It’s sometime frustrating when choosing which High Definition Television (HDTV) you will buy. You will get many compelling HDTV offering out there. Purchasing HD Television needs more than just looking at the price, deciding how big the screen, looking at some sets, and buying the one with the best picture. You had better consider the specifications. Some specs are important and the others are somewhat important or minor. This article is going to talk about important spec should be considered.

Here are some important HDTV specification you should check it out

Contrast Ratio
Contrast ratio refers to comparison between brightness and darkest. All else being equal, the higher the contrast ratio is, the better the quality is. All else is seldom equal, however. Contrast ratio of LCD starts around 600:1 while Plasma starts around 1000:1 and today you can find contrast ration at about 10,000:1 or better either LCD or Plasma. Unfortunately no true standard method for measuring contrast ratio exists. You need independent reviews to avoid sales hype but in the end you should trust your own eyes.
Lighting can affect the contrast. When you’re in TV showroom, you’re checking out the HDTVs under the store’s lighting conditions, not yours. Apparently you should check the store’s return policy before buying.

Aspect Ratio
Aspect Ratio refers to screen width and screen height ratio. High Definition TV is wide screen with aspect ratio 16:9. Conventional TV has 4:3 aspect ratio. Wide screen display is usually better for watching DVDs because almost movie made in the last 50 years was filmed using aspect ratio of either 1.85:1, which is very close to 16:9) or 2.35:1, even wider than 16:9.

Video Inputs
Video inputs refer to source you can use with the display. There are various types of video inputs you can find. Here are video input types :

• Composite video. It’s the lowest quality of video input type but the broadest compatibility.
• S-video. This video type offers better quality than composite and most video sources except standard VCRs now have S-Video outputs.
• Component video. This type is high quality video inputs and the minimum standard for connecting HD cable and satellite set-top boxes, as well as Blu-ray Disc players and progressive-scan DVD.
• VGA (Video Graphics Array). This type is high-quality analog RGB connection and used primarily for computer connections.
• DVI (Digital Video Interface). This is one of the highest-quality types of inputs. This digital video connection can attach to devices with HDMI outputs (see below) by means of an adapter. It may also be used for computer connections.
• HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface). This type is DVI plus a control link and digital audio. HDMI is the main digital connection interface for HDTVs today and the standard video connector for Blu-ray Disc players. This connection is provided on almost all current HD satellite receivers, HD cable boxes, and upconverting DVD players (those that provide 720p, 1080i, or 1080p output from regular DVDs). Aim to get an HDTV with at least three or four HDMI inputs, to accommodate the multiple devices you’re bound to accumulate
• HDMI with CEC (Consumer Electronic Control). CEC protocol enables CEC-certified components to send control information back and forth to one another. This arrangement can allow single-remote–or even single-button–control of functions involving multiple components, such as a TV, DVD player, and A/V receiver.

Resolution
Resolution is specified as the number of pixel columns by the number of pixel rows. Today digital content is delivered in one of five formats: 480i, 480p, 720p, 1080i, and 1080p. The 720p and 1080i formats are used by cable, satellite, over-the-air-broadcast HD content providers, and also some advanced DVD players that upconvert 480i and 480p content. Since the price of 720p and 1080p has no big difference, it’s recommend buying a set that supports 1080p for long-term investment. There are online streaming services, such as Dish Networks’ on-demand options and Vudu, offer 1080p today, and apparently more services to follow in the future.

More references of important HDTV specification :