Posts Tagged ‘rent to own’

The Future of Plasma TV

April 9th, 2010 by admin

Remember when plasma TVs were considered luxury items and only found in the homes of the rich and famous? If you were on a budget when plasma TVs premiered, you could forget about owning one. Not anymore! Today, LCD has taken the place as king of all TVs, and high-quality plasma TVs are affordable now especially if you rent-to-own one at your hometown ColorTyme store.
Just because plasma TVs are no longer considered state-of-the-art technology doesn’t mean they are dying out. LG, for example, is releasing eight new plasmas, including its INFINIA line that includes a much thinner and lighter 60-inch model.

According to ElectronicHouse.com, Panasonic will release more than 20 models, including four 3D-capable TVs that range from 50-65 inches. The 3D sets will include one pair of 3D glasses. Samsung also still makes plasma TVs, although they offer LCD TVs as well. Needless to say, there’s still a market for plasma TVs so they aren’t going anywhere! Many people prefer the colors and dark-scene detail of plasma TVs compared to the relatively washed-out look of LCD. Also, plasma technology has a better picture quality in normal to low room lighting conditions and are best during nighttime viewing. On LCD TVs, LED backlights do generate accurate colors and black levels, but high-end plasma still rules when it comes to picture quality, viewing angle and motion response.

Your hometown ColorTyme rent-to-own franchise carries various brands of plasma TVs at low prices. Or, if LCD is your preference, ask a member of the ColorTyme staff to show you what they have in stock. With the affordability and bright future of plasma and the cutting-edge technology of LCD, you can’t go wrong with either choice!

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ColorTyme’s $30K Giveaway

March 11th, 2010 by admin

We recently awarded 30 of our rent-to-own customers with $1,000 each! Take a look at the following press release and list of winners:

PLANO, Texas – March 5, 2010 – Thirty ColorTyme customers recently cashed in as names were drawn for the $30K Giveaway, and countless others won in-store prizes.
Held in celebration of the company’s 30th birthday, ColorTyme’s $30K Giveaway gave customers a chance to win $1,000 along with instant prizes in local stores. Rent-to-own customers registered for the grand-prize drawings Sept. 1 to Oct. 31 at their hometown ColorTyme store.
Out of 30 winners from 14 states across the U.S., four of them registered in Texas stores owned by TLH Enterprises. Vice President of South Texas Region for TLH Enterprises, Donald Salais, was very happy to see long-time customers win in Beeville, Corpus Christi, Rosenberg and Cuero.
“Many of our customers didn’t think they had a chance at winning, so it was refreshing to see the smiles on their faces when they did,” said Salais. “I think the Giveaway really encouraged our customers and showed how much we value their business.”

As part of the Giveaway event, ColorTyme also provided customers with a winning serial number that matched various prizes. Many customers automatically received big savings off a new rental or walked away with one of the store’s newest appliances, furniture, computers or electronics such as a name-brand TV.

“Our $30K Giveaway was a way for us to give back to our customers and thank them for all of their support over the years,” said ColorTyme Director of Marketing, Amy Woods. “Our customers are like family, so it was important that everyone who visited ColorTyme during the promotion came out a winner.”

Winners
Dorothy McKown – Opp, AL
Teri Pike – Woodland, AL
Lidia Abaloyan – San Diego, CA
Neille Logan-Underwood – San Diego, CA
Judith Ann Archer – Temecula, CA
Frank Welcome – Panama City, FL
Robert Higginbotham – Middleburg, FL
Christopher Cooper – Jacksonville, FL
Sacoya Proctor – Hephzibah, GA
Micky Jimison – Fairfield, ID
Danny Shannon – Hutchinson, KS
Carlos Heredia Liudres – Garden City, KS
Lee Jones – Oxford, KS
James Kelley – Lexington, KY
Lee Lyons – Raceland, LA
Susie Moore – Baltimore, MD
Denise Fletcher – Landover Hills, MD
David Rogers – Waterville, ME
Shaun Bennett – South Paris, ME
Sheila Hobbs – La Grange, NC
Beatrice Bennett – Roanoke Rapids, NC
Paula Ramos – Beeville, TX
Abram Mendoza – Corpus Christi, TX
Jackie Hahn – Cuero, TX
Bobby King Jr. – Richmond, TX
Katrina Trimiew – Richmond, VA
Carlton Davis – Norfolk, VA
Nikkia Clayton – Fredericksburg, VA
James Howard – Richmond, VA
Dennis Francis – Aberdeen, WA

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Cost of laundromats vs rent to own washers and dryers

January 14th, 2010 by admin

Laundromats are no match for rent-to-own washers and dryers, mathematically or otherwise

If the cash outlay or credit involved in purchasing a washer and dryer for your home has been holding you back (or holding you hostage at the Laundromat), then it is time to look at an option other than outright purchase. Rent-to-own washers and dryers make sense on many levels, both mathematically and from a lifestyle prospective.

First, let’s look at the cold hard math. If you rent-to-own a washer and dryer from ColorTyme, on average, it will run you $18.99 per week. Delivery and set up is always included in the cost. Next, there are the energy and water costs. The chart below comes from Michael Bluejay, Mr. Electricity’s Web site. According to his site, most of the energy cost in doing a load of laundry is in the heating of the water. So, as a helpful side note, if use cold for colors and warm wash with a cold rinse for your whites, you can save a ton of money (and your clothes will be just as clean).

Total cost per load (electricity + water + water heating)
Wash / Rinse setting Electric water heater Gas water heater
Hot / Warm 69¢ 52¢
Hot / Cold 50¢ 39¢
Warm / Warm 50¢ 39¢
Warm / Cold 32¢ 27¢
Cold / Cold 14¢ 14¢

If you use warm water with a cold rinse for half your loads and cold water for the other half, your average cost per load will be 23 cents. But, wait, you still need to dry the clothes. The average cost per load in an electric dryer is 30 to 45 cents per load. However, a gas clothes dryer is much less costly, averaging 10 to 16 cents per load. Let’s assume you like the math, have read this article, and will rent-to-own the gas dryer, with an average cost of $.13 per load. This brings your average water and energy cost per load to 36 cents per load.

There are varying sizes of washers and dryers at a Laundromat. However, the regular size Laundromat washer costs about $2 per load and the average dryer 75 cents per load. With the hard costs established, you can now do the math. For a family of four, averaging two loads per day, a Laundromat will cost $165 per month (60 loads per month at $2.75 per load). With a ColorTyme rent-to-own washer and dryer conveniently located in your home, the monthly cost for the machines, $87.99 ($18.99 plus $1.33 tax x 4.33 weeks per month), plus the energy and water costs, $21.60 (60 loads times 36 cents per load), would only come to about $110 per month.

We probably don’t need to go into the upgrade in lifestyle issues when comparing doing laundry in the comfort and safety of your own home versus schlepping heavy bags of laundry to and from a public Laundromat. Anyone who has done laundry in a Laundromat knows that many Laundromats are unclean and can be unsafe, not to mention boring. However, in addition to the hassle of lugging laundry back and forth, there are a few more items to consider that add to the costs and make Laundromats an even heavier load. Travel costs (gasoline or metro to and from), your time, and heaven forbid if you turn your head for minute — the cost of stolen clothes — can add up big time.

Now you have all the smart reasons to upgrade your life in 2010 from the Laundromat to spending time with your family, reading a good book on the couch or any number of wonderful tasks while you do laundry at home sweet home.

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Rent-to-Own Versus Layaway

December 15th, 2009 by admin

If you are strapped for cash this holiday season or anytime, you may consider rent-to-own or layaway. These are two very different animals for which you should know the differences before making a decision.

For larger ticket items like washers, dryers, flat screen TVs and home entertainment equipment, rent-to-own and layaway are both options that don’t require a large cash outlay up front. But, that is where the similarities stop. There are key differences between the two. First, with rent-to-own, you can take the item home the same day without any credit. With layaway, you may or may not need credit, but will definitely not be able to take the item home that day. With the holidays around the corner, this takes some of the fun out of putting money down on a gift.

Also, most layaway programs aren’t as flexible as rent-to-own. For instance, with most layaway programs there is typically a $5 non-refundable service fee on all contracts and a cancellation fee of around $10. Both the service fee and cancellation fee are usually collected up front and are not refunded if the merchandise is returned to stock due to missed payments. With most retailers, layaway merchandise will be returned to stock seven days after a missed payment.

Conversely, rent-to-own is much more flexible. Let’s take your local Hometown ColorTyme for example. If you’re looking for furniture, electronics, computers and/or appliances, ColorTyme will have it in stock and you can take it home the same day in most cases. With ColorTyme no credit is needed, and there are flexible low payment options, early purchase options and, of course, you can make an outright purchase the same day. ColorTyme also offers home delivery (same day option is available) and service repairs, if needed, at no extra cost. A full service loaner program is also included with every agreement to all customers. With layaway plans through retailers, once you finally get your product home, if it breaks you have to deal with the warranty plan, connected either to the brand name or the retailer. Many of these warranty plans must be purchased separately.

With ColorTyme, there are short and longer term rent-to-own plans available and professionals install, demonstrate and deliver everything at no additional cost. There are no penalties for returning merchandise and your investment doesn’t go away after you return the product. When you are ready, ColorTyme will set you up again with your product or a comparable product to the one you returned.

Although a layaway plan might seem like a good idea, it doesn’t compare to the flexibility or speed of delivery that ColorTyme rent-to-own plans offer. If you’re looking to bring home and enjoy a product right away, there is no comparison.

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Home Staging Helps Sell Your Home

October 9th, 2009 by admin

Think back to when you last were house hunting. Try to remember which houses made you say “Wow!” and which ones made you say “Whoa!” More than likely, the “Wow!” homes were organized, clutter-free, and each room in the house felt open and warm. If you are like most families in America, you are on the go 24/7 and your home (sad but true) does not capture that “open and warm” feeling. That is where home staging becomes beneficial.

The goal of home staging is to improve your home’s appearance with the ultimate goal of selling the home faster and for the highest possible price. Why home stage? We are in a buyer’s market right now and putting that little time and effort into staging can make all the difference.

When staging your home, think of all the aspects that require some changes: the yard, entryway, living areas, kitchen, bathrooms and bedrooms. A room that might not be important to you may be important to a potential buyer. A general rule of thumb is to keep your house clean and free of clutter. Make sure the yard is weeded, mowed and maybe plant a few fresh flowers. If you have kids, make sure their toys are not strewn about the yard or house. Have a friend help you look over the house. Patch up any knicks in the walls, peeling paint or holes.

Once you have tidied-up, it’s time to survey your furniture options. A majority of families spend most of their time in their living or family room areas and bedrooms. Keep in mind: Potential buyers want to imagine themselves living in your home. Make it easy for them by keeping the house warm and inviting with these helpful hints:

• Remove any family portraits; the buyers need to envision living there, not you.
• Make sure each room is open and easy to walk through. Remove furniture if it’s necessary.
• If you have a mantle or bookshelves, keep it simple; a couple items is all you need displayed. Remove and store the rest some place else.
• If your furniture seems outdated or grungy, you might want to consider contacting your local Hometown ColorTyme Rent-To-Own store to rent some furniture for a few weeks or months. Spending that little extra on a nicer sofa and loveseat set could make all the difference to a potential buyer.
• If the furniture in your bedrooms takes up more space than there is walking room, it’s also wise to contact ColorTyme and rent some smaller furniture.
• Make a trip to a local thrift store or find a good sale and replace worn out curtains, bedspreads and/or linens. This will help freshen-up the room and make it feel more up-to-date – even if the house was built 10 years ago.
• Keep the closets free of clutter. Closet space is a key benefit for most women. Place excess clothing, shoes and any other items in storage boxes.

Moving on throughout the house, another major stop along the way is the kitchen. This may actually be the place some families spend most of their time and can become the messiest. Be sure to thoroughly scrub down all appliances, walls and countertops. Everything should sparkle – even the kitchen sink.

If you plan to take your appliances and you have avoided buying new ones, now might be the right time to shop for something new. This is also a good time to contact your local Hometown ColorTyme Rent-To-Own store to see about replacing that old refrigerator. Your kitchen can look new and alive by just adding a refrigerator. If you later decide you don’t like that refrigerator model for your new home, you can return it hassle-free or exchange it for something else.

If you’ve already moved into your new home but haven’t sold your previous home, don’t fret – ColorTyme can help. Most people can’t leave their own furniture in the old house while it’s sitting vacant. Stop by your local Hometown ColorTyme Rent-To-Own store to temporarily rent (with low weekly or monthly payments) some small inexpensive pieces of furniture to adorn your house with while it’s up for sale. Think about including a loveseat and chair set for the living room with an end-table and lamp. In addition, think about including a kitchen table with four chairs. Potential buyers don’t want to try too hard to visualize what their potential future home may look like.

A crucial part of the selling experience is to have your home ready for every home seeker that stops by. Your home can stand out from the rest by adding a few minor touches here and there. Also, you’re more likely to sell it for your asking price if it’s properly staged. Try following these easy steps and make your home the next “Wow!” home for someone else.

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Posted in: Home Staging

Today’s HDTV, Video Game Console, and Blu-Ray Trends

October 5th, 2009 by admin

The upcoming holiday selling season will be all about high-definition TVs, Blu-ray Disc players and video game systems. This probably isn’t news to everybody because the same was true last season, more or less. What you didn’t know are some interesting tidbits about how these industries are performing in the marketplace today. In some instances, what’s coming down the pike might be surprising.

Here are some brief research points that could shed some light on what’s to come:

*Because of the digital TV transition on June 12, many consumers made new TV purchases. According to research firm Retrevo Pulse, more and more households are adding high-def TVs to multiple rooms. In addition, HDTV purchases are soaring because of the availability of HD programming: terrestrial broadcasts, cable, satellite and Internet TV.

*The research company In-Stat says that digital media adaptors, pay TV set-top boxes, Blu-ray players/recorders, HDTVs, and media-center PCs are delivering Web video into households. However, all this will be overshadowed by the popularity of video game consoles. In-Stat says that consoles are currently “the most utilized devices for bringing Web video to the TV and will remain so through 2013. By 2013, over 10.7 million consoles will be used as Web-to-TV mediation devices in the U.S.”

*In-Stat also said that more than 66 million people are “using the Internet while camped out on their sofas watching TV.” Nowadays, TV has become more interactive for exactly this reason: Broadcasters know that households’ PCs aren’t too far away from their TVs. Many TV shows are asking viewers to vote online, register for contests, visit a program’s Web site for more information, and more. These networks know that they can access viewers on TVs and PCs, simultaneously. As time goes on, this becomes more the norm rather than the trend.

*Starting November 1, the new Energy Star TV specification for TVs takes effect. TVs with the compliant Energy Star specifications will be available for the holiday shopping season. According to the Consumer Electronics Association, the new specifications account for both active and standby power consumption across all types of TVs.

*According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), if all TVs purchased by consumers in 2009 met the new Energy Star standards, the savings in greenhouse gas emissions would be equal to removing 1 million cars from the road. Also according to the EPA, TVs that earn the Energy Star label under the new requirements will be up to 30 percent more efficient than non-qualified models, making it easier for consumers to select an efficient model based upon the government-backed criteria. The EPA projects that approximately one quarter of the TVs currently entering the market will meet the stricter specification for efficiency. A list of models qualified under the new Energy Star TV specification can be found online at www.energystar.gov.

*According to research firm The NPD Group, Blu-ray Disc video technology is moving further into the mainstream. First quarter sales of stand-alone Blu-ray players in the U.S. grew to more than 400,000 units, an increase of 72 percent over the same period last year.

*A recent PC World article said that Panasonic recently unveiled a prototype 50-inch TV and companion glasses that together give the viewer the illusion of three dimensions. Expect more 3D products from Panasonic – and other manufacturers – this year and in 2010.

*Want to know what HD programming (by service provider) is available in your zip code? Visit www.whereisHD.com and enter your zip code to find out.

Beyond conventional retail, flat panel TVs, game consoles and computers have been favorites in the rent to own industry – especially among ColorTyme customers. Multi-tasking and multi-use hasn’t been overlooked either in this market. In some cases, TVs can double as educational devices and represent the central entertainment resource for many families.

Sources: Media Business Corp., Retrevo Pulse, PC World, In-Stat, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, The NPD Group, and the Consumer Electronics Association

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Video – Why ColorTyme Rent to Own?

August 10th, 2009 by admin

The below video was originally created by some folks at ColorTyme for marketing purposes, but it does a great job of explaining why so many people choose to rent to own great merchandise for their home. It also explains why ColorTyme is different from other rent to own or lease ownership stores.

If you are looking for a way to get the things you want without ever having to worry about debt, watching this video is an excellent place to start. The video stars Bruce Emory, a ColorTyme franchisee in Atlanta (not a spokesperson). He generously volunteered to speak on behalf of all ColorTyme store owners.

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Rent to Own HDTVs: Know Your High-def Technologies

August 10th, 2009 by admin

You’re ready to finally get that high-definition television (HDTV) you’ve been flirting with at your Hometown ColorTyme. It’s that 47-inch flat panel HDTV that comes with…1080p full HD (1920 x 1080) resolution, 15,000:1 contrast ratio, ATSC/NTSC/Clear QAM – 1 tuner, XD engine, 178 true wide viewing angle, SRS TruSurroundXT, 3 HDMI, and USB 2.0.

There is no doubt, it can get confusing. It can also become frustrating for somebody who doesn’t know how to differentiate between LCD, Plasma and DLP HDTVs. Forget about all the bells and whistles; it’s the core technology that’s important. So, here’s what you need to know before you make your rent to own television decision.

Liquid Crystal Display (LCD)

LCD technology incorporates liquid crystals that are squeezed in a space between two glass plates. The images shown on the screen are created by varying the amount of electrical charge applied to the crystals.

In general, consumer interest in LCD HDTVs has increased over the past few years. Moreover, LCD is the most widely produced (and appreciated) TV technology in the world. Consumers find LCD TVs to be more versatile. And, now that prices have dropped, it’s also the most sold TV technology.

The benefits:

Resolution – The number of pixels horizontally and vertically create a display’s resolution (typically measured in pixels or dots per inch, such as 1920×1080). The greater the resolution, the more information or images you’ll be able to view. For instance, text is easier to read on an LCD (compared to other technologies) because the resolution is refined.

Flexibility – Most LCDs can also be used as PC monitors (requiring the correct input and computer connection cable). Additionally, many LCDs can be mounted on the wall (an installation not provided by ColorTyme) or placed on a flat surface so the screen can tilt and swivel. This allows the TV to be low-profile and not as bulky in the room.

The drawbacks:

Viewing angles – One of the main disadvantages of LCD technology is its limited viewing angles. Sometimes the screen will appear washed-out or dim if you look at the display from an extreme angle.

Fragile backlights – Since they’re fairly fragile, and more likely to break, LCD backlights usually come with a limited one-year warranty. The LCD screen is also fragile and sensitive to its environment. In fact, when cleaning the screen, wipe only in one direction (no circles) with water and a soft cloth. Don’t use windex! Over time, using windex can damage the LCD screen.

For more information about owning a LCD HDTV, visit http://www.lcdtvbuyingguide.com.

Plasma

Plasma screens use a matrix of tiny gas plasma cells charged by precise electrical voltages to create a picture.

Allowing for more flexibility, the plasma display panel is only about 6 centimeters (2.5 inches) thick. However, the total thickness, including electronics, is less than 10 centimeters (4 inches). Similar to LCDs, you can hang a plasma HDTV on the wall or from the ceiling.

The benefits:

Response time – Faster response times make plasmas ideal for fast motion video. They handle quick movements and graphic displays better. Most LCDs have a slower response time and can leave trails on the screen when fast motion video is present.

Viewing angles – Plasma screens have wider viewing angles than most LCD TVs. This means that images do not degrade at high angles. This is ideal for active home theater rooms where many people are watching the same TV.

The drawbacks:

Burn-in – Although not as prevalent today, many plasma screen HDTVs can suffer from screen burn-in or image retention. However, newer model plasmas include technology that prevents this from happening. High altitudes are also problematic for some plasma screens. Higher elevations cause an air-pressure differential and the pressure of the gases inside the plasma display increases as the outside air pressure decreases. Under such conditions, most plasmas emit a slight buzzing noise. Nowadays, many companies are manufacturing plasma HDTVs that can handle higher altitudes.

Glass screen – Because of the glass screen that holds in the gases, plasma TVs are heavier. Furthermore, damage to the glass screen can be permanent and far more difficult to repair than an LCD TV screen. When transporting a plasma TV, be sure that it’s standing up and not lying down. If the TV is lying on its face or on its back, the plasma inside the screen will move and compromise its image quality.

For more information about owning a plasma HDTV, visit http://www.plasmatvbuyingguide.com.

Digital Light Processing (DLP)

Texas Instruments created DLP technology in 1987. Only available as a front- or rear-projection TV, DLP uses millions of micro-mirrors that reflect light onto the surface of a screen.

DLP has become the preferred TV technology today. More than 30 TV manufacturers and other consumer electronics companies use DLP within their products.

The benefits:

Resolution – Because the DLP technology is so advanced, the screen resolution on a DLP HDTV is crisp, clear and provides a true high-definition display. The DLP technology also prevents the possibility of a screen burn-in and provides a fast response time (most likely a faster response time than most plasma screen TVs).
Price – DLP rear projection TVs are considerably cheaper than LCD or plasma displays and can still offer 1080p, high-definition resolution. Plus, DLPs don’t suffer from many of the downfalls of plasma and LCD TVs – such as color decay and viewing angle problems.

The drawbacks:

Size, thickness – If the DLP HDTV is rear-projection, it’s generally more bulky and not as low-profile. A front-projection DLP TV – appropriate for large home theater rooms – is more low-profile and boasts a thinner screen. However, many of the DLPs that ColorTyme carries are rear-projection. Front-projection models – on most occasions – can be ordered by customer request.

Lamp (light source) replacement – Many of the lamp bulbs (or general light source) in DLP HDTVs last for about one to three years; this is based on how often it’s powered on/off and the duration of viewing. The replacement costs for a lamp bulb depend on the brand and model.

For more information about owning a DLP HDTV, visit http://www.dlptvreview.com.

720p,1080i, 1080p

So, what do 720p, 1080i and 1080p mean? And how does this affect the kind of HDTV you rent to own?

Essentially, the “i” stands for “interlaced” lines and the “p” stands for “progressively-scanned” lines. The more lines that the TV displays, the more detailed the images will be on the TV. Most TVs in the past could only display 480 lines (commonly known as standard-definition).

HDTVs have a 16:9 aspect ratio (similar to a movie screen display). Therefore, they require a higher resolution display. A TV that displays progressively-scanned lines will have a high quality image because it’s processing images twice as fast (compared to interlaced lines). This means that HDTVs with 1080p provide a superior image display, while 1080i and 720p provide the next best image displays.

Some talking points for your ColorTyme visit:

Most ColorTyme stores offer a myriad of rent to own high-def televisions. However, it can be intimidating – even with the help of a sales associate. Don’t let that deter you from pursuing your rental purchase. Just do some research and arrive with answers; you might impress the pros!

Before visiting your Hometown ColorTyme rent to own franchise store, to rent to own electronics, answer the following questions:

1. How will you use your new HDTV?
• If you’re looking to entertain guests, it’s probably best to own an HDTV with many features and multiple inputs (for a DVD player, video game console, etc.)
• If you have a lot of sports fanatics in your household, you might want to rent a plasma or DLP HDTV (two technologies that provide a faster screen response time)
• Blu-ray movies and video games are extremely popular. An HDTV without a blu-ray DVD player or PS3 video game console is like a bird without feathers.

2. Do you have a TV size in mind?
• Do you have a home theater room? What are the dimensions?
• If you don’t have a home theater room, what room do you plan to use for this TV?
• If you have an entertainment center, what are the dimensions?

3. What HDTV content source do you plan to use?
• Do you plan to purchase high definition TV service via satellite TV (DISH Network, DirecTV, etc.), Fiber-optic TV (Verizon FiOS), or cable TV (Comcast, Time Warner Cable, etc.)?
• If you plan to use over-the-air high-definition service, do you have an HD-capable antenna?

4. Do you have high-speed Internet service?
• Today, many HDTVs use high-speed Internet service to help with software updates and content streaming. This isn’t a requirement, but a nice feature to have – especially for a blu-ray DVD player and/or PS3 game console.

5. How much do want to spend on your weekly rate?
• Provide the sales associate with a price range to assist you with choosing the HDTV that’s right for you.

Important HDTV tips: Check to see if the TV has a built-in HDTV tuner to receive over-the-air broadcast capabilities. Otherwise, an external tuner must be added.

When you plug in your new HDTV, everything won’t magically become high-definition. To watch HDTV you must lease or buy equipment from a cable, satellite, fiber or phone company and sign up for high-definition TV service.

You may be able to receive free, over-the-air HD if you’re close to a station, have an antenna and an HD tuner in your TV or set-top box. It’s important to connect your box to the TV with component-video or HDMI cables. Composite-video and S-video cables don’t carry HD. Of course, not all channels are high-definition ready. Many still exist as standard-definition channels. Dark bars on the sides of a TV screen image usually indicate a standard-definition channel. Your TV service provider can provide you with all the information you’ll need for high-definition service.

Sources: Wikipedia.org, About.com, HowStuffWorks.com

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