HDTV Accessories and Warranties
After learning all about HDTV and deciding which set to buy, the next things to check are the warranty that comes with the set and the accessories needed to optimize your viewing experience. Different vendors, both online retailers and stores, offer different kinds of warranties and accessories that can be packaged with the new set or sold separately. Read on and find out if you really need these add-ons or if you can get them later and cheaper from other sources.
Accessories:
A/V cables - There are several types of A/V cables that you may need in connecting your HDTV set to your sources. One type is HDMI or High Definition Multimedia Interface that is the most common for digital TV set top boxes, HD DVD players, Blu-ray players and gaming consoles. Another is DVI or Digital Visual Interface if your video source is a PC. Price ranges for these cables vary according to make and quality. You can purchase them from the store where you bought your HDTV set or from online stores. Some cables may look better than the others but this does not necessarily mean they perform better. Remember that these cables will carry digital signals so there should be no difference in delivered video quality as was in the case of analog signals. Caution should be observed though in long cable runs where it may be better to consider branded cables.
HDMI switcher - This may be required if your HDTV set has only one HDMI input. This switch may be used to toggle from multiple HDMI signal sources like a digital TV set top box, HD DVD player or a Blu-ray player and a gaming console.
Indoor TV antenna - This will depend if there is already available digital TV broadcast in your area and if your HDTV set is equipped with the right tuner. If these are present, free over the air HDTV programming is an added bonus if you already have a subscription-based satellite or cable digital set top box. Some HDTV sets come standard with indoor antennas but you may also try active or powered indoor antennas, usually available in TV stores, for better signal reception.
Furniture - Some of the HDTV vendors make stands or cabinets that match the TV sets. They are designed to properly support the weight of the set and at the same time enhance its aesthetics. You can also check on other cabinets that can house your new TV set including the home theater system. The important thing to note is the furniture should keep your HDTV system securely mounted and the A/V cables organized.
Wall brackets - These are used to mount flat panel displays to walls especially in small rooms where placing TV cabinets is not practical. It is important that the bracket can provide the necessary structural support for the TV set. The available pan and tilt angles should also be checked for your preferred viewing position.
Remote Controls - All HDTV sets and auxiliary components (audio system, disc players, TV tuners and gaming consoles) come with their own remote controls. It would be nice if you can find a universal remote unit that can consolidate all these systems. This is normally available but may not include controls for gaming consoles that usually come with their own controllers.
Surge protection - There are two types of surge protection you can consider for your HDTV system. One is protection from surges from the AC power source and the other is for surges that can enter your antenna or cable line. Both are highly recommended and they cost little compared to the investment you made for your HDTV system.
Room accessories - You may try to consider curtains or louvers for your windows for blocking sunlight that may be annoying to your viewing. Other accessories that can enhance your viewing experience are couches similar to those you can find in cinemas.
Extended Warranties:
All HDTV sets are normally sold with standard warranties. Different vendors have different terms but the most common is one year for parts and 3 months to 6 months for labor. Some manufacturers also offer extended warranty term for some parts like the tube for CRT displays. Some also offer on-site installation and service for larger-sized HDTV displays. HDTV technology and manufacturing processes now are more matured compared to a few years back, resulting to an overwhelming majority HDTV sets that do not require repair during the warranty period.
The standard warranties though do not normally cover damages resulting from misuse, accidents, or natural disasters like thunderstorms that may introduce surges to your power, cable, or antenna lines. It is for these circumstances that you may try to consider extra protection if you have the extra bucks. It is important to note that you don’t have to necessarily buy the extended warranty from the store where you bought your set. You can find third party warranty resellers, whose main business is selling protection plans, that can offer less expensive extended warranties. Spending a little more for this can save you time and money in the future.
Not all accessories and warranty issues were discussed in this article and more may crop up when you do your actual purchase. When you go to the store, the salesman may advise you to buy all accessories they can offer along with the extended warranty for your HDTV set. Take your time and don’t rush because of excitement. You should carefully study those accessories and the extra protection one-by-one and check if you really need them. You should also check if you could get them cheaper from other sources, whose core business is selling these products or services.
