Home Theater Video Basics - What You Need To Know About Home Theater Video

Find out if you need to route both audio and video signals through a home theater receiver.

720p vs 1080i. What is the difference between 720p and 1080i in relation to 1080p? Do all these numbers really mean anything in which you actually see on the screen? Find out the answers...

While 1080p is the top dog in video resolution, 720p is also considered high definition resolution. However, what is the difference between 1080p and 720p? Can you really see the difference on an HDTV screen? For more details on this, check out my article: Similarities and Differences Between 720p and 1080p.

As of January 1, 2011 all Blu-ray Disc players made and sold from this point forward will not be able to pass high definition video (720p, 1080i, or 1080p) via Component Video outputs. This is referred to as the "Analog Sunset" (not be confused with the previous DTV Transition from analog to digital TV broadcasting. Read more...

Is that high-tech Blu-ray Disc player you have really up to snuff? What about that expensive video scaler/processor you might have, does it really improve the image quality on your TV or video projector? With the Spears and Munsil High Definition Benchmark Disc, even the average consumer has the ability, viewing a series of tests, to find out whether or not their HDTV, Blu-ray Disc player, or an …

Buying a TV can be a frustrating experience, especially with several types of TV technologies to choose from. Those bulky CRT sets used to be household fixtures are now gone from store shelves and are slowly disappearing from peoples' homes. Here is a brief overview on the difference between CRT and current television technologies.

You a new HDTV, but you are actually watching an HDTV signal? Find out what else you need in order to see HD on an HDTV.

A lot of consumers around the World assume that with introduction of Digital TV and HDTV that the old barriers to a universal video standard have been removed. However, this is an incorrect assumption. For all the details, read: Why NTSC and PAL Still Matter With HDTV.

With the introduction of HDTV, a whole group of tech terms, such as HDTV, Progressive Scan, 1080p, Frame Rate, and Screen Refresh Rate have made their way into lexicon, making it more difficult for many consumers to make an intelligent TV purchase decision. Of these terms, two of the most difficult to make sense of are frame rate and refresh...

What is the difference between 1080p and 1080i and can you really see the difference on an HDTV screen? Check out the similarities and differences between 1080i and 1080p.

A growing number of HDTVs are now capable of displaying 1080p resolution. However, to see 1080p in full glory, you need 1080p source content and the TV needs to have good video processing for incoming sources that are not 1080p. Read more...

HDMI stands for High Definition Multi-media Interface. However, what does it really do and how does it relate to Home Theater? To find out more check out my article: HDMI Facts.

Video Copy Protection and DVD Recording: Just as you can't copy commercially made video tapes to another VCR due to Macrovision anti-copy encoding, the same applies to making copies to DVD. DVD recorders cannot bypass the anti-copy signal on commercial VHS tapes or DVDs. To find out more, check out my: Video Copy Protection and DVD Recording.

With the introduction of HDTVs, the importance of video resolution is more important than ever. It turns out that analog video sources may actually look worse on an HDTV. This is were video upscaling comes in. Find out how video upscaling works and why it makes a difference on what you see on the screen.

As DVD recorders become more popular and affordable, my email box is filled with many questions on what they are, how they work, and what they can be used for. In order to address the most common questions regarding DVD recorders, here are some general FAQs that should make your DVD recorder buying decision easier. A must read for all dvd...

DVD has not only changed the way we watch video content, but has changed the way we set up our video and audio components. The consumer is now faced not only with standard video hookups for DVD, but also has the option of progressive scan video setup. In this article I present a basic overview of progressive scan and why it is important to the...

DVD is the most successful home entertainment product in history. However, what is DVD what really makes it different from VHS? Check out my DVD Player Basics FAQs.

When considering the purchase of a television, DVD player, or camcorder, those video resolution numbers pop out at you. This is better because it has this resolution or that is better because it has more pixels. This can be confusing. Check out all the info you need to know in my overview.

The home theater experience isn't complete without a TV to view your programming. When picking out a TV, the consumer can be overwhelmed by the sheer number and sizes of TVs to choose from. Not only do TVs come in big and small sizes, direct view, projection, LCD or Plasma flat panels, there is also another factor to consider: screen aspect ratio. To sort your way through this, read this article.

Confused about HDTV? Check out answers to common questions I get about HDTV.

Video projectors are now becoming an increasingly affordable home theater option. However, considering a video projector is not the same as considering a TV. For an overview of common types of video projectors, check out my article: What You Need To Know About Video Projectors.

Rear projection is another choice to consider when buying a TV. Find out what you need to know about rear projection TVs.

Before you buy and LCD TV, you need to know what you are getting into. Check out some useful LCD TV buying tips.

Plasma TV are quite commonplace on store shelves and in consumers' homes. With their decreasing price points and large sizes there are definitely a desired way to watch TV. Check out everything you need to know before buying one for yourself or your family.

What is S-Video and how is it different than S-VHS? Check out my answer.

About.com Guide to Inventors and Inventions, Mary Bellis, provides a great overview of the History of Television in Timeline form.

Check out an overview of the history of Video and related technologies from Mary Bellis, About.com Guide to Inventors.

The history and function of Closed Captioning, as reported by Mary Bellis, About.com For Inventors and Inventing.