Samsung 27" SlimFit Tube TV

Display type: Flat-panel TVs are available in plasma and LCD formats. Projection formats include DLP, SXRD (LCoS), CRT (tube) and LCD. Direct-view tube TVs are what most people consider “traditional” TVs.

Built-in tuner: Allows you to access and guide through TV channels without having to add an additional source. Without a built-in tuner, you will need to use your VCRs tuner to use the Picture-in-picture feature.

Comb filter: The job of the comb filter is to reduce “dot crawl” when displaying fine patterns. While comb filters can’t increase resolution, they do improve picture quality.

Widescreen: Older displays are often referred to by a ratio: 4:3. I.e., they’re 4 parts wide and 3 parts tall. Today’s widescreen displays are 16:9, allowing us to see movies with narrower or even no black bars on the top and bottom of the picture.

Adjustable color temperature: This feature lets you adjust the set to balance color to your liking.

Picture-in-picture: While there are many permutations of this feature, all indicate the ability to display more than one picture on the same screen. Most often, this requires a separate video source, such as a DVD player or tuner, to produce the second picture.

3:2 film correction: Video uses 30 full frames per second to create the illusion of motion, but film uses 24 frames per second. This disparity in frame rates can give movies an unnatural look. 3:2 correction compensates for this by adding the missing frames.

Audio enhancement: Refers to a feature designed to improve sound output.

S-video inputs: This round connector carries video only, no audio, and while it will give you better picture quality than a Composite connection it is still limited to 480i resolution and cannot pass high-definition.

Composite inputs: A basic video connection commonly found on VCRs, game consoles and camcorders. All video information is combined, and a comb filter must be used by the display device to break the signal down into the component parts. Not recommended for best picture.

RF inputs: These are threaded posts that allow connection of RF cables, commonly used by cable, satellite and antenna. RF cables can be used to connect VCRs, cable boxes, and satellite receivers, but will not provide the best picture or sound.

DVI (Digital Video Interface): This is a digital interface for connecting a video source, such as a DVD player, to an HDTV or HD monitor. DVI has the necessary bandwidth for uncompressed, HD digital video.

HDMI inputs: The number of HDMI inputs a TV has. The more inputs, the more components can be added to the system.

VGA/SVGA input: TVs with VGA/SVGA inputs are designed to work with a computer. These inputs can accept a signal from a PC and display a picture just as a computer monitor would.

CableCard: If you have cable TV service, a CableCard slot allows you to use a special card that inserts directly into your TV rather than a set-top box. One thing to note is that 2-way functionality (VOD, on-screen programming) is not supported.