Features to look for on a HDTV set continued...

Input Connection

Another important thing to consider is the number and types of inputs and output connections on the TV. If you don’t have enough of the correct types of these, you may not be able to get the optimum sound and picture performance out of your other connected AV equipment.

To truly get the optimum performance, you need to connect your high definition equipment to your HDTV using a HDMI connection. The enhanced clarity and detail that a HDTV can reproduce requires the movement of a large amount of information. Using the inappropriate type of connection is like trying to jam your size 14 foot into your kid’s shoes. The chart below outlines the most common connector types you will find on the back of your set.

Connector Name	Connection Use	AV Equipment connection
HDMI	High Definition Audio and Video	This is the optimum future proof connection for Blu-Ray Disc, HD DVD Disc, HD satellite receivers, HD Cable set-top-boxes, Video Game Consoles, newer DVD players and high end AV Receivers. HDMI has enough available bandwidth to handle emerging HDTV standards
DVI-D	High Definition Video only	A “close second” video only connection for Blu-Ray Disc, HD DVD Disc, HD satellite receivers, HD cable set-top-Boxes, Video Game Consoles, newer DVD players and High end AV Receivers. DVI comes in 3 versions, DVI-A is analog for connecting to traditional computer CRT. DVI-D can handle uncompressed digital video transfers. DVI-I is a hybrid that can transfer either analog or digital video data
Component Video	Video only	Best connection for analog video sources or substitute when a pure digital video connection is not available
S-Video (also called Y/C connector)	Video only	Next best available analog connection to component video
Composite Video	Video only	Standard analog video connection
Coax (also called RF)	Lowest quality audio and video connection	Video connection of last resort
Digital fiber	Audio only	The optimum digital audio connection for Blu-Ray Disc, HD DVD Disc, HD satellite receivers, HD cable set-top-Boxes, Video Game Consoles, DVD players and High end AV Receivers
Digital Coax	Audio only	The digital audio connection for Blu-Ray Disc, HD DVD Disc, DVD players and High end AV Receivers. This connection is on par with Digital fiber in terms of signal quality; it is physically robust, but can suffer from electro-magnetic interference
RCA	Audio only	Audio connection of last resort
Ethernet (also called RJ45)	Computer networking	Computers, Internet, Home Networks, Video Game Consoles, satellite receivers, set-to-boxes, High end AV Receivers

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