• TV TECHNOLOGY
  As you probably already know, there are several TV technologies available.  LCD televisions are thin and lightweight with a high-quality picture, even in brightly lit rooms.  Plasma screens are heavier than LCDs but may deliver a slightly picture in dark rooms with more intense colors.  DLP TVs offer brilliant screens, but are thicker than LCDs or Plasma.
• RESOLUTION
  Think about TV resolution as the number of pixels contained in one "frame" of a television show or movie.  More pixels in each frame will give you better picture detail.  720P and 1080P are the two most common resolution standards for HDTV now.  With about 1 million pixels in each frame, 720P provides a vivid, high definition picture. 1080P offers the highest level of HDTV quality with over 2 million pixels in each frame, creating even greater picture details.  While broadcast is mostly limited to 720P, 1080P is the standard for high definition disc players like Blu-Ray.
• CONTRAST RATIO
  Contrast ratio is a number that measures the difference in light intensity between the brightest white and the darkest black on the screen.  In general the higher the contrast ratio number, the better the image quality.  Most times, you will find Dynamic Contrast Ratio specified, but be sure you are comparing the same type of contrast ratio.
• CONTRAST ENHANCEMENT
  Another way to improve contrast ratio is with contrast enhancement technology. Most of the time, this uses back lighting to improve apparent contrast.  This is especially helpful in dark rooms, as it helps your eyes adjust to the best light levels.  This dynamically improves contrast, resulting in deep blacks in darker scenes without losing fine details in shadows and other dark areas of the picture.
• BIT COLOR
  Another important contributor to picture quality is what is called "bit depth".  This is the size of the number that is used to assign colors on the screen.  The higher the number, the more displayable colors will appear (see the image below).  Of course this is only true if both the display processor and the panel support that number of bits!

More Bits = More Colors

How can I identify which HDMI products support a specific feature, such as DVD Audio or Deep Color?
The key for consumers to remember is that HDMI has consistently enabled a variety of the most innovative new technologies (whether they are DVD Audio, SACD, 1080p/60, etc.). However, in many cases, it is up to each manufacturer to choose which features to implement in any given product. The manufacturer can choose the mix of features that makes sense for its customers and products. So, customers must choose devices that have the features that they want (instead of focusing on which version of HDMI is implemented by the device.). Consumers interested in confirming whether a particular consumer electronics product supports DVD-Audio or any other feature over HDMI are urged to review users’ manuals and product reviews, or check with manufacturers directly.

What Is Firmware Upgradeable?
Many of today's electronics product are designed for today's standards.  Yet like personal computers, they have advanced capabilities that will let them be upgraded for use with new technologies and standards.  The ability to upgrade the firmware of an electronics product allows you to extend the useful lifespan of the device you purchase, and be able to expect support for many (if not all) of the emerging new standards.

What is the difference between Active HDMI and Passive HDMI?
There is no active or passive HDMI in the HDMI specification. These terms apply to cables. Active cables have built-in electronics to enable long cable runs, and typically these cables require a power supply. These cables use active electronics to help push the signal farther than typical passive cables.

Viewing angles are not an issue with projectors because the light source is coming from in front of the screen, and not from behind. However, the surface on which you project (screen or wall surface) may have a slight impact on viewing angles, so it is important to choose the best screen possible.

Its major features and benefits are: lightweight construction (compared to Plasma displays); portability (in the case of smaller displays); the ability to be produced in much larger screen sizes than were practical for older Tube (CRT) displays; and perhaps most important, its much lower power consumption.

Technically, an LCD display is an "electronically-modulated optical device" made up of any number of tiny pixels filled with liquid crystals and arrayed in front of a light source (backlight) or reflector to produce images in color.  The earliest discoveries leading to the development of LCD technology date from 1888. Today, tube CRT displays are almost a thing of the past!

Unfortunately, from time to time, a new LCD TV or Monitor will have a problem pixel.  This is where the physical crystal actually is stuck or frozen in place.  However, don't panic, since these can frequently be fixed.

There are three basic types of problem pixels:

• a hot pixel (always on, usually white)
• a dead pixel (always off, black)
• a stuck pixel (one or more sub-pixels (red, blue or green) are always on or always off)

To solve a problem pixel, it is recommended to let the display fully warm up (leave on for at least a full day) - this alone can fix many problems, as the display expands due to warming and can free the pixel.  Always try this before calling for help.  Next, call the manufacturer's technical support for other techniques that they might recommend - each manufacturer may have different solutions for their products.  There are also other techniques that you might try, but always be careful not to damage your display, as this might void your warranty. 

LCD Problem Pixel Policy
In the event that warranty service or an exchange is required, it is important to understand that every manufacturer has their own dead pixel policies, and that they should be contacted about solutions before requesting any exchange.  We want you to experience the best possible image on your LCD, so typically, an LCD TV or Monitor with 5 hot, dead, or stuck pixels would qualify for an exchange within the first 30 days of ownership after support efforts have been exhausted.  See the product warranty below for more information.