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) TVs do not support HDTV's dramatic increase in picture quality and clarity.

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

When you are prepared to make the jump to HDTV, you should keep a few things in mind, such as your living room dimensions, the variance 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, select 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 screen. Preferably, the screen should be placed at the long end of the room, centered horizontally against or on the wall. This permits 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 display should be about 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 assist you in choosing the perfect HDTV size for your space. Simply measure the viewing distance in your room to figure out which TV size is correct for you.

LCD? Plasma? DLP???

There are several types of HDTVs on the market that come in a variety of high-definition resolutions. They all have their proponents and detractors. Once again, your location and favorite types of content will help ascertain which TV is the right one for you. The HDTV comparison chart below should give you a better understanding of your possible options.

"p" is for Picture Perfect

Since the best picture quality is probably the main reason you are shopping for an HDTV, the display should be your #1 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 a good choice.

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 tale. The "i" stands for interlaced, which means the display image is separated 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, therefore, do not suffer from this ghosting.

With that in mind, 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 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 advantages of the added resolution you get with 1080p are most noticeable on screens 42 inches or larger. It allows you sit closer than you could with a 720p set before you begin 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 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 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 looking at the picture for years to come, so study it closely before you decide.

Make A Connection

Make the most of your HDTV purchase, use the highest-quality possible connection: HDMI. It's a slim 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 disc player or digital television cable or satellite receiver to your HDMI-equipped HDTV. HDMI avoids the digital-to-analog conversion that can downgrade your image quality by maintaining 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 dramatic improvement when your favorite movie, sporting event, or program unfolds before your eyes in dazzling high definition.

Sony Bravia XBR KDL-46XBR4 HDTV Product Description:

Over the years XBR has stood for the best consumer TV s Sony has to offer and this year's line up is no exception. The XBR line of Full HD 1080p televisions includes all of our latest technologies amid at providing the best in pictures performance. Features like Motionflow 120Hz for smoother motion when viewing movies or fast action sports. And BRAVIA Engine PRO with Digital reality Creation which up converts all interlaced and progressive video signals including HD signals directly to 1080p for amazing detail and sharpness. And its only fitting that your XBR make a statement not only through breathtaking picture quality, but by taking your breath away with 8 new color bezel choices. Now your LCD TV can be as distinct as your own personal sense of style. Few if any Full HD 1080p LCD televisions measure up to XBR LCD televisions; the pinnacle of Sony performance and design.

Sony Bravia XBR KDL-46XBR4 HDTV Product Details:

* Color: Black

* Brand: Sony

* Model: KDL46XBR4

* Dimensions: 15.00" h x 55.00" w x 36.00" l, 104.00 pounds

* Display size: 46

Sony Bravia XBR KDL-46XBR4 HDTV Features:

* 10-bit 16:9 Full HD 1080p Panel (1920x1080)

* Motionflow with FHD 120 Hz high frame rate capability

* BRAVIA Engine PRO & Live Color Creation system

* 1080p Inputs: HDMI (x3), YPbPr (x2), PC

* Advanced Contrast Enhancer (ACE)

The Sony Bravia XBR KDL-46XBR4 LCD Flat Panel HDTV continues Sony's tradition of making outstanding televisions. With a 46-inch screen, you'll be able to see every little detail without any need to squint. Sony does not hold back with any technologies, and the XBR series is its flagship line--so with the XBR, you know you'll get the best quality home theater experience available.

Sony Bravia XBR KDL-46XBR4 HDTV Top-Notch Video Performance

The SBR KDL-46XBR4 is a 1080p television with a full 1920 x 1080 resolution, the highest resolution available for the sharpest, clearest picture. The KDL-46XBR uses the most recent HDMI 1.3 interface, which houses both audio and video signals in one connector and has the bandwidth to support the data needed for the high resolution. Sony's Bravia Engine Pro Full Digital Video Processor upconverts all video signals to 1080p so you can watch all your old DVDs on this glorious display.

The KDL-46XBR4 has vibrant colors and a 178-degree viewing angle.

Bravia Engine Pro Full Digital Video Processor upconverts all video signals to 1080p so you can watch all your old DVDs on this glorious display.

Sony complements the high resolution with the latest technology in color reproduction. The KDL-46XBR is a 10-bit display with 10-bit processing. Most panels are only 8-bit. The added bit depth here means a larger color palette for more faithful color reproduction and smoother transitions from one color to the next.

Additionally, the display also supports the new x.v.Color standard, which dramatically increases the available color space. The end result is a picture that is so detailed, colorful, and vibrant, you'd have a hard time distinguishing it from real life.

The XBR series delivers beautful visuals while incorporating all of Sony's latest technologies.

The KDL-46XBR4 features Sony's Motionflow technology, which automatically adjusts for and applies the proper processing for optimal motion reproduction depending on the video input. This includes support for 24 frames per second (24p) video, which displays video content at the 24-frames-per-second rate at which it was originally filmed or recorded. With 24p, you get the most faithful possible reproduction of the original.

Sony Bravia XBR KDL-46XBR4 HDTV A Wide Variety of Inputs

This Sony television's wide variety of inputs ensures compatibility with your other home theater components. There are three HDMI connections for Blu-Ray, HD DVD, and other technologies requiring the high bandwidth, and two component video inputs, three composite video inputs, one S-Video input, one PC Audio and Video input, and five analog audio inputs. Even with a collection of legacy components, you shouldn't have a problem connecting to the KDL-46XBR4.

Sony Bravia XBR KDL-46XBR4 HDTV Stunning Looks

The KDL-46XBR4 not only displays stunning video but is itself a head-turner. It features Sony's unique floating glass frame along with a black bezel that can be interchanged with optional color bezels to match the display to your decor.

Sony Bravia XBR KDL-46XBR4 HDTV Outstanding Ergonomics and Simplicity of Control

Sony's Xross Media Bar interface is an award-winning, intuitive on-screen display that makes setup a breeze, with menus and controls logically laid out for quick access. The KDL-46XBR4 also features Theatre Sync technology, based on the HDMI-CEC standard, which means you can easily connect to and control compatible devices. For example, when the KDL-46XBR4 is connected to a compatible DVD player, you can turn on both the DVD player and the television and start playing a DVD with a single push of a button on the remote. When you're done, another push of a button powers everything down. With Theatre Sync, you can spend time enjoying the movie rather than waste time setting everything up.

Sony Bravia XBR KDL-46XBR4 HDTV More Than Just a Television

Because more and more people expect to view photos on their HDTVs, Sony developed a Photo TV HD mode that optimally sets the sharpness, gradation, and color to make digital photos look like printed photography.

The KDL-46XBR4 is backed by a 1-year limited warranty for parts and labor.

Full HD Quality - HDTV provides up to six times the visual detail of the Standard Definition television. You need an HDTV set, HD sound and a source of HD content to make sure you're really getting HD.

One-step Simplicity - It's easy to setup your HDTV system. A single HDMI cable carries both audio and video signals, while it also banishes confusing setup and cord tangles.

You're Surrounded - HD broadcasting can include up to 7.1 channels of surround sound. A Sony HD Audio system lets you experience every whisper.

Ready for Primetime - You've got the set, now get the shows. HD sports, comedies, dramas, movies and more are available on Broadcast, Cable and Satellite TV.

Sony Bravia XBR KDL-46XBR4 HDTV - Top notch

...Bought the TV about a week ago and all is great so far...had to call Sony for the initial set up but that went real smooth. After playing with the settings a little I figured out where I want them to be. Have a bit of learning to do still with the set and all but great so far. High Def channels are very clear and movies are great to watch...By the way I do not usually write reviews like this but that's how impressed I am...

Sony Bravia XBR KDL-46XBR4 HDTV - Pretty close to a technological masterpiece

My review of the 46XBR4:

After years of shopping and browsing for a new tv - I finally settled on the 46" XBR4. This is after countless visits to CC and other stores. The samsung 1080p first caught my eye, but then I started to gravitate toward Sony. It's fairly common for people to stop and gaze in wonder at the 40"XBR4 that CC has on display on one of their endcaps (playing a demo blue ray disk).

I've had it for a week now and am fascinated with the PQ for the most part. I previously owned a Mitsubishi 60" projection tv, and was pretty happy when I got that, but detested the thought of moving it (this was purchased back when projection tvs weighed 200-300 lbs). Comparitively speaking, the XBR4 is like going from a decent 4x4 pickup truck to a $100k sports car.

...Blu ray and HD programming look amazing on this tv, as already pointed out by several people...there have been scenes (blu ray or hd tv) that have given me goosebumps while watching this tv. I constantly find myself thinking "Whoa" or "WOW" lol

PS3 Gaming is a blast. I was also very impressed with how well my pc looks hooked up to it, but will be getting a better vid card to play microsoft flight simulator. High resolution 8 mp images (taken with my digital rebel xt) are as crisp and beautiful as they were on the 20" monitor I was using - even when blown up to full screen view. It's weird to see my nose hairs blown up this big lol It will be great using photoshop with this tv after I get a better vid card and cpu (to handle the editing).

Sound quality is impressive. A sound system is not necessary unless you really want to feel the bass and have true surround sound.

Sony Bravia XBR KDL-46XBR4 HDTV - Overall, great

...We have had this TV for about 2 weeks and the picture is great...We don't have BD or HD-DVD, but the upconverting DVD player makes the videos look great, so I don't know how much better a high-def disc player would make them look. I fnd myself watching channels I would not normally be, simply because of the HD picture, such as HD Theater and golf matches on the local channels...We have HDMI hookups and I can see a somewhat noticeable difference over the component cables, so we're sticking with the HDMI.

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