High Definition Television (HDTV)

High Definition Television or HDTV is the latest on TV technology. HDTV is better than most of the available TVs today in many ways; in sound, resolution and imaging. There are breakthrough technologies at work in a HDTV that made it more recommendable than the latest digital TVs.

HDTV is a digital television or DTV. Eighteen formats have been assigned to digital television, and presently, only six of the eighteen are considered HDTV. A true HDTV may have either 1080 interlaced lines or about 720 progressive scanned lines.

HDTV is not comparable to SDTV or Standard Definition Television. Though SDTV offers consumers a relevant improvement in picture resolution as compared to the usual digital TVs similar to a comparison of DVD to VHS viewing, it cannot compete with HDTV in the quality of both audio and video.

Favorite HDTV Features

Various technologies implemented on various HDTVs outclassed most of the technologies in digital TVs:

1. HDTV have about twice the picture resolution in terms of the vertical and horizontal as compared to any analog or digital TV available today. This makes the HDTV picture sharper and clearer than most of the TVs today.

2. HDTV have a wider screen with a screen or aspect ratio of about 16: 9 as compared to the 4:3 screen or aspect ratio of most analog or digital TVs.

An aspect ratio is the width of a picture screen relative to its height. So an aspect ratio of 4:3 means that the picture screen is 4 feet wide and 3 feet high. This means that the best picture screen available for HDTVs today is 16 feet wide and 9 feet high. This large screen will provide more detail resulting in a crisper image.

3. HDTV have also managed to reduce motion artifacts that includes ghosting or dot crawl on the screen.

4. HDTV also have a Dolby A3 Sorround System. It offers 5.1 independent channels of CD-quality stereo sorround sound. This is also referred as AC-3.

All in all, HDTVs displays pictures in a higher resolution with greater detail than most of the analog or digital TVs. Images are sharper and clearer and HDTVs offers the best digital sound available to the consumer.

The HDTV Converters

HDTV converters are used to directly convert digital signals from a satellite broadcast into HDTV format for viewing in most analog TVs instead of implementing an analog conversion that is inferior in terms of picture and image viewing.

Simply put, HDTV converters avoid analog conversions of digital signals resulting to a much improved picture on analog TVs. The picture and image on an analog TV that used a HDTV converter is similar to the picture and image from a DVD movie that is played in an analog TV.

SImilarly, HDTV shows from satellite broadcasts can be shown in an analog TV using the HDTV converter. The picture and image will be inferior but at least are much more tolerable.

The Best Set-Up for HDTV

The most ideal set-up for HDTV is by receiving a pure digital signal directly via cable either by DirecTV or by the Dish Network. These pure digital signals are received by a digital receiver and are displayed on a digital TV set.

Consumers that are looking for the best can opt for a front or rear projection HDTV set or also a plasma set with a similar 16:9 aspect ratio.

People who wants to test the HDTV technology but are not really sure of what they really want can opt for a HDTV-ready digital TV instead. HDTV-ready TVs are much more cheaper than the actual HDTVs.

These HDTV-ready digital TVs have the standard aspect ratios of 4:3. It lacks, however, the HDTV decoder that will interpret the HDTV signal. A stand alone HDTV decoder, however, is available if a consumer wants to be able to upgrade the display for HDTV broadcast.

The out of the box HDTV systems usually have a high definition tuner built inside it. Though, the addition of high definition tuner makes it more expensive, it nonetheless an advantage that is made for the convenience of the most enthusiastic viewer.

About HDTV

What You Need to Know About HDTV

If you think that HDTV, since it is one of the world’s latest structures of technology, is all about being exactly that, you are dead wrong. Yes, if you have one you definitely have the right to boast it around for it is indeed boast-worthy, but that is not all. Hdtv has many benefits as well.

If you do not have an HDTV, then make the switch pronto. You might ask why would you want to change your old television sets for an HDTV? An old television set does not have digital superiority. Hdtv does.

Hdtv is proud to say that digital superiority is one of their many fantastic features. Hdtv also highlights the film with amazing details. When it focuses on a certain item, that item seems to be magnified for you see it like as if it is really in front of you. Cool huh?

Hdtv also features progressive scanning and digital audio. It is completely balanced. You cannot really enjoy great viewing if the sound is not really clear can you? Well HDTV’s digital audio makes you feel like the person you are watching on your television set is beside you and the two of you are talking as if in a conversation. There are also no more ghost images.

By ghost images, this does not mean that there are a number of caspers roaming around the screen. But there is a certain blur to the things you watch on TV that makes them look like they are ghosts. These kinds of ghosts are not scary at all, but they are highly annoying.

An FCC also mandates the switch and you are given an even wider viewing area. So you do not have to cramp up in front of the television set when you are watching it with your friends just to have a good view of the movie. The screen seems to be stretched so you can watch from afar, if ever you are cooking dinner, and watch your favorite movie at the same time. Now that is multitasking!

You can also watch DVDs in a much better way and satisfaction because hdtvs have a better quality DVD playback. Now isn’t that an example of all in one?

Common television sets are based on the aspect ratio of four is to three (4:3). This ratio means that the television can be measured with an approximation of its height of three feet, and a width of four feet.

However, the aspect ratio of an HDTV is, drumroll please, a whopping sixteen is to nine (16:9). This makes the image an HDTV gives out much much wider! In fact, the screen size of an HDTV is thirty three percent wider!

The width that is increased indicates a very huge improvement since it permits you to view the tv sitcoms and movies that you like, as if you were watching them in the cinema, just minus the loud snoring guy behind you and the couple that never seem to gasp for air in their kissing spree in front of you.

With an HDTV, you will never have to experience all the things that annoy when you are watching in the theater.

Just in case you do not know, when you are watching whatever it is that you are watching on a sixteen is to 9 (16:9) screen, you are actually making use of your peripheral vision. The utility of your peripheral vision will definitely make you feel like you are part of the program that you are watching.

The directory of ABC’s Monday night football, Norm Samat, did a feed about HDTV. And she vouched for the wonder that hdtvs can bring. She said that once you look at the pictures on your HDTV, you would seem like you entered a sort of trance because you actually see more than what is really shown. Groovy!

Now in terms of football, the sixteen is to nine (16:9) aspect ratio makes a big difference. If the old four is to three (4:3) aspect ratio is used, it was often a very tricky situation to have the defense covered.

But in an HDTV, they are already in your picture, so you can actually get to see more of the play, and also more of the development of the play.

Wonderful HDTV

The Wonderful World of TV Viewed through HDTV

High-definition television or HDTV sets were launched and introduced to the ever insatiable market in 1998. On its launch, HDTV spurred excitement among tech aficionados, sports fans and movie addicts.

You must be wondering why. Well, there is a pretty good reason for TV buffs to get excited about the advent of TV through HDTV.

HDTV started the rise of a television paradise because they boasted and impressed consumers with resolutions that are of superior and top quality. HDTV’s superior resolution of course, comes in pair and is complemented by equally superior digital surround sound.

Thus, movie buffs have been so happy and so hyper upon the introduction of HDTV. Now, they could play video movies and watch them in original widescreen format. Not only that, the wide-screen feature does not contain the so-called letterbox “black bars”.

Letter “black bars” that HDTVs eliminate are those spaces on wide-screen TVs that annoys people, especially the meticulous ones. It gives a perception that the screen is horizontally flattened out, sacrificing the vertical traction.

HDTV and the confused market

Unfortunately, there are already a lot of TV models and technologies that the introduction of HDTV made the array and selection of TV sets more and further complicated.

Consumers who now shop for TV sets find themselves surrounded and astounded by numerous abbreviations and a wide array of TV choices that on the downside confuse them, to a great extent.

Probably, you must have experienced being so confused about the numerous choices in TV sets nowadays. It only proves that the TV technology and industry is still growing and improving to meet the insatiable demands and tastes of the technology-thirsty consuming public.

Indeed, TV is still the most powerful media. Consistently rising sales of TV sets can attest to that.

From analog TV to HDTV

For decades, TV addicts around the world have watched TV through analog signals beamed and received by the cathode ray tube or CRT TV sets. Cathode ray tubes are the tubes that make up most of the TV screen.

Analog TV works in a simple and uncomplicated dynamics. The TV signal is beamed or transmitted using radio waves that when received by television sets are translated and converted into sound and pictures, the TV experience being communicated to the audience on the receiving end.

Conventional TVs’ analog signals reach TV sets through a cable connection, a satellite transmission or over the air. Because the technology so shifting into digital, analog covert digital signals into analog signals.

Thus, the movie played by your DVD players are converted by the analog TV into analog signals, so the picture will be compatible with the conventional TV’s screen.

However, consumers and movie addicts notice and have been complaining about how the picture and sound quality of DVD movies are lowered and altered when watched through an analog TV set.

That is when HDTVs get in. Because analog TV sets do not give out excellent viewing quality to meticulous viewers, HDTV, which spun off from digital TV and digital signal transmission technologies, attracted the market and lured TV set buyers.

Because HDTV is apparently and practically fitted and custom-made for digital broadcasts and transmission, it is the perfect equipment or TV set for viewing digitally transmitted signals, whether from the DVD player, from the digital cable operators and from digital over-the-air free television broadcasts.

HDTV perfectly renders a TV viewing experience that is optimally and sound-wise excellent. No matter how more expensive HDTV get compared to its analog TV counterparts, no wonder, people from all walks of life around the world still manage to get hold of it.

Buying HDTV sets

Buying HDTV sets is now somehow tiring and stressful. Don’t get it wrong. The weariness and stress people get from shopping for HDTVs comes from the disappointment to be not be able to bring home all the HDTV sets in the appliance shop.

HDTV is really an excellent form and new technology involving and evolving the well-loved television. The inventor of TV, John Logie Baird, must be turning upon his grave now, not with disgust, but with cheers and praises for what has become of his invention.

From TV’s invention in 1926, it now comes in the form of the modernized HDTV, which will certainly make past generations envy this generation.

The best things in life are for free. That is why, viewing the world through that little window called the television must really be an exciting experience for all viewers. Get your HDTV now!

HDTV'S

HDTV's Surging Popularity

This year alone sales of HDTVs is expected to reach 20 million. In fact, HDTV sales is on track to post a one week record shortly before the Super Bowl, as fans to want to enjoy the big game in all of its high-definition glory. HDTV comes in different prices and sizes. Whether it is DLP, LCD and Plasma. Consumers are confused on what to buy because of their unfamiliarity with the technology.

Studies show that nearly 60% of HDTV buyers are not sure on the difference between LCD, Plasma and Micro Display. Many HDTV shoppers do take time to research but still need to be guided on which product is appropriate for their demands and budget.

Cable companies have strengthened the demand for HDTV, as there is already 17 channels that offer HD programming. In addition, HDTV prices have sharply dropped over the past year and some sets cost as lows $1,500.

Comcast has reported that its roster of HDTV customer agents has ballooned to 1,100 and they answer queries and take orders from subscribers. The company has also deployed 1,100 HDTV technicians to assist in setting-up the products at homes.

Terms of HDTV
HDTV - a new breed of TV that combines the capabilites of a HD-tuner and HD-ready display. Nearly all of HDTV’s being sold in the market today use the 16:9 widescreen aspect ratio. An HDTV tuner can receive analog and digital broadcasts over-the-air.

HD–compatible TV- only composes the high-resolution display. Can only accept digital broadcasts if hooked with a separate HDTV tuner. HD-compatible TVs can have the 16:9 widescreen ratio or the square-ish 4:3 aspect ratio.

Starting on HDTV

A recent study by the Consumer Electronics Association indicated that 71% on consumers it has surveyed plans to purchase an HDTV set soon are already planning and saving up. However, one reality in the consumer market today is that store do have the right number salespeople that have a good grasp on new technoliges.

Most are more concerned on making a quick sale rather than making it easy for the consumer to understand what he is going through. Translating or explaining complicated technology terms is never an easy task.

It's hard enought to expain the difference between HDTV and analog TV and it will be more complicated to clearly tell the difference between HDTV and EDTV.

Setting up HDTV

When you decide to jump into HDTV give yourself time to become familiar with the technology. An HDTV setup normally consists of the following, HD-ready TV, receiver, antenna and HDTV service provider. Many HDTV's nowadays already have a built-in tuner, eliminating the need to purchase an independent box.

TO help you in making the right choice here some of the most popular HDTV products now available in the market.

Receiver

The DIRECTV HR10-250 High-Definition Television satellite receiver is the ideal for those that want to get the most out of watching crystal-clear HDTV broadcasts. The HR10-250 can receive and decode digital signals from DIRECTV’s high-resolution broadcasts. The satellite receiver also features a built-in hard drive digital video recorder.

HD-broadcasts feature images rich in detail and surround sound makes a room alive and vibrant. HR10-250 HDTV satellite receiver can be connected to any HD-ready TV and home audio system.

Specifications:

» HDTV DIRECTV tuner — receives and decodes digital
High-Definition Television signals from DIRECTV’s satellite broadcasts and local
free-to-air broadcasts with the use of a compatible antenna.
» receives digital TV broadcasts in 480i, 480p, 720p, 1080i
» dual ATSC tuners
» can record up to 200 hours of standard-definition digital TV
with its built-in hard disk digital video recorder and up to 30 hours of
HDTV
» manual timer recording by channel and time
» Season Pass™
» 1 set audio/video outputs (composite, S-video, component video,
HDMI)
» Thumbs Up/Thumbs Down buttons — ratings system from TiVo
» HDMI, HDMI-to-DVI, component video, S-video, composite video,
and telephone cables
» 1 year warranty

HDTV

How High Is Your Definition?

The increasing popularity of crystal-clear broadcasts in American TV has indicated that HDT has arrived and here to stay. Analog TV shift to an all-digital system herald a new dawn in the 65-year history of television. Hours of HDTV content are already available every night. Viewers can easily determine if a show is presented in HDTV if the message “Presented in high definition where available” is shown in the beginning of a program.

Basics of HDTV:

HDTV- a new type of television that combines an HDTV tuner and HD-capable display. Almost all of HDTV’s available in the market use the 16:9 widescreen aspect ratio. An HDTV tuner can receive analog and digital over-the-air broadcasts.

HDTV-ready TV- features only the high-resolution display and can only receive digital broadcasts if connected with a separate HDTV tuner. HDTV-ready TVs can have the 16:9 widescreen ratio or the square like 4:3 aspect ratio.

Choosing the right shape of a TV is important in the HDTV experience. A 4:3 screen will be advisable if a considerable amount of local and network dominate programming and these is a low number of over-the-air or cable HDTV programming in your TV market area.

However, with the arrival of new technology also calls for viewers to adapt to the situation. Those still using TV sets purchased nearly a decade ago will not be able to get the most out of the HDTV experience. For this you need to have a tuner to receive and decode HDTV signals from a source, and a high-quality screen that can reproduce the outstanding details and colors from an HDTV broadcast.

The chief reason why HDTV pictures look considerably clearer and crisper than normal TV is due to the higher resolution of HD. Normal TV pictures only have 480 lines of vertical resolution, while the most common HDTV’s have 1,080-line interlaces scan and 720-line progressive scan. The best analog quality that can be offered by analog TV is 480i, which in contract is the lowest quality signal in digital TV.

Getting started in HDTV is not as expensive like in the past few years, as prices of tuners and HDTVs continue to drop but the quality of products are constantly improving.

To help you maximize your HDTV setups without breaking the bank here are some tips to avoid costly mistakes and help you enjoy HDTV at its best.

Finding HDTV broadcasts within your area

Over-the-air-broadcasts: Nearly 1,500 local station across the US are transmitting Digital TV signals today. About 90% of digital station broadcasts are made in the UHF range an these can be accessed with the use of a normal UHF antenna. For this scenario you need:

- HD-compatible TV
- HDTV tuner- some are already built in an HDTV
- Outdoor or indoor UHF antenna
- The HDTV broadcasts in your area (of course!)


Cable HDTV:

Nearly all cable companies in the US offer HDTV service to their subscribers (especially those living the major cities and TV markets). Digital cable will offer more channels and the picture quality of broadcasts will be noticeably more crisp. However, consumers must always remember that “digital cable” is different from HDTV via cable. For this setup you need the following:

- HD-compatible TV
- HD-compatible cable box
- HD programming from cable company

Digital Satellite TV:

HDTV via satellite is available for those living the US and has a clear view of the sky. In short, this service is available almost everywhere. HDTV channels are already available from the top satellite TV providers DIRECTV and the DISHNetwork. Those lucky enough to live in major cities can even get local stations in HD via satellite. For this setup you need:

- HD-compatible TV
- HD-compatible satellite dish
- HD-compatible satellite receiver
- HD programming

Once you start to enjoy HDTV, going back to normal TV is likely not anymore an option. The crystal-clear viewing experience becomes addictive and anything less becomes mediocre. Many HDTV viewers have become impatient towards the slow growth in the number of compatible programming available.

However, HDTV will receive a boost from the introduction of the Blu-ray and HD DVD within the next twelve months. These new formats will enable HDTV viewers to watch and enjoy high-definition versions of their favorite movies for as long as they want.