For many, with regular televisions, it will mean two options - you will either have to buy a new high-definition LCD or Plasma television or a converter box for your existing unit.

A converter box, much like the old cable box, simply down-grades the signal to a run-of-the-mill quality, so that it can be compatible with the receiving television.

When trying to decide on whether or not to purchase an LCD or a Plasma television, it helps to understand the basic principle differences.

The number applied to each refers to the lines of pixels. For instance a standard television signal will be broadcast at 480p while a Plasma will be 1080P. A High Definition signal is intended to be broadcast at 1080p, but current technology will not display at quite that high of a resolution. Currently the only way to view a true high def signal is on a Blu-ray player, or a high definition video gaming console.

480p, 720p, or 1080p resolution This refers to the lines of pixels which, in turn, means that the more lines of pixels, the clearer the picture, particularly when sitting closer to the TV. from different angles.

To help make it clearer, an LCD, is much like a digital watch. If your sight-line is a bit skewed then it's difficult to see the numbers, as it is basically just a light shining through from the back. In other words, stand off to the side of an LCD television and the picture can be difficult to see at greater angles.

A Plasma television on the other hand, with its high count of line pixels illuminates each pixel individually ensuring that the picture is clear from every angle. It also tends to be faster when it comes to which has a faster response time, best suited for sports and high-action movies whereas, with the LCD, the image can sometimes have a trail affect or blur.

Another general difference is in size. Plasma TVs start at 42" screens and up. LCD on the other hand generally fills in the smaller sizes, but nowadays they are also being made in the larger sizes. are considerably larger than LCDs, that can be as small as a computer monitor and which, in fact, are often used interchangeably as a TV and a computer monitor.

Contrary to popular belief, the LCD plasma may actually cost less than a Plasma LCD unit for TVs of comparable brand and features. but prices do vary for each.

Square Deal Neil’s in Southampton carries top of the line high-definition televisions by Panasonic and LG, both of which have take steps to ensure high-definition picture quality.

According to Square Deal Neil's staff, the trend seems to be leaning toward more families developing home theatre environments where the entire family can access individual entertainment values from large-screen viewing with surround sound to computer gaming capability.

Before taking the leap into the world of high-definition, which everyone will eventually have to do, why not stop in and talk to Square Deal Neil's friendly and knowledgeable staff whose number one concern is customer service and satisfaction.

As their motto says, "Large enough to serve you ... Small enough to care".

For more see Square Deal Neil's