One of the best ways to get familiar with a new technology - such as High Definition Television - is to examine the hardware that drives it. Enter the Sharp AQUOS LC46BD80U. Let's take a look at some of the features of the LC46BD80U and, in doing so, understand the fundamental features of any High Definition Television.

We'll start with the title description of the Sharp AQUOS LC46BD80U HDTV. Here's what a well known internet store displays (see link at the bottom of the page):

Sharp AQUOS LC46BD80U 46-Inch 1080p 120Hz LCD HDTV with Built-In Blu-ray Player

Just from the title, we can determine the Sharp AQUOS LC46BD80U has the following features:

• 46-Inch Screen
• 1080p Resolution
• 120Hz Refresh Rate ("Fine Motion Enhanced")
  
• LCD HDTV
• Blu-Ray Player

Let's review each of these features.

Sharp AQUOS LC46BD80U's 46-Inch Screen

When it comes to HDTV's, size really does matter. And I don't mean bigger means better; I mean the amount of space you have available to house the HDTV and the distance and angles that you (and your guests) will sit in relation to the LCD (or plasma) screen will have a direct impact on the size and type of HDTV you should purchase. From certain angles and distances, an HDTV may be completely unwatchable!

Summary: Do your research before you buy so you know a) the maximum size of an HDTV that will fit in the space available in your room and b) the distance and approximate viewing angle people will be from the HDTV.

Sharp AQUOS LC46BD80U's 1080p Resolution

Remember, High Definition Television is going to have one of three resolutions: 720p, 1080i, or 1080p. 1080 provides higher resolution and, some argue, 1080p provides the highest quality viewing experience.

Summary: When purchasing a High Definition Television, go for a resolution of 1080; avoid 720p.

Sharp AQUOS LC46BD80U's 120HZ ("Full Motion Enhanced")

And this feature brings us to Sharp's Marketing and Sales language. One of the features that is unique about the LC46BD80U is what Sharp calls Full Motion Enhanced for the 120Hz Refresh Rate of this model. For refresh rate, remember that generally the higher the refresh rate, the better the image, especially quick-moving video.

Summary: 1) Every High Definition Telelvision you encounter will have fancy-smancy marketing language. Get past big words and understand the claim and what they mean. 2) 120 Hz is an excellent refresh rate. Remember, the higher the refresh rate, the better.

Sharp AQUOS LC46BD80U's LCD HDTV

When it comes to High Definition Television, you really have two options: Plasma or LCD. Once upon a time, you could find CRT High Definition Televisions, but those are rare, and not many people want CRT's because of their size.

So what's better in the LCD vs. Plama war? Both have their strengths and weaknesses, and this will be a topic of more writing in the future. Do your research and decide which is right for you; I personally prefer LCD.

Summary: Know the key benefits and drawbacks to both Plasma and LCD, and be able to explain to someone why you prefer one over the other. 

Beware: The salesmen are going to push whatever they have in inventory on you. Know what you want before you buy it.

Sharp AQUOS LC46BD80U's Blu-Ray Player

The Blu-Ray player included with the LC46BD80U is the icing on the cake for this particular High Definition Television.  Blu-Ray is now the standard for recorded High Definition Video.  Most quality stand alone Blu-Ray players start around $250 and can increase astronomically in price from there, depending on quality.

Summary: Once you make the upgrade to High Definition Television, you'll eventually want to view movies, television shows, and other recordings in native High Definition.  A Blu-Ray player is the standard resource you'll need.

Conclusion: Understanding HDTV Features: Sharp AQUOS LC46BD80U

While there are a number of additional features of High Definition Television, the information about is designed to provide a general overview of the features you can expect to encounter when researching which High Definition Television is the best.  By examining the features of the Sharp AQUOS LC46BD80U, we can easily see features common to just about any High Definition Television.

This is just the beginning; the research into your ideal High Definition Television continues.

Until next time.