An HDTV is the main component of a "high-definition" home theater system. In order to watch 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) televisions do not support HDTV's dramatic increase in picture quality and clarity.

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

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

Where?

First, select 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 put the set next to a window than across from one. That's because ambient light can wash out or reflect off the screen. 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 display 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. On the other hand, 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 home theater. Simply measure the viewing distance in your room to figure out which TV size is right for you.

LCD? Plasma? DLP???

There are several 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 most watched content will help determine which TV is the best fit for you. The HDTV comparison chart below should give you a better understanding of your available options.

"p" is for Picture Perfect

Since top picture quality is likely the main reason you are in the market for an HDTV, the image 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 highlight a top-rated HDTV model on this lens to help you make a good choice.

The numbers you may have seen attached to HDTVs (720p, 1080i, or 1080p) measure 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 fashion. Generally, your eye cannot 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.

With that in mind, 1080i and 720p images actually look just nearly identical and nearly every 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 models support 1080p, but are generally more expensive than 720p or 1080i HDTVs. The advantages of the added resolution you enjoy with 1080p are most noticeable on screens 42 inches or larger. It allows you sit closer than you could with a 720p model before you begin to see the individual pixels. On the other hand, satellite, cable, and over-the-air HDTV programming maxes out at 1080i resolution. Still, if you anticipate using a Blu-ray DVD player or playing high-def video games, you may want to pay a invest in 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 television with excellent 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 commit.

Make A Connection

To get the most of your HDTV purchase, use the best possible connection: HDMI. It's a single cord that supports all high-definition images and can carry multi-channel audio as well. HDMI is all you need to connect your Blu-ray DVD 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 highlighted below. You can also browse our HDTV Warehouse Store. Whatever model you decide on, you will definitely notice the dramatic improvement when your favorite movie, sporting event, or program unfolds before your eyes in dazzling high definition.

Samsung LNT5271F 52" 1080p 120Hz LCD HDTV Product Description:

ATSC & QAM Tuner / Auto Motion Plus / 3 HDMI-CEC / 10-Bit Processing / Component & PC Input / Swivel Stand / Piano Black

Samsung LNT5271F 52" 1080p 120Hz LCD HDTV Product Details:

* Color: Black

* Brand: Samsung

* Model: LNT5271F

* Dimensions: 33.30" h x 53.80" w x 4.70" l, 128.00 pounds

* Display size: 52"

Samsung LNT5271F 52" 1080p 120Hz LCD HDTV Features:

* 25000:1 dynamic contrast ratio

* HD-grade 1920(H) x 1080(V) pixel resolution

* Wide Color Gamut CCFL backlight

* Built-in digital tuner (ATSC/Clear QAM)

* Fast 8ms response time, 120Hz refresh rate

Samsung LNT5271F 52" 1080p 120Hz LCD HDTV Connections:

* HDMI (High Definition Multimedia Interface version 1.3): 3 (2 rear/1 side)

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

* S-Video input: 1 side/1 rear

* A/V inputs: 1 side/1 rear

* RF antenna inputs: 2

* USB 2.0

* HDMI-CEC

* Premium audio: Improved sound quality with dedicated low-range speaker system

* Headphone jack

For those who are ready for the clearest, brightest picture on the market today, Samsung presents the LNT5271F 52" 1080p 120Hz LCD HDTV. Full 1080p resolution is just the beginning: Samsung's incredible Auto Motion Plus 120Hz technology reduces motion blur for crisp, precise action. The color-saturated 40" picture boasts a 25,000:1 dynamic contrast ratio, displaying rich blacks and capturing subtle nuances. A fast 8ms response time ensures smooth, lifelike motion. SRS TruSurround XT%u2122 sound from hidden side speakers is enhanced by the premium audio sound of 2.2 channel dome speakers. Enjoy connectivity with all your other digital devices, with 3 HDMI ports and a full complement of inputs. And the handy HDMICEC feature lets you control all your CEC-enabled peripherals using just one remote.

Samsung LNT5271F 52" 1080p 120Hz LCD HDTV Auto Motion Plus 120Hz

This technology doubles the frame rate from 60 to 120 frames per second (120Hz LCD panel) without repeating the same image to make more frames. Instead, the TV intelligently calculates the `middle' image between frame A and frame B and inserts it in between (Auto Motion Plus 120Hz processor), making a fluid transition from one frame to the next.

Samsung LNT5271F 52" 1080p 120Hz LCD HDTV 25,000:1 Dynamic Contrast Ratio

25,000:1 Dynamic Contrast Ratio will give you a picture better than you ever thought possible, with whiter whites, blacker blacks and a nearly infinite subtlety of gradations in between.

Samsung LNT5271F 52" 1080p 120Hz LCD HDTV Wide Color Enhancer

Samsung's exclusive Wide Color Enhancer technology delivers more brilliant colors, even in bright areas of the picture where blues and greens are washed out on conventional screens. The system displays wider color reproduction, showing you truer colors - the fresh green of spring foliage, the intense blue of the summer sky.

Samsung LNT5271F 52" 1080p 120Hz LCD HDTV Super Clear Panel

Samsung's super clear panel is a new dimension in image clarity, highlighting black and darkened areas, enabling vibrant, more compelling colors and a brighter, clearer picture. The highest contrast ratio enables our super clear panel design to provide you with a picture that you have to see to believe.

Samsung LNT5271F 52" 1080p 120Hz LCD HDTV Full HD 1080P

Full HD, or 1080p, contains 1.5 times more scanning lines than conventional HD TVs. More scanning lines mean more pixels, more details and a better picture. The new Samsung LCD TV with resolution that is approximately 2 times greater than conventional HD TVs, creating the most perfect picture imaginable.

Samsung LNT5271F 52" 1080p 120Hz LCD HDTV 3 HDMI

Three High Definition Multimedia InterfaceTM (HDMI) connections make your TV a multimedia centerpiece. Connect HD digital devices like disc players, game consoles, and satellite dish components into the 2 rear connections and use the side-mounted input for cameras, camcorders, and laptops. HDMI is the best performing interface for displaying an HD source on an HDTV.

Samsung LNT5271F 52" 1080p 120Hz LCD HDTV - Who needs to go to the movies?

I don't get out much to the local theaters these days so our investment into the Samsung LNT5271F 52 is not only warranted but also a great value.

We purchased this unit on Dec 26, 2007 and had it in our living on the 30th. We decided to buy a PS3-80 to experience the full 1080p on BluRay disc. With the PS3 we can also play games and surf the internet with the wireless capability and watch up-converted older DVDs in enhanced resolution. Totally awesome. We also acquired a 1080i Digital cable box from Time Warner. Both units are connected to the Samsung via HDMI Monster cables (goodbye to all the cables from the past). Tie this into our audio home theater system with a Monster cable optical cable and bang! A home run combination.

My family and I are truly delighted with this purchase and hope the quality of the Samsung picture is matched by a durable long-life product. The only regret that I have is that I waited so long to make this purchase, although I am convinced that the price was definitely a plus (~$2,450.00 to the door).

Highly recommend the product to anyone looking for incredible performance matched with incredible value.

Samsung LNT5271F 52" 1080p 120Hz LCD HDTV - Best LCD I saw

I spent quite a bit of time researching and looking at HDTVs before I made my purchase. At every store I went to, the 71F line of Samsung LCDs stuck out as the brightest, sharpest picture amoung all the others. I have had it for about a month and couldn't be happier with my decision to buy the 5271f. The 120Hz is very weird on some movies and TV shows (background moves at a different rate than the actors), but it works great for sports...Best LCD I have seen.

Samsung LNT5271F 52" 1080p 120Hz LCD HDTV - Awesome

...The price of the Samsung was $400 less than the cheapest price in New Orleans not to mention the tax savings and free shipping. The TV came in within two weeks with New years in the middle of that. The delivery service showed up at 8am and installed the unit and made sure everything was working and in order. The Samsung is a great unit. The picture quality is fantastic. I highly recommend it.

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