OTHER TECH

Overscan is the amount of picture area that's cut off at the edges of a given set's screen. A minimal level of overscan (around 3T to 4% is the average) is actually a good thing when you're watching cable or broadcast TV programs, which often have unsightly synchronization data embedded at the extreme top and bottom of the image. For DVDs and high-def disc formats, however, a higher-than-average overscan level will lop off the edges of widescreen pictures - a source of profound irritation to movie buffs. Our Test Bench box lists overscan percentages for both the set's HDMI and component-video inputs, and we also indicate if any special modes are available to eliminate overscan completely.

Resolution measurements give a good indication of just how much detail a given set is capable of with high-def programs. We describe whether the TV was able to deliver the whole enchilada, as well as how its picture resolution fared with different inputs and signal formats, such as 1080i and 720p high-def. Finally, space permitting, we wrap up the Test Bench with more in-depth comments on Uniformity and Video Processing.

Well, there it is, laid out on the table for your inspection: Sound & Vision's procedure for HDTV test reports. And now that you know us a little better, we hope you'll find these reviews easier to read through and understand. Whether you're an old-timer or a newbie preparing for a dive into the intimidating process of shopping for a first HDTV, more knowledge equals more power when it comes to the increasingly complex world of digital television.

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