How Home Theater and HDTV Work

How Home Theater and HDTV Work
Michael Miller
Que
ISBN 0-7897-3445-1
Non-Fiction, Technology
Reviewed by Pamela Crossland

Miller starts with the basics - how television works; broadcast, cable,and digital. Each of these three chapters is then broken down into two page explanations using wonderful color illustrations by Michael Troller and step by step details. Nothing too complex or complicated - Miller keeps in mind that his audience is made up of non technical people who just want enough knowledge to make their systems work properly.
He goes on to cover high-definition television, video displays, audio, audio/video sources, and ends with how home theater systems work. His slow, easy delivery of basic but vital information builds the readers confidence and demystifies much of the sales pitch around television and home theater systems.
For example, flat panel LCD displays versus plasma displays. Plasma displays are a better value for displays over 42" but have the disadvantage of a burn in effect (could be a problem if you are a fan of letterbox programming); LCD displays are your best bet for displays smaller than 42". He explains how to choose the right screen size for your room and how to arrange light and furniture for the best viewing from whichever unit you purchase. Even how to calibrate the color on your television - a method instead of the random guessing that I (and maybe yourself) have been using all these years.
The section on the types of audio and video cables and which give the best quality sound or picture is worth the price of the book. Not to mention he shows the reader how to connect them and does a better job than most instructions that come with a new unit.
The information in each chapter is easy to access, direct, and user friendly. Certainly buy and read this book before you purchase any new audio or video equipment and save yourself a bit of money by getting exactly what you need rather than what the salesperson wants to sell. In addition, you can amaze your children and friends by knowing how the remote control actually works!