HDTV is all the rage these days, but very few people really know what HDTV is. Here's a FAQ that answers the most common HDTV questions.
What is HDTV?
HDTV (high definition TV) is a television broadcast medium that uses digital technology to create super-sharp images. HDTV is broadcast in widescreen format and Dolby Digital audio producing a lifelike picture and CD quality sound.
What are the benefits of HDTV?
The benefits of HDTV are:
* Lifelike picture - HDTV images are twice as sharp as standard analog TV.
* More colorful images - HDTV images look more realistic than analog TV.
* Three-dimensional sound - HDTV is broadcast in Dolby Digital surround sound.
* Movie theater picture - HDTV is broadcast in a 16:9 aspect ratio just like a move screen.
* Less interference - HDTV signals do not produce snow, lines, or ghosting.
What equipment do I need to get HDTV?
In order to receive HDTV you need an HDTV compatible television and an HDTV antenna or satellite TV dish.
Where do I get HDTV equipment?
You can purchase tube, plasma, or LCD HDTV televisions through your local electronics store or discount store, or you can buy them online through a number of discount retailers. HDTV antennas are also available through these retailers.
Satellite dishes and HDTV receivers are available through DISH Network, DIRECTV, and Sky Angel. DISH Network and DIRECTV will give you a free dish and a free HDTV receiver when you subscribe to their satellite TV service (click on the links below for more information).
Where can I get HDTV programming?
HDTV programming is available through over-the-air networks or through DISH Network, DIRECTV, and Sky Angel.
DISH Network subscription prices start at $19.99 per month for 40 satellite TV channels. DIRECTV prices start at $29.99 per month for 155 channels. And Sky Angel prices start at $14.99 per month for 20 channels.
Visit http://www.TheSatelliteTVGuide.com/dish-network-hdtv.htm for more DISH Network HDTV information, ordering information, and their latest special offers. Click on the following link for more DIRECTV HDTV information.
The author, Brian Stevens, is the senior editor for TheSatelliteTVGuide.com and has written extensively on HDTV.
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Frequently Asked Questions
I have hooked up a dell latitude 630 use a vga ...
By: broncodan | 17-07-2008
I have hooked up a dell latitude 630 use a vga cable to a dynex LCD HGTV and switched to vga input and setup two displays on the laptop but still get no picture on the tv... any ideas?
Help connecting multiple components with tv
By: Need Help | 14-07-2008
I have an LG flat panel TV, and 3 components hooked to it: DirecTV DVR Reciever, a Sony DVD Surround Sound /speakers and a Phillips DVD Recorder. I was instructed on the connection of all of my components and everything works great- but my DVD recorder. I wanted to be able to make DVD recordings from my DirecTV DVR recordings. Here are my connections: DirecTV: HDMI to TV (HDMI1), AV Red & White to DVD Surround Sound, AV Red,White Yellow to DVD Recorder DVD Surround Sound: HDMI to TV (HDMI2) The power is there to the Phillips DVD Recorder, but the remote will not work and I have changed the Input on my TV to Component 1 and nothing will work. It seems like there should be something connected to the TV? Do I need a 3rd HDMI cord to go to the HDMI 3 slot on my TV? Then how would I play a movie from my DirecTV and record it with the recorder?
DVD Player/VCR Combo vs. DTV Set-Top Converter Box -- Problem
By: Katie | 25-06-2008
I connected my digital conversion set-top box to the tv, executed the setup sequence, and the tv is working fine. Now, though, the combination DVD player/VCR I have always used with the same tv (with an RF modulator) displays video, but the audio is not working. Anyone know what I did wrong with the setup? My instinct is that it 's something very simple that I overlooked. I tried shutting the set-top converter box off and operating the tv and peripheral the "old" way, but the DVD player/VCR is still not "talking." Thank you for any help you can provide.
Would I be able to connect my laptop which has a ...
By: JoeJohnson | 24-06-2008
Would I be able to connect my laptop which has a HDMI output to my LCD monitor which only has a DVI input using a HDMI-to-DVI cable? (I don't think my monitor is HDCP)
Deep scratch lcd fix?
By: cstevens | 12-05-2008
I have deep scratches on the screen of my Westinghouse LCD HDTV. They will not fix it. I am trying to find a product to buff and remove them, or a cost-effective way to have the LCD screen replaced?
Recording PC video on PVR via DV or HDMI?
By: pubspubs | 30-03-2008
Hello, I've got an HP DV9000 series laptop with DV and HDMI and svideo sockets, and a Samsung DVD HR750 PVD with DVD and HDD recording, and AV, DV, and RF connections. Can I use this setup to record films or programs on my PC onto the DVD or HDD of my PVR, using the DV link for example? I imagine it would have to be in real time. Would it be a digital quality recording? Would I be able to record DRM time limited recordings to keep a hard copy? Many thanks for any help or advice.
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