Q-1) What is a surround sound speaker array?  What does 5.1, 6.1, 7.1 or 7.2 mean?

A-1) A surround sound speaker array is a system of discrete audio channels spaced around a specific area. The number to the left of the decimal point is the number of speakers in the sound system.  The number to the right of the decimal point is the number of sub woofers in the sound system.  The type of surround system installed is usually determined by the size of the room or the client’s specific needs. 

Q-3) What is the difference between 1080i and 1080p? 

A-3) Screen resolution is determined by how many pixels of image are present per square inch of viewing area.  1080 means that there are 1,080 pixels per square inch.  The (i) in 1080i stands for interlace, the (p) in 1080p stands for progressive.  What this means in relation to the picture is that a 1080i or interlace image, uses the combination of two images interlaced together to complete the picture on the screen.  The 1080p or progressive image is only one image, there is no interlacing.  Progressive images are typically sharper than interlaced images, therefore a television set with a maximum resolution of 1080p is usually considered better than a television set with a maximum resolution of 1080i.  However that is not always true to the eye, some TV’s are made better than others.   Meaning a quality 1080i TV from one manufacturer and price category can out perform a 1080p TV from another company in a different price category.  So don’t assume that a 1080p will always look better than a 1080i.  Remember that you usually get what you pay for.  There is a real good reason some TV’s are cheaper than others and it is usually the overall look of the image on the screen.

Q-4) What is the difference between composite video, S-video, component video and High Definition Multi-Media Interface (HDMI)?

A-4) Composite video and S-video are both analog signals used to transfer analog images from a source device, like a VCR, to an analog monitor, like a CRT TV.  Composite is a single video signal carried over the wire from source to TV.  S-video is two separated signals carried from source to TV and then combined by the TV’s video processor to create the image. Both versions are only capable of standard definition resolution and the S-video typically will out perform the composite.
 
Component video is used to transfer digital images from the source device, like a DVD player to the monitor.  The monitor can be analog or digital. The video processor in the DVD player decodes the digital information into the three primary analog colors red, blue, and green.  This information is then transferred to the monitor where it is processed once more for viewing. Component video can be used for both standard and high definition resolution applications. It is the minimum wire requirement needed for high definition viewing.

High Definition Multi-Media Interface (HDMI) is used to transfer digital information from the source device, like a cable or satellite box, to the monitor.  Basically you have one computer talking to another.  It is used for transferring both audio and HD video images. HDMI is quickly becoming the standard for all HD A/V equipment.

Q-5) What does CRT, DLP, LCD, and PDP stand for?

A-5) CRT stands for Cathode Ray Tube; this is the old style of television we have been using for decades.  A 36-inch CRT is considered large; it would often be over 24 inches deep and exceed 100 pounds.

DLP stands for Digital Light Processing; this technology can be used in stand-alone TV sets and also separate projector and screen applications.  The stand-alone sets can be up to 70 plus inches, they are usually about 17 inches deep and very light weight.

LCD stands for Liquid Crystal Display; this technology can be used for TV sets of all sizes, from a couple of inches to over one hundred.  This technology is also used for both stand-alone sets as well separate projector and screen applications.  The stand-alone sets are very thin, typically 3-5 inches deep with moderate weight.

PDP stands for Plasma Display Panel; this technology is use for stand-alone set’s typically ranging from 42-inches to 65-inches.  The displays are usually 4-5 inches deep and weight about 25% more than LCD’s of the same size.

Q-6) What is the difference between LCD and PDP’s?

A-6). They both have great life spans and can be used in similar home viewing applications.  LCD uses liquid crystal molecules where PDP uses phosphor and noble gasses like neon and xenon.  In the past LCD’s were not able to produce adequate black levels.  This meant that the contrast ratio of LCD’s was considerably lower than PDP’s.  This condition caused LCD’s to look washed out.  If you moved your viewing angle from side to side or up and down the washed out look would get even worse.  When it comes down to contrast ratio and viewing angle, PDP’s have always out performed LCD’s.  However, recent advances in the LCD technology have begun to correct this condition, some LCD’s are now boasting contrast ratios and viewing angles that rival PDP’s.  The gap in picture quality from LCD to PDP is closing; the LCD’s of the past will continue to fade away.