TV DVD Combo Terms

A marriage of convenience?

Certainly, there is no more convenient marriage. Especially when you consider all the time-spent setting up a home theater system, what with all the running back and forth to the electronics store. Then after all the frustration you find that you have to spend another hour or so trying to find which channel the DVD shows up on, then which one VCR shows up on, etc. ad infinitum. Want to avoid the hand wringing? Well here is a few terms that will help you get what you want in a TV DVD combo, be it the Disney TV DVD combo or a high tech LCD TV DVD combo.

If you're going for high end look for these features,

Resolution: With HDTVs remember that the resolution is designated as 1080i, while standard resolution is 480i. Avoid those that do not provide 1080i because if they call the unit HDTV compatible they are charging you as if it had the higher resolution.

Progressive Scan: This is a better way of providing a sharp clear image. One of the advantages with a combo is that if you buy one with progressive scan you will have both a DVD and a TV with the technology.

Connections: Even though you are trying to avoid a tangle of wire, you want to make sure you have the ability to hook up a number of devices in case you want to add surround sound or a DVR.

Comb Filter: A comb filter's task is to remove residual color from the brightness of the signal. If you are purchasing a progressive scan unit make sure it has a comb filter as well.

Terms to keep a look out for in general,

Front and Side A/V inputs: A lot of people have camcorders and digital cameras. These inputs offer you the ability to quickly connect these devices without having to go to the dreaded back of the set.

Multiple Formats: DVD, SVCD, VCD, CD-RW, MP3 and picture CD may be formats that you are interested in using on your combo, make sure that they are all listed on the list of features.

Headphone Jack: If your sending off the TV DVD combo with a student you may want to make sure the set has one of these. No doubt that the roommate will watch the set too, with headphones your new freshman can study or sleep with the roomy quietly enjoying the Sanford and Son marathon on Nick at Night without distracting the studiousness of your budding Rhodes Scholar.

Keep in mind that features are especially important with a combo because you are going to be stuck without if you overlook something important. So if you still have a stack of VHS tapes you may want to get a DVD VHS TV combo. Hassle free viewing is kind of the point no?

More information on TV/DVD combos