QKim, thank you for keeping us all in the digital world. What do you think about the Magnavox 47-inch LCD? My husband says it will all be Blu-ray in two years. This TV is a 1080P. Will it still be good in two years?

AFirst, here's the short answer. Yes, it will still be good in two years. Your husband is apparently confusing televisions with the new hi-definition DVD players. I'll explain that in a second.

Magnavox is an old American name. It dates to the invention of loudspeakers, in 1915. Today, the Magnavox name is owned by Philips Consumer Electronics. Philips is a huge company, headquartered in the Netherlands. Consumer Reports included neither Magnavox nor Philips in its recent LCD tests.

If you don't know much about HDTV, read my tip entitled HDTV 101: What you need to know.

Philips has been reliable

Philips is included in Consumer Reports' repairs and reliability table. Its LCDs have held up well, according to CR. Magnavox is not included in this area, either.

I'd say, if you like the price and quality, go ahead. You can always take it back, if necessary. Be sure you know the terms for returns. Watch for any restocking fees. Those drive me crazy!

Your husband's Blu-ray reference is to a high-definition DVD standard. That shouldn't affect your decision about a television. Currently, there are two HD standards for DVDs. The other is HD DVD, sponsored primarily by Toshiba. It lost the battle with Blu-ray, which is a Sony

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product. Toshiba recently announced that it would stop making HD DVD. So, if you see HD DVD players on sale, don't buy one.

Watch the connections

Your husband is right. Future high definition DVDs will be Blu-ray. But that should have no bearing on your brand of television.

The only possible concern would be the TV's type of connections. You'd probably need an HDMI connection for a Blu-ray player. HDMI also would be ideal for connection to a cable or satellite box. However, you could also use DVI or component connections there.

If you're using an aerial, the second connection is immaterial. You need only worry about the Blu-ray connection.

Want to know more? Sure you do! Both HDMI (High Definition Multimedia Interface) and DVI (Digital Visual Interface) are digital connections. You can read more about them on my site. That tip was written for computer monitors, but it applies to TV, too.

In addition, it addresses HDCP (High-bandwidth Digital Content Protection). These acronyms are really tough, I know. Once you get your equipment, you can forget them.

I have more information on my site about purchasing the right HDTV. See my Buying Guide.

In case you're curious, computer monitors also can display high-definition. But pay attention to the specifications. Get programming for HDTV

Buying a high-definition set is the first step. You also need to find high-definition programming. But the myriad options can be tricky to navigate. Click here to read my free tip about getting the right programming for your HDTV.

Play games in HDTV

The latest generation of video game consoles is impressive. From snowboarding to World War II firefights, the action approaches the look of camera footage. Even cartoonish games like Disney's Cars benefit from improved picture quality.

However, most kids and adults never see the best that their games have to offer. Nowadays, the console-TV connection is an image quality bottleneck. Upgrade the cables and you'll see a noticeably better picture. If you play on an HDTV, you can get the best picture offered by the latest consoles. To learn how, click here to read my free tip all about it.

Copyright 2008 
WestStar TalkRadio Network.
Reprinted with permission. No further republication or redistribution is permitted without the written consent of WestStar TalkRadio Network. 

Visit Kim Komando on The Weekend Kim Komando Show. Here, Kim takes your calls from coast-to-coast three hours every weekend. Call during the live broadcast Saturday mornings 7 a.m. - 10 a.m. Pacific, (10 am. - 1 p.m. Eastern) Toll-Free at 1-888-825-5254.

In the southern Connecticut area, Kim is on WNLK 1350 AM, Sundays starting at 2pm (Norwalk)

The Daily Kim Komando Computer Minute. In 60 seconds, Kim runs the gamut about all things digital In your area, Kim is on the following station(s) every day, Monday through Friday:

BRIDGEPORT: WICC 600 AM, in the 8am hour
New York, NY: WCBS 880 AM, in the 5am hour

The opinions expressed are the author's and not necessarily those of connpost.com. Please direct comments to cdauber@ctpost.com.