. The delivery man had the set out of the box, placed on my stand and working in about five minutes. (Only one delivery person was necessary to move the new TV, while I needed two men and a boy to move the old 32" Sony out of the way). The Samsung picture was awesome right from the start. The connections for a DVD player, VCR and powered speaker system were easily accomplished. I am completely satisfied with the 4065. The HD channels (from Comcast cable) are stunning and the standard definition channels, viewed in 16:9 format look better than they did on the standard def. TV with digital cable. I have experienced no glare problems, even with the sun shining on the screen. The glossy black finish looks great; certainly no distraction. My only hesitation with the 4065 was whether I should go for the 4071 model with the 120 Hz refresh rate. I had read the reviews about improvement of fast action scenes with the 120 Hz model. If there is some problem with the 60 Hz 4065 model, I can't see it. I put on the NHL game that aired before the Superbowl on 2/3. I can't imagine any faster action than that and I did not see any problem.

Needless to say, seeing the Superbowl in HD made the Giants victory even sweeter. You can't go wrong with the 4065.

Samsung LNT4065F HDTV - Wonderful TV

I have absolutely no complaints about this TV. In my opinion this TV performs just as well as the higher priced models. It's like the difference between $500 speakers and $10,000 speakers, if you don't notice the difference, why make the price leap? I bought a PS3 solely to play blu-ray movies on this TV, and watching Planet Earth on this TV in 1080p is a life changing experience.

Samsung LNT4065F HDTV Purchase

Another Great Experience...Not only is the TV excellent as described by other reviewers but the entire process was super. The TV was shipped the day after it was ordered. The tracking was right on. And the delivery by Eagle was perfect. They delivered it the day after it arrived in Orlando to our Florida home 100 miles away, arriving 5 days earlier than the predicted delivery date. The white glove setup was quick and amicable.

...By the way, the TV is really great. We love the swivel base, and the light weight is perfect for our TV console table.

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