HDTV ramps up costs

“They” are out to get you at every turn of the high definition journey.

Not only are consumers paying out the nose for the latest HDTV sets, but they soon find they have to pay additional money to be able to watch television in high definition. The few broadcasts that are offered to consumers are not part of traditional packages.

Those that have made the plunge into the high definition pool have also found that adding components to their sets (such as play stations or DVD players) is not as easy as attaching the red, white, and yellow cables.

To connect high definition components requires High Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI), the only cable on the market capable of carrying the digital format. The special wires are going to run you an additional $300 on the high end. (Experts are recommending that consumers invest in good quality cables, but they see no need in spending the high end dollar on the extravagant ones.)

With the home theater becoming more of a staple than a luxury, many retailers have found an additional profit point in the installation process. For a cost starting at $200 (and rising with additional components and complexities), they will ensure the best possible high definition picture.

If that isn’t enough, for just $200 to $400 more, consumers are able to extend their product warranties. Experts are not recommending this purchase, with the expectation of the rear projections sets which have an average failure rate of 10 percent.