Common Pitfalls and problems

In the consumer rush to get HDTV ready and upgrade to the latest broadcast technology thousands of plasma screens, flat panel LCDs and rear-projection sets have been erroneously sold as HD ready when they are not. Things to watch out for include :

• Connections . Does the TV have an HDMI port or at the very least DVI? If not and it only has an analogue input you will never be able to enjoy HDTV at its best.
• Resolution . The minimum native resolution for HDTV is 1280 x 720 pixels anything less than this isn not officially HD ready.
• Industry Kitemark. Before buying an HDTV make sure that it carries the HDTV Ready sticker, this is an industry standard which sets out agreed minimum performance specs.
• Compatibility. If you are buying a separate HDTV and HDTV receiver make sure that they both work together. This is new technology so there are teething problems. That is no reason to allow it to affect you however so always check that devices are compatible and the shop you buy them from has a reasonable returns policy.

You can check whether or not a TV is HD ready online at HD ready.org