Getting a new television has never been so exciting, thanks to a host of new technologies that deliver crisp, detailed pictures, realistic sound, more channels than ever and stunning designs that you'll want to show off.
If you haven't already gone digital or gone HD, now is the perfect time to make the switch. The digital switchover is round the corner, more HD programmes are available and LCD and plasma televisions have never been so affordable.
We've put together a guide to talk you through these exciting changes, what all the jargon means and how you can confidently choose the right television for you.
The introduction of digital broadcasting and the prospect of high-definition content are transforming television.
Starting on 17 October 2007, analogue TV signals will be turned off region by region and completely replaced with digital signals. Already, almost the entire population can receive digital channels. Find out if Freeview is available in your area. Within 5 years, all the country will be able to receive digital TV and the analogue signal will be switched off.
There are three ways of receiving digital channels.
- Buy and connect a digital tuner (also know as a Freeview Box) to your existing television.
 Shop for a digital receiver
- Get a television with a built-in digital tuner – these are called integrated digital televisions (IDTVs).
Shop for digital TVs
- Cable and satellite providers offer free-to-view and subscription channels . You may need additional
equipment for this, usually available directly from the supplier, and a one-off payment.
 View details of Sky’s free-to-air package.
Better choice
Freeview has grown to 41 channels, including the five main channels. There are dedicated channels for kids, history buffs, movie fans and many all-round entertainment channels. You can also receive digital radio stations through your digital TV.
Find our which channels are available on digital
Better picture quality
Digital broadcasts don’t suffer the interference issues of analogue TVs so you get clearer, better pictures.
Widescreen TV
Many digital programmes are broadcast in true widescreen so the picture isn't stretched. That means great looking television that film fans will love.
Get interactive
Digital TV offers a host of interactive services, such as a choice of views (great for events such as Wimbledon and Glastonbury) or voting for a winner on a reality show. You’ll also have all the listings at your fingertips thanks to the electronic programme guide.
Plus, it’s all absolutely FREE.
Since high definition exploded onto the scene, there’s been a lot of jargon flying around. Here’s the deal.
HD stands for High Definition in general and relates to all the latest technologies required to bring clearer and sharper television pictures into your home.
HDTV refers to high-definition programming and the equipment, such as digital receivers, able to receive HDTV.
| HD-ready is a logo often displayed next to actual TVs and means that they are capable of receiving HD transmissions and displaying them |
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HD-ready TVs:
- can accept and display HDTV programming - up to the resolution of the TV
- have a component video input
- need to be connected to an HD source to actually receive HD programming
- have an HDMI or DVI terminal so that they can accept a HDTV signal
- have a screen with a minimum of 720 horizontal lines; so-called full HD TVs have a minimum of 1080 horizontal lines
That means that to watch HD programmes, you’ll need:
- an HD-ready TV
- a set-top box to receive HD signals – you can get from broadcasters such as Sky, and Virgin Media
- a subscription with a broadcaster that delivers HD programmes
Sky currently offers 12 HD channels. The BBC is currently running HD trial broadcasts, available via satellite and cable. Even if you don’t subscribe to HD programming, buying a HD-ready TV means you’ll be able to enjoy other benefits, including better picture quality.
What makes HD better?
So what gives HD television and programmes such incredible detail, clarity and intensity?
More pixels equal more resolution. And resolution is the main reason why high-definition pictures look better. Instead of having 576 visible lines of detail, HD programming and HD-ready TVs can display up to 1080 delivering incredible clarity and detail. That’s much more detail than a standard-definition television, which means clearer and sharper pictures. HD also uses millions more colours than normal TV.
The 3 HD formats
There are 3 different high-definition formats:
- 720p - which has 720 lines and is a progressive scan format - progressive scan means that the whole picture is loaded at once,
rather than line by line, delivering a smoother image that stays sharp during motion.
- 1080i - more lines and pixels.
- 1080p - the third format, combines the superior resolution of 1080i with the progressive-scan smoothness of 720p.
All 1080p formats are known as full HD
So which should you choose – a TV with 720p, 1080i or 1080p?
- 720p resolution is the most widely available and affordable
- most current HD programming is in 720p format
- you will still be able to receive higher standard HD programming such as 1080, the quality will simply be ‘downgraded’ to 720p
720p - For most of us then 720p will still deliver incredible detailed and realistic pictures and means you’ll be able to enjoy the benefits of emerging HD technologies.
1080p - Gaming enthusiasts and movie fans with Blu-ray or HD DVD players will find that a 1080p television is the only way to fully experience the true potential of high-definition PS3, blu-ray and other HD DVD players. Plus, we’re seeing more blu-ray and HD discs being released, providing cinema-quality picture and sound.
What else affects the picture?
The number of pixels and resolution isn’t the only factor affecting the picture quality. Contrast ratio (the difference between the blackest blacks and the whitest whites) and brightness are factors. A higher level of brightness, for example, will produce a more vibrant picture. Average brightness is 500cd/m2.
Most manufacturers also incorporate their own picture-enhancing technologies to deliver more brilliant, realistic colours and to bring further clarity to fast-action scenes. Samsung, Sony, Panasonic, LG and Philips all have their own collection of such technologies.
When choosing the right television for you, consider the following factors:
- Your budget
- Your viewing distance
- The look you want
- LCD or plasma
Currys tip
If you are looking to purchase a new TV, we recommend you get a HD-ready digital model, particularly if it is going to be your main TV. The digital part means you’ll receive Freeview and be prepared for the digital switchover. The HD part means you’ll enjoy crisper, richer images when connected to an HD source.
Your budget
In general, the price of televisions depends on the size of the screen and the resolution level although both add to your viewing experience. Integrated tuners and multiple HDMI inputs affect the price, but save you space and a tangle of cables. Some TV models have added extras, such as picture-in-picture, virtual surround sound, comb filter and more. Our range of flat-panel televisions range from less than £100 to £4000.
Your viewing distance
The distance between the TV and where you’ll be sitting to watch it will affect what size will give you the best viewing experience. Sitting too close to a large screen means you’ll miss out on the big picture. Sit too far away from a small screen, however, and you’ll lose the feeling of being immersed in the action.
Below is a guide on the ideal LCD or plasma size for different viewing distances:
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VIEWING DISTANCE
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SCREEN SIZE
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1.5m - 2.4m
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14" - 21"
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2.4m - 3m
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23" - 32"
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3m - 3.6m
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36" - 42"
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3.6m+
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43" - 60"
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The look
The good news is that all this technology comes wrapped up in super-slim designs that can make a design statement in any home.
Want that wow factor? Recreate a cinema-like experience in your home with large plasma. Or hang a stylish LCD as you would a piece of art.
Increasingly, you can also experiment with colour. Black and silver are the most popular, but you can also find white, red, brown and blue television sets.
Flat -panel TVs
Flat-panel TVs have become the most popular television thanks to::
- lifelike picture quality
- ultra-thin design
- fantastic colour representation
- less glare
- space saving
- can be wall-mounted
- flicker-free picture
- wider viewing angle
There are two types of flat-panel televisions: LCDs and plasmas. Although based on entirely different technologies, both LCD and plasmas are proven to work and deliver great images. What’s the difference between the two and which one is best for you?
Plasma for size, contrast and action
When LCD and plasma technologies first emerged, plasma technology was more suitable for larger screen sizes of 40 inches or more. LCD technology has since caught up and screens now range from 15 inches to 47 inches. Plasma is still the preferred format for extra large screens, ranging from 50 inches to 63 inches.
Plasma TVs have the ability to reproduce the deepest blacks and as a result have high contrast ratios, the measure of the blackest black compared to the whitest white. Panasonic, perhaps the market leader for plasma TVs, has impressive contrast ratios of up to 10000:1 for exceptionally black blacks. Plasmas also can keep up with a fast moving object like a football better than LCD, so that the ball’s motion will look crisper and more detailed, hence more natural.
View our range of plasmas TVs
LCDs for brightness, resolution and wall-mounting
LCD screens can now compete with plasmas and range from 15 inches to 47 inches.
LCDs deliver even and brighter images, making them ideal for very brightly-lit rooms. Also, if you’re looking to wall mount your television, it’s worth knowing that LCDs tend to be lighter and slimmer than plasmas.
View our range of LCD TVs
Shop for wall brackets to wall mount your TV
When choosing between LCD and Plasma consider::
- where you will be locating your TV. For a brightly lit room, we suggest LCD technology If you're wall mounting then a key
consideration is weight - LCDs are a lot lighter than plasmas.
- what you plan to use your TV for, If you plan to also use your TV as a computer monitor then an LCD is better suited to display static images
If you watch a lot of sports, a plasma screen may suit you better as they handle movement well
Both plasma and LCD technologies have developed to address any of their earlier weaknesses, and today it is often a matter of preference.
Currys tip: We suggest you take a look at both plasma and LCDs before making your decision.
We’ve talked about picture quality, but what about sound? Here we explain the different sound systems often incorporated in televisions.
Nicam Stereo
This is a simple, clear stereo sound that comes from built-in speakers. You can upgrade to a separate sound system provided you have the right connections.
Virtual Dolby
Virtual surround sound goes a step further by distributing the sound around the room from the twin, built-in speakers creating the illusion of surround sound.
Dolby ProLogic
This is a five-speaker system which most programmes broadcast in.
Dolby Digital 5.1
Dolby Digital is the official audio standard for HDTV. It delivers five separate channels of sound (left, right, centre, rear left, rear right), plus a sixth channel devoted to bass. Dolby Digital 5.1 is now available from DVDs, Sky Digital's Sky+ boxes, PlayStation 2 and the Xbox.
Surround sound
Audio is an integral part of the HD experience. HD programming is broadcast digitally for crystal clear audio, so its worth investing in a good surround sound system if you are a subscriber. These typically include a powerful subwoofer and further satellite speakers for a richer sound.
Shop for surround sound systems
To get the most out of a plasma or LCD you need the right connections. The type and number of connections you will need depends on what you plan to connect up to your TV. This may include a DVD player, set-top box, games console or camcorder for example.
Scart
Most plasma and LCD TVs have scart sockets to connect digital boxes or adapters, DVD players and VCRs. Scart is simply a type of connection and cabling used to carry video and audio signals, normally located on the back of TVs and videos.
Shop for scart leads
Component video
Component video inputs provide a far higher quality connection ensuring you get the best possible picture from your new plasma or LCD TV.
HDMI and DVI
If you choose a HD-ready TV it will have either HDMI or DVI connections to allow it to accept a digital signal from HD receiving equipment. You’ll need a HDMI or DVI cable to allow you to watch High definition broadcasts. Better cables can make a massive difference to sound and picture quality and aren't worth compromising on.
Shop for HDMI and DVI cables
PC input
Many televisions offer a PC input so you can hook up your PC. Gaming enthusiasts will love bringing all the high-def enhancements to their favourite games.
Currys Tip
Better cables can make a massive difference to sound and picture quality and aren't worth compromising on.
Stands
Most of our TVs come with a pedestal stand. However, you may want to give your TV more prominence with a floor stand.
Shop for stands
Wall brackets
Or, why not wall-mount your TV for the ultimate space-saving solution. The TV needs to be mounted on a solid, brick or stud wall and not above a heat source such as a radiator. We can even wall mount it for you. Simply choose our installation service as you order online.
Shop for wall brackets
DVD players and recorders
Want to be able to enjoy your favourite films on your new TV?
Shop for DVD players
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