If your business has high-definition televisions for sale, you need to make sure you know as much about this product as possible. While you may not need to be a technology expert to sell an HDTV television, some knowledge of the subject will help your business.

The high definition TV business is always changing. Keep yourself up-to-date regarding HDTVs through some of the following high-definition television (HDTV) education and training options:

1. Read literature related to HDTVs regularly.
   
2. Take a course that teaches the basics of high definition television equipment.
   
3. Attend a trade show featuring the newest HDTVs.
   

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Peruse publications dedicated to the subject of high def TV

One simple way to learn more about HDTV technology is to find literature about it. Whether you decide to read books, articles or online websites, you quickly will learn more about how HDTV works.

I recommend: Microsoft features an article that teaches how to understand high definition formats. Greenwood Publishing Group offers the book "High-Definition Television," which teaches the history and development of HD technology.

Attend a course about HDTVs

Whether you want to learn a basic overview of HD technology or want to delve into more advanced ideas, you can find what you need in an online course. The more you know about high definition televisions, the more you will sell, as you will know how to answer customer questions.

I recommend: Jones/NCTI offers an online course called Selling High Definition Television, which teaches the basics of HDTV technology and ways to improve sales tactics. Hewlett-Packard also offers a course that teaches about the history of HDTV, as well as how to determine the best ones on the market, which is a helpful course for retailers.

Find electronics trade shows in order to find out the most recent HDTV advancements

Learn the latest issues that face the HDTV world, as well as the newest products and prices at industry trade shows. Through hands-on HDTV technology education at trade shows, you will learn more to help current and potential customers pick out the best HDTVs to meet their needs.

I recommend: Alibaba.com lists trade shows that present HDTV issues, such as the Consumer Electronics Association Forum. The International Consumer Electronics Show presented by the Consumer Electronics Association occurs every January in Las Vegas, and showcases new high definition televisions and other electronics.

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Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Another way to stay updated in the quickly-changing world of high def TV is to join local industry associations. They often offer free or discounted classes, seminars and publications. You typically can learn about the latest trends in HDTVs when you join such groups.

High-definition Television (HDTV) has moved to the forefront of television media. In fact, next year all broadcast networks will be mandated to transmit their signals digitally, a format that requires a high definition TV. While the broadcasting mandate will primarily affect home consumers, business customers will also benefit from switching to a flat screen HDTV, which will maximize space as well as allow for high-quality applications.

With the sudden saturation of high definition television equipment on the market, a great deal of research is required for choosing which HDTV television will best suit your needs. Among the factors to consider are:

1. Whether to buy an LCD or plasma HDTV television;
2. Whether to go with a trusted name brand high-definition television or a value model from a lesser-known name;
3. Which HDTV features are most important to you; and
4. Where to purchase your high def TV, and what warranties or level of service come with it.

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Decide between HDTV plasma television and HDTV LCD television

Flat screen high-definition televisions come in two different types, LCD and plasma. While the two look the same aesthetically and generally transmit the same picture, there are subtle differences between them that can be a factor over time. An HDTV LCD television weighs a little less, and has no risk of image burn-in, a problem sometimes found in plasmas. So if you plan to have still images displayed on your screen for extended periods, LCD is the way to go. The HDTV plasma television displays colors more naturally, offering a more lifelike picture.

I recommend: Many websites offer comparisons between the two formats, including Crutchfield, a high-end audio/visual dealer. Engadget HD, an electronics review site, has a more recent article discussing the distinctions.

Learn the different features and conduct brand research to find a reliable model at a good price.

As HDTV becomes more commonplace, more companies are producing high definition television models. As a result, there is a wider variety of HDTV's on the market, including some from lesser-known brand names. In many cases, these models can be just as good and reliable as brands with a more established reputation. All HDTV's offer a selection of features, including different aspect ratios and the number of inputs on the TV. Some HDTV's have built in speakers, while others require an external sound system to be attached. Know what your needs are, especially as far as audio and video inputs, when selecting your high-definition television.

I recommend: CNET offers professional and consumer reviews of hundreds of HDTV models. Crutchfield also offers a recommendation tool that lets you answer a few short questions to help narrow down the list of televisions.

Purchase your HDTV from the right place.

These days, it seems like almost everyone is selling high definition televisions. As a result, it's tough to decide where to buy your new HDTV. High-end dealers specializing only in A/V equipment will likely offer a wider array of services, ranging from installation to service. Traditional electronics retailers may not give you as personal an experience, but will have better prices and a more diverse selection, especially of value brands. No matter which way you go, find out what kind of manufacturer's warranty your HDTV comes with, and what warranties and services your retailer will give you.

I recommend: Crutchfield is the most well-known and reputable dedicated dealer of A/V equipment, and offers a stellar installation and servicing package that includes free lifetime product support. For those looking for more traditional retailers, Best Buy and Circuit City tend to offer the best selection and prices, and both have their own warranty and service packages that can be added to any order.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Make sure you cover all the bases when looking at the type, brand, and features available when buying an HDTV, as product differences vary greatly between brands and models.

Televisions, like so many other household appliances and electronics, have come a long way over the past decade or so, making high-definition television (HDTV) key terms more commonplace in everyday conversation. And although the stunning quality of high-definition video and the sleek, contemporary look of flat-panel TVs hanging on the wall are features few would argue against, understanding the new technology and terminology that comes with the HDTV revolution is more of a challenge. What follow are some high-definition television terms that will help you see the big picture as you navigate your way through the HDTV maze.

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LCD or liquid crystal display

LCD is one of two terms you most likely hear in front of the word 'TV' these days. LCD (liquid crystal display) screens have two transparent layers. One layer contains individual liquid crystals that either allow light to pass or block light to create images. Because LCD crystals don't produce their own light, a special light bulb makes the image created by the LCD visible.

I recommend: Learn more about LCD HDTVs and how they compare with the competition (plasma) by reading the article at LCD TV Buying Guide.

Plasma

Plasma is the other term you most likely hear in front of the word 'TV' these days. Plasma uses thousands of pixel cells that emit electric pulses that cause the gases inside to glow and produce light. This light uses just the right balance of each cell's red, green or blue phosphors to display the correct combination of colors. A real close look at a plasma TV reveals the individual red, green and blue bars-and the black ribs that separate each one.

I recommend: Learn more about plasma HDTVs and how they compare to the competition (LCD) by reading the Plasma TV Buying Guide.

Aspect ratio

Aspect ratio is the ratio of width to height of a screen. Analog TV is primarily 4:3, meaning for every four units wide a TV is, it's three units high. For HDTV, however, the aspect ratio is 16:9, which means for every 16 units wide the TV is, it's nine units high.

I recommend: So why was HDTV designed to have a 16:9 aspect ratio, and how come you still have black bars on the screen when watching DVDs? Read on about the whats and whys of aspect ratios at Obsessable.

Resolution

The primary reason the picture on an HDTV looks so much sharper and crisper than it does on a regular TV is higher resolution. With digital TVs, resolution is measured in pixels; more pixels create a higher resolution. While traditional TVs have the equivalent of around 300,000 pixels, HDTVs today have up to six times more-up to one or two million! Resolution is normally expressed as a number followed by a letter, such as 1080p, 1080i, 720p or 720i.

I recommend: Resolution as it relates to HDTVs is explained in detail at The Best Plasma TV.

Contrast ratio

Contrast ratio-the difference between the white part of an image on the screen and the black part-is likely the single most important performance factor in determining how you perceive the image quality of your HDTV. The better the contrast ratio, the better the detail will look in dark pictures.

I recommend: Watch the short and very educational "Contrast Ratio Explained" video at Crutchfield. For an even more in-depth discussion that is sure to equip you with everything you ever wanted to know about contrast ratios—and much more—visit Practical Home Theater Guide.

HDMI

Rather than fiddling around with different-colored cords for different outputs and inputs on your home electronics equipment, you now can simply use the new, all-digital audio/video interface called HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface). HDMI delivers digital audio and video through a single cable, which not only makes cord control much easier but also provides a high-quality home theater experience.

I recommend: CNET offers an in-depth introduction to and description of HDMI and HDMI cables, including advice on which cable to buy and what to do if you run out of HMDI inputs on your HDTV.

If a high definition TV is in your future, make sure it fits in your budget. Whether it's for the company break room or the office lobby, high definition television equipment can definitely benefit your company. However, selecting the best one can be difficult. If cost is a big issue, learning the high-definition television (HDTV) pricing and costs might be helpful in choosing the best HDTV for your office.

A high def television can be a great move for your company, but such a large investment deserves some research. Consider the price ranges of the following types of HDTVs:

1. Compare pricing of LCD TVs to other types.

2. Learn the costs of an HDTV plasma television.

3. Educate yourself on DLP TV costs.

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Learn the costs of the HDTV LCD television

An LCD TV's name refers to the liquid crystals between two pieces of glass, and they are known for their ability to display a particularly clear image. Their prices often depend on their screen resolution, the best of which is 1080, which means that 1080 lines can appear on the screen at a time to create the highest quality picture. Prices for an LCD HDTV television range from $700 to $2500 for screens that measure 40 and 42 inches, while 47' screens cost $900 to $1900, depending on the resolution.

I recommend: TigerDirect sells 42" LCD TVs for $700 to $1400, depending on how clear the image is. 47" televisions start at $800 and reach $1900. Dell sells 40" and 42" televisions for $900 to $2500, with the price depending largely on the brand.

Consider the costs of a plasma high-definition television

Plasma TVs are known for their fast response times when showing images, allowing them to boast a high contrast ratio. You will notice that the price for several more inches of screen is rarely more than a few hundred dollars extra, so expect to spend $700 to $1300 on a screen that measures 42 inches, and $900 to $1800 on one that is closer to 50 inches.

I recommend: BuyDig.com sells 42" plasma screen for $700 to $1300, and 50" screens for $900 to $1800. BeachCamera.com carries 42" plasma HDTVs for $700 to $1300, and 46" screens for $1000 to $1700.

Know the pricing of DLP high-definition televisions for sale

If you want a big screen TV, DLP often offers the most for your money, and these types of TVs do not lose quality as they get larger, which is good, since they start at about 50 inches. The image is not usually as clear as an LCD TV, but you can't get much more clear than a DLP if you're going big. Expect to spend about $1300 for a DLP TV that measures 60 or 65 inches, and $2000 to $2500 for one that is 73 inches.

I recommend: Crutchfield sells DLP televisions that measure 60" to 73" for $1300 to $2500 each, with price depending only on screen size. Newegg prices range from $1300 to $2,000 for a 60" to 73" DLP HDTV.