High definition components

High definition (or HD) is a notion that has recently invaded our lives throughout all the media channels. A great deal of the current TV commercials instigates the viewer upon buying a certain high definition piece of equipment or installing a service that will provide high definition television.

Generally, high definition stands for much higher resolutions than what we usually received on standard definition. Also, high definition implies a native 16:9 aspect ratio, differently from the standard 4:3 aspect ration. This constrains the customer to only using widescreen televisions, capable of resolutions of 1920x1080 (1080p) or 1280x720 (720p).

Of course, owning a high definition ready television is not enough. You also need a source of HD content, either television programs or a HD-DVD or Blu-ray player. On top of this, in order to benefit from a full high definition experience, your home theater system needs good speakers, preferably some capable of surround sound. A very important role in obtaining a quality experience is played by the cables. Low quality cables will definitely affect the signal and the picture or the sound will not be so good.

It is quite easy and affordable for everyone to build a high definition system, but a low end one. If the expectations begin to grow, so will the price and usually quality. But not all of us are so passionate and willing to invest a great amount of money in high definition components.