Preparing for HDTV

HDTV, high definition television, is fast becoming the new standard in television broadcasting. HDTV provides a truly good picture quality. HD provides much more detailed and realistic images than standard analog television. Many stations are already broadcasting in HDTV with many more soon to follow. In order to view HDTV properly you need to have an HDTV ready television set. Most new sets are HDTV ready. These sets can display programs in high definition or standard definition. While you can view HDTV programming with a regular television set it won't look it's best.

HDTV broadcasts in digital format. This means that the signals are sent digitally and the viewer needs a digital converter to see the programming. Satellite converter boxes automatically provide this conversion. There seems to be a lot of confusion among customers about the digital programming and HDTV.

First, it is important to note that all HD is in digital format. However, not all digital programming is HD. Digital programming is a type of transmission format used for sending television signals. Digital programming is the most advanced method and preferred over analog signals for clarity and picture quality. The latest FCC rulings will ensure that all televisions stations will broadcast only in digital by February of 2009. This means that by 2009 you must use either a television that is digital ready or get a converter box in order to view local television programming. The easier alternative is to subscribe to satellite programming such as Direct TV.

HDTV channels are included in satellite television lineups. Direct TV provides the most extensive HD programming right now with more than 92 HD stations in 77 cities. With the addition of a new satellite that will be brought on line in September these numbers will increase to over 100 HD stations. This will continue to ensure that Direct TV remains the leading satellite provider. At the same time more and more stations are broadcasting in HD.

Technically speaking, you’ll need to upgrade your service to include HD programming. HD is provided as a digital format. You will need at least the basic digital service to receive high definition programs. Along with the HDTV subscription package you will need to include a set-top box, similar to the standard definition type you probably have currently. The box is also a DVR, digital recording receiver so that you can record programs quickly and easily. The programs are stored on the digital media making your VCR obsolete. You can also pause live television, rewind and watch two programs at the same time.

Once you have an HD television set you should upgrade your satellite subscription to include HD stations if it already doesn't. Then make sure that you choose the enhanced HD versions of the broadcast so that you can get the most from your television. Eventually all programming will be transmitted in high definition. Anyone who is considering purchasing a new television set right now should absolutely choose one that has HD capabilities. These televisions have become more reasonably priced and are widely available by all the major television brands. You can find HDTV in projection, LCD and plasma types. The new HD experience will truly change the way you watch TV.