When buying a television, it is important to learn the difference between full High Definition, HD ready and analog sets with HD converters. Full HD is a term that refers only to sets designated as full HD LCD TV sets or full HD plasma sets.

Full HD - A full High Definition plasma set should have a pixel count that is labeled 1080p. Generally it has a contrast ratio designation as 1920 by 1080p. A full HD LCD TV set should also have a pixel count label as 1080p. You may also see the contrast ratio is designated as 1920 by 1080p. With this 1920 by 1080p ratio, HDTV broadcasting is the best it can be. This is because full High Definition LCD TVs and full HD plasma sets can process and display high definition 1080p signals, the highest signals from HDTV.

For blu-ray technology, which is also filmed in this 1080p high definition, these sets are perfectly compatible. These sets reproduce blu-ray disks exactly as they were filmed. Other sets cannot claim quite this high a quality.

HD Ready - HD ready capability exists in sets with a pixel rate of 728i or 1080i. Each set includes a built-in high definition tuner for displaying broadcasts with higher pixel ratings. LCDs and Plasmas have fixed-pixel displays that use pixels to display television images. If the number of pixels is 728, then it has 728 pixels per vertical inch. If the number is 1080, then it has 1080 pixels per vertical inch. Images increase in detail as the pixel number rises.

HD Set sizes - When it comes to HD set sizes, LCDs are available in almost every size from 10 inches up to its 42 inch TV. Then it jumps up into higher numbers, competing with plasma. The 42 inch set is a good middle ground for those who want size without incredibly high prices. Plasma comes in 50 and 60 inch sizes usually. However, some sets as small as a 42 inch TV do come in plasma. Sizes do not reflect whether the set is HD ready or full High Definition.

HD sets - One obvious difference between analog and full High Definition TV broadcasting is the aspect ratio. This is the width by height of a display. Analog broadcasting had an aspect ratio of four inches of width to three inches of height. HDTV broadcasts in a 16:9 ratio. You can expect a full HD LCD TV to be as wide as it is tall. It is thinner due to its streamlined technology, and its thinness is not a way to determine if a set is HD ready or a full High Definition LCD TV. Due to aspect ratio, full HD plasma sets and HD ready plasma sets may be as wide as they are tall. They are also thinner due to their technology, and thinness cannot be used as a guide to HD capabilities.

HDTV Converters - High Definition TV converters can be used with analog televisions, also known as CRTs or crystal ray cathode sets. These HDTV converters are digital tuners that adjust for the switch-over to digital broadcasting. With an High Definition TV converter, an analog set can deliver superior pictures to its analog ones. An HDTV converter is essential to receive signals on analog sets now that almost all signals are digital.

HD Online - Many television shows are now offer HD broadcasting online. This may or may not be full HD internet by manufacturing standards. After all, your computer also has a tuner that will simply convert any 1080p HD online internet signals into a lower pixel rate as needed.