television library

There is always something new to learn about television technology. View our list of 10 Terrific TVs, learn about cable, eyevision, projection television and remote controls, among other topics.

TV Buying Guide

Featured Article: TV Buying Guide

Shopping for TVs is, in a word, overwhelming. You go to the store, start looking at sets, features, shapes and sizes. Suddenly you feel like the only thing you're going to leave with is a headache. Luckily, we're here to help! See more »

10 Terrific TVs

10 Terrific TVs

The Super Bowl (before and after) is a great time of year to find a deal on a new TV. But deciding on a set can be a real challenge. To help you get started, we've rounded up the top 10 HDTVs (or HD-ready TVs), including some rear-projection, plasma, LCD and traditional tube sets.

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All About Television

All About Television

The modern world and TV are deeply intertwined. Read on for a collection of HowStuffWorks articles covering nearly everything you might ever want to know about TV.

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Do I really need a digital converter box for my TV?

Do I really need a digital converter box for my TV?

On Feb. 17, 2009, TV sets in the United States will need a converter to watch local stations. Is your television ready for the switch?

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How Cable Television Works

How Cable Television Works

Millions of people receive their television signal through a cable TV connection. Most of them don't actually know what "cable TV" is, what it does or how it got its name. Find out!

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How EyeVision Works

How EyeVision Works

EyeVision promises to revolutionize the way we think of instant replays. If you watched Super Bowl XXXV, you saw EyeVision in action. Learn how the camera view "flies" around the field to show you every angle.

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How Jumbo TV Screens Work

How Jumbo TV Screens Work

The video screens at sporting events and concerts are almost like your TV -- except that they're GIGANTIC! Learn about the technology that makes these 30-foot displays possible.

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How Projection Television Works

How Projection Television Works

When the picture has to be BIG, a traditional CRT monitor isn't practical. For an oversized image, projection television is a must. Learn how these video systems produce a high-resolution image for a huge screen.

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How Remote Controls Work

How Remote Controls Work

In WWII, remote controls detonated bombs for the first time. Now some of us spend an hour looking for the remote before we remember there are buttons on the TV. Find out the difference between a "universal" and a "learning" remote and check out some of the other high-tech features you can find on remotes today.

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How Satellite TV Works

How Satellite TV Works

Satellite TV once required a huge eyesore of a dish positioned on the lawn. These days, you can receive the digital satellite signal with a tiny bowl attached to your roof. Find out how satellite TV works.

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How SED-TV Works

How SED-TV Works

The surface-conduction electron-emitter display (SED) combines the picture quality of a CRT with the compact design of a flat-screen plasma display. Learn exactly how the SED-TV creates a picture.

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How Television Works

How Television Works

Television has been around long enough to seem ordinary, but the box that brings TV shows into your home is an amazing device. How is the picture formed? Where does the color come from? Find out.

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Inside a TV Remote Control

Inside a TV Remote Control

A fascinating look inside a TV's remote control (including the printed circuit board)!

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TV Buying Guide

TV Buying Guide

Shopping for TVs is, in a word, overwhelming. You go to the store, start looking at sets, features, shapes and sizes. Suddenly you feel like the only thing you're going to leave with is a headache. Luckily, we're here to help!

See more »

How does the electron gun inside a TV work, and why is it called an "electron gun"?

They sound a little bit like something out of "Star Wars," but they're actually the devices that are at the heart of most TVs and computer monitors.

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On television, how does closed captioning work?

Closed captioning is useful for deaf individuals, noisy places and even as a language learning tool. How do the characters' spoken words appear at the bottom of the screen?

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What does a V-chip really do and how does it work?

As of 1999, all new television sets sold in the United States have to contain a V-chip. How does the V-chip screen for undesirable content?

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What is all the flickering when I try to record a television set picture with a video camera?

If you've ever tried to record the picture on a TV with a video camera, you know the results can be messy. Learn what causes flickering when you try to record a television set with a video camera, and how you can avoid it.

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