SOLANA BEACH -- Crisp, lifeline images that look about step off the TV screen. That's the allure of High Definition Television.

Technical jargon, costly purchases and a lack of easy-to-understand information. That's what makes HDTV an intimidating subject.

Mark Kersey, a Solana Beach-based telecommunications consultant, is trying to unravel the HDTV mystery with a new Web site, HDTVsandiego.com, at (www.hdtvsandiego.com).

The Web site brings together all the information consumers need to know before deciding whether to get HDTV and how to get it, Kersey said. It's free to consumers, and supported by advertisers.

"That information is out there on the Internet, but I couldn't find it all in one place," said Kersey, who said he became interested in the project while doing research for a telecommunications company.

"There wasn't an objective source that pulls it all together and helps people understand every step of the process," Kersey said.

To keep things simple, the site divides up HDTV information into segments. Starting with basic definitions, Kersey advances to describing the advantages of high definition television, the pros and cons of different high definition sets, how to order the service, what options are available and how to decide between those options.

For example, a sports fan who wants ESPN should know that Time Warner Cable currently doesn't carry that channel in high definition, Kersey said. So if that's important, a satellite TV service is the best choice. But those mainly interested in basketball can get NBA games in high definition on Time Warner.

The site also includes links to local high definition television retailers and service providers.

Although the site is aimed at San Diego County residents, much of the information is nationwide, Kersey said. He's already planning to launch other high definition Web sites for Los Angeles and Orange counties, as well as the San Francisco Bay Area.

Contact staff writer Bradley J. Fikes at (760) 739-6641 or bfikes@nctimes.com.