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High Definition Is Here To Stay Finally!
Sean Austin

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Once upon a time (not that long ago actually) I remember seeing the first "presented in stereo where available" on some of my favorite tv-shows. That is of course ancient history these days, but bridges nicely over to a similar piece of text we are confronted with today - "presented in high definition where available". After about 65 years of broadcasted television we are now, as analog is being traded to digital almost everywhere, truly shifting to a true era of HD-entertainment, high definition.

It's not a moment too soon that this technology is now made available to "the average consumer of socks", is the opinion of many people - and I definitely agree!

Let's start with some Basics of HD-technology as it relates to television.

Although it basics are the same as for older tv:s, this is essebtially a new type of television that combines an HDTV tuner and HD-capable display. In practise all trues HDTV's available in the market use the 16:9 wide screen aspect ratio. This is the format all contemporary movies and television programs are being produced in as well.

However, the arrival of a new technology like this also requires viewers to adapt to the situation. If you purchased your television set many years ago it will more than likely not be capable to display a high definition signal, even if you purchase the right kind of digital receiver or blu-ray/hd-dvd player. There's no getting around having to invest in a new tv in order to enjoy the latest level of digital entertainment. This is discussed in more detail on a page about digital televisions.

The good news however, is that getting started in HDTV is not as expensive like in the past few years, as prices of the right kind of equipment continue to drop, while the quality of products are constantly improving.

HDTV broadcasts available in your area

As far as television broadcasts go, there are three major ways of receiving HD. Not all choices may be available in your particular location.

HDTV via satellite in the US can be said to be available to everyone that has a clear view of the sky. In other words, this service is available almost everywhere. Many HDTV channels are already available from the top satellite TV providers such as DIRECTV and the DISHNetwork, and more are constantly being added. Those who happen to live in major cities can usually get local stations in HD via satellite as well. For this setup you need:

  • HD-compatible TV
  • HD-compatible satellite dish
  • HD-compatible satellite receiver
  • HD programming
There are nearly 1,500 local station across the US are transmitting Digital TV signals today. About 90% of digital station broadcasts are sent in the UHF range an these can be accessed with the use of a normal UHF antenna. It is the basic choice in most other countries that have moved to digitally transmitted broadcasts. For this kind of setup 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!)
Just about all cable companies in the US offer a HDTV option to their subscribers. Digital cable can usually offer more channels and the picture quality of broadcasts will likely be of a superior quality. However, consumers must always remember that "digital cable" is different from HDTV via cable and the devices aren't (apart from the tv-set) aren't compatible with the above mentioned systems. For this option you need the following:

  • HD-compatible TV
  • HD-compatible cable box
  • HD programming from cable company
Once you start to enjoy HDTV, going back to normal TV will quite likely not feel like anymore an option. Like many similar things you are happy with what you've got until you've tried something better - the crystal-clear viewing experience becomes addictive and after a while anything less will simply feel mediocre. In fact, many HDTV viewers have become impatient towards the slow growth in the number of compatible programming available.

However, as the new dvd-formats are now entering the market full steam (as I'm writing this a winner in the format war hasn't yet emerged) and prices of the equipment needed is rapidly coming down to levels that the mass market can handle. So, in light of the above, you have found this site just on time. Because now is the time to make the shift to a new and richer television experience.



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