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.

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.

High Definition Televisions

The Federal Communications Commission or FCC has reportedly mandated that all stations be able to broadcast high definition television signals by the year 2006. Consumers can readily check if high definition television shows are in broadcast over their televisions.

High definition televisions offers consumers pictures with higher resolutions, images that are clearer and sharper and the best sorround sound technology available.

Why High Definition Televisions Are The Best?

1. Higher Aspect Ratio

High definition televisions have a very high aspect ratio which is 16:9. The digital TVs available today have an aspect ratio of 4:3.

What is an aspect ratio? An aspect ratio is basically the width and height of the screen. The aspect ratio of most digital TVs which is 4:3 basically means that the screen is 4 feet wide and 3 feet high. Applying this to the highest aspect ratio available to high definition televisions, they have a screen that is 16 feet wide and 9 feet high.

This high aspect ratio gives high definition televisions the advantage of having a clearer and crisper image.

2. Higher Picture Resolution

High definition televisions have a higher picture resolution than most of the digital TVs available today.

In terms of the vertical and horizontal picture resolution of the usual TVs available today, the picture resolution of high definition televisions are exceptionally high resulting to a sharper picture.

3. Reduced Motion Artifacts

High definition televisions are able to reduce motion artifacts such as ghosting and dot crawls that are usually present in less advanced TVs.

This makes high definition televisions more viewer friendly than most of the digital TVs available today.

4. Dolby A3 Digital Sorround Sound System

High definition televisions have a Dolby A3 digital sorround sound system that has been made standard.

High definition televisions offers 5.1 independent channels of CD-quality stereo sorround sound sometimes referred as AC-3.

Important Considerations When Acquiring High Definition Televisions

1. Consumers who have decided to buy high definition televisions should be mindful of the input and output jacks. The input or output jacks must be compatible with the current equipment. He can observe the following to make an easy check before actually buying a high definition television.

a. A consumer must make a list of all equipment that he will have to hook up to the high definition television lke DVD player, VCR, video game consoles, and cable boxes, etc.

b. Check what type of connection is needed for successful hook-up of all the equipment and accessories.

c. Compare it with the high definition television of your choice.

d. Basically, consumers who have decided to buy high definition televisions are in need of S-video connections and also composite or component video analog jacks.

2. Before buying a high definition television, consumers must be aware that the high definition television of their choice is able to up-convert or down-convert into any format.

That is, up-converting and down-converting capabilities of high definition televisions will let all transmitted signals in the designated format of the high definition television.

3. The standard audio system for high definition televisions is the Dolby A3 Sorround Sound System. Though, there should be more advance sorround sound systems available now in the market.

4. Compatibility of the high definition television with the HD tuner is also very important. Likewise, their compatibility with the satellite or cable service must be checked as well as that it can easily receive off-air broadcasts.

5. Consumers must also check if he needs an external antenna for the off-air broadcasts. This is basically in support to the necessary requirement mentioned above regarding checking if the high definition television and HD tuner can easily receive off-air broadcast.

If the high definition television and HD tuner cannot easily receive off-air broadcasts, tehn the consumer needs to have his very own external antenna.

Consumers must always pick out the best and high definition televisions are worth their money. In terms of audio and video performance, clarity of picture and images, high definition televisions can easily bring the movie screen right before the eyes of the home viewer.

The Advent And Rise Of High Definition Telvision

A media for viewing moving images along with real sounds had been a distant and ambitious dream for everyone until 1926. during that year, a kind of media was invented.

1926 was the year television was invented. People and fanatics have long been arguing that the television is so far the greatest and most important invention made by mankind.

It can be proven true. Everything was magneted and driven toward television. The economy, and all industries have centered around television. Television is the modern a nd widely used source of news, entertainment and information.

No wonder television is catching all the attention, unlike its media peers, the radio and the newspapers. The challenge of the Internet is posing threat, but television still is up to its sleeve.

The dominance of television as a source of information and entertainment, is expected to lost some long time further. Thus, revenues pouring from ads and sponsorships are likely to be enjoyed by broadcast companies for several more years to come.

That could probably be the reason why technology firms are still focused on developing television sets that are outpacing and making older models obsolete and inferior.

High definition television

High definition television was almost also an impossible dream fro the benevolent TV addict until 1998, when the first high definition television was introduced and launched to the market.

The introduction of high definition television has somehow contributed to the modern day influx of television sets and models. High definition television sets have made the earlier models, especially the widely used and affordable analog television sets, inferior and of low standards.

Indeed, high definition television has set standards of its own in the television manufacturing industry. The first developers of high television sets were envied by competitors, that is why other TV makers have come out with their own versions of high definition television sets.

Unbelievable features

There are a number of incredible features exhibited by high definition television sets. For one, and as a start, the resolution is crystal clear. High definition television sets are made of the finest LCDs or monitors, with the best audio qualities possibly can be integrated in a modern day machine.

Analog TVs can be crystal clear and contenting, but seeing the exceptional quality of image and pictures in high definition television sets will make them comparatively lagging behind and in the most straight-forward word, inferior.

The sound quality of high definition television is equally breath taking. It is like hearing the real and actual sound, only much and way long better.

High definition television sets make up for a more pleasurable and breath taking television viewing experience. There is no arguing to that.

TV signals

Because the technology used in the development and manufacture of high definition television sets is different from the wide used technology used in the making of analog TVs, the signal reception is different.

That could make up one downside to the high definition television emergence. Because most TV networks around the world are basically operating using analog signal transmitters, it would take years before all of them are fully converted into digital signal transmissions.

Digital signal transmissions is the key to high definition television sets. These TVs cannot receive and take in the conventional analog TV signals. Because they are digital, high definition television sets can only accommodate digital TV signals.

Switching of broadcast industries to digital will take years to accomplish. In the US, it is assumed that the switch will be fully implemented by February 2007. it will be until 2009 to 2010 in Australia and the rest of the world is soon to follow suit.

Thus the adoption and full-scale blow up of high definition television industry will take several more years to be realized.

Getting started with High-Definition Television

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

High-Definition Television –compatible 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.

High-Definition Television has arrived and here to stay given surging popularity of crystal-clear broadcasts in US television TV. Analog television’s shift to an all-digital system has heralded a new age in the 65-year history of TV.

Hours of High-Definition Television can be viewed almost nightly. Viewers can easily determine if a show is presented in High-Definition Television if the message “Presented in high definition where available” is shown at the start of a program.

Choosing the right TV is important in the High-Definition Television experience. A TV with a 4:3 screen will be a good choice if local and network dominate programming are common in your market and over-the-air or cable High-Definition Television programming is sparse.

However, with the arrival of new technology also calls for viewers to adapt to the situation. Those still using traditional TV sets will not be able to get the most out of the High-Definition Television experience.

For this you need to have a tuner to receive and decode High-Definition Television signals from a source, and a high-quality screen that can reproduce the outstanding details and colours from an High-Definition broadcast.

The higher resolution of High-Definition Television makes its pictures crisper and clearer compared to traditional television. Traditional TV pictures only possess 480 lines of vertical resolution, while High-Definition Television has 1,080-line interlaces scan and 720-line progressive scan. The best quality that can be given by analog TV is 480i, which in contrast is the lowest quality signal offered by digital TV.

Getting started in High-Definition Television is not as expensive like during the time it was introduced in the market. Prices of tuners and HDTVs continue to decline but the quality constantly improves rapidly.

To help you maximize your High-Definition Television setups without spending your life savings here are some important tips to avoid costly mistakes and help you experience High-Definition Television at its fullest.

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
- High-Definition Television tuner-
- Outdoor or indoor UHF antenna
- The High-Definition Television broadcasts in your area

Digital Satellite TV: High-Definition Television 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. High-Definition Television 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

Top High-Definition Television receiver in the market today

DIRECTV HR10-250 satellite 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