Frequently Asked TV or Display Questions (FAQ's)

(Note: Many of these questions and answers apply to almost every Direct View TV, Projection TV, CRT Video Wall Engine, or Computer Monitor. Most will not apply to Plasma, LCD or DLP displays. Information specific to those are below.)

Digital TV and HDTV Flat Screen Plasma Display  Plasma vs LCD Liquid Crystal (LCD) Display Digital Light Processor (DLP) Display Video Walls / Large Display Arrays

• Pictures of Common Plasma Defects
  The probable defects and parts that cause these symptoms are generalized. Some brands don't
  use the same names for components.
  
  
• What is DVI or Digital Video Interface that I have been reading about?
  
  
• What is the difference between a Firewire connector and a IEEE-1394 connector? None - they are the same.
  
  
• What is Firewire? I heard that DVI is replacing it. Probably.
  
  

• What do I need to watch DTV or HDTV?  DTV (including HDTV) today is available over-the-air using a standard antenna or via digital cable or satellite. However you receive your TV signal, you will need DTV equipment to decode and view the SD, ED or HD quality DTV programming.
  

• I want to purchase a projection TV (either standard or HDTV).
  They cost a couple of thousand dollars and I am worried about
  service. As well you should be!  
  
  
• I was told by a salesman that rooftop antennas
  will be obsolete because they can't pick up the new
  digital broadcasts. Is this true ?    NO
  
  
• "There was a thunderstorm and my TV went dead"
  
  
• "My TV was OK last night, this morning it won't come on !"
  
  

• "I have a horizontal line and nothing else for a picture." "The top of my picture drops-down." "I have horizontal lines in the top of my picture." "My Picture is Stretched."

• "I have color patches in my picture, do I have a bad Picture tube ?"

    
  
• The Spec's on Digital TV and the truth from CEMA
  the Consumer Electronics Manufacturing Association
  
  The CEMA Home Page
  
  
• Cable vs. Satellite. Digital TV. Pros and Cons.
  
  
• "All I get is a blue picture"
  
  
• "What are “variable” audio outputs on a TV?"
  
  
• "Why do I get surround sound from my TV through my
  surround sound receiver but not from my VCR?"
  
  
• "The salesman is telling me about the importance of comb filters.
  What are they and what are the differences between the types?"
  
  
• "What are horizontal lines of resolution?"
  
  
• "What is color temperature ?"
  
  
• "How come my VCR gives a different picture than my TV by itself?"
  Each tuner in any TV or VCR will give a slightly different picture. Televisions 
  also have picture controls like color, tint contrast, while VCRs don't. Some
  variation is normal.
  
  
• "What is the difference between a two-tuner PIP TV and a single tuner
  PIP TV?"
  
  
• "What is Active A/V Network?"
  
  
• Can I use my TV remote for the DVD, VCR or LaserDisc. Many current TV
  remotes are programmable but few of the peripheral devices are. Check
  your owner's manual for the codes and instructions. If you can't find your
  manual, try the manufacturer's web site or our Remote Codes link.
  

Glossary

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