Ive had a DVR for five years now, but I still haven’t picked up an HDTV. Honestly, I have trouble believing I need it and trouble believing it will make that much of a difference in my TV-watching career. Which is why Dave Winer’s recent commentary got my attention: He didnt offer any great new analysis, but he proclaimed HD is “a life-changer.”
After a short time with my DVR, I started viewing the world through DVR functionality. Id half hear something on the radio and for a split second think I could rewind it. Or Id be listening in on a technical briefing and wish I could pause the conversation for a little thought-processing time.
I just dont see HD having the same effect.
On the other hand, according to analyst Mike Paxton (who, by the way, I happen to respect greatly) 8.5 million households are watching HDTV on a nightly basis, and the number of households with HD sets is approaching 25 million. Can that many people be wrong? Thats a small percentage of Americans overall, but its still a decently high number. Nothing to sneeze at.
So I am reconsidering my personal position on HDTV. College basketball season is coming up, and HD games could make me a believer. I never thought I needed a big-screen TV either (sacrilege, I know), but now that I have one I could never go back. Tiny basketball players just dont compare to their big-screen counterparts. Maybe sharper, clearer, HD-quality players will prove just as important.
Certainly I would have gotten a better photo with an HDTV last year when Bradley played (and beat) Pittsburgh in the NCAA tournament. As it was, my photo of Brad Pitt ended up pretty low-res.
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The question isn't will you get HDTV, the question is when will you join in? The longer you wait, the cheaper it gets and the more HD channels and programs you'll have access to.
HD has certainly increased our enjoyment of sports, "event television" (like Lost), and movies. It's not just the enhanced resolution, it's the extra content that comes with a 16x9 broadcast -- which you can really appreciate with sporting events (at least those that are broadcast in HD).
It's pretty easy for me to spend your money for you, but I say go HD now. Prices are reasonable and all of prime time TV and most of the sporting events you'll want to watch are already in high-def. Don't you want to see my Terps spank your Dukies in HD? ;)
HD is lifechanging as you won't watch regular TV anymore. No more 100+ niche channels.
Having recently bought an HD TV, and as someone who watches way too much TV... I can safely say that HD TV completely changes your life in terms of TV vieweing. The picture is remarkable. I find myself watching things I'd never bother watching, just to see it in HD (ie football!).
As a self proclaimed TV addict, I can't recommend it enough.