Satellite HDTV (high definition TV) is all the rage these days, and DISH Network and DIRECTV are broadcasting more and more of their programming in high definition. So how do their HDTV receivers compare? Let's take a look ...
What is HDTV?
HDTV is a television broadcast format that uses a digital signal to produce an image that's far more detailed than a regular analog TV signal. In fact, an HDTV image is so lifelike it's like looking at a scene through a window.
In order to get satellite HDTV you need to subscribe to either DISH Network or DIRECTV satellite TV service, and you need the following equipment:
* An HDTV - LCD, plasma, or tube TV.
* An HDTV compatible satellite dish.
* An HDTV satellite receiver.
HDTVs
HDTVs come in a variety of makes and models. You can get an inexpensive tube HDTV for less than $300. LCD and plasma TVs will run you $900 to $30,000. And large-screen projections TVs will set you back $1,000 to $13,000.
Note: For more information on HDTVs click on the links below.
HDTV Satellite Receivers
DISH Network and DIRECTV HDTV receivers feature:
* Digital video with 1080i lines of resolution for the clearest picture available.
* Dolby Digital Surround Sound for three-dimensional audio.
* On-screen programming that allows you to create a list of your favorite channels, and search for programs by name, by actor, or by keyword.
* Outputs that can connect your receiver to your stereo or home theater system for superior sound.
DISH Network will give you a free HDTV receiver when you subscribe to their service, and DIRECTV will give you a free HDTV receiver, after a $99 mail-in rebate, when you sign up with them.
If you want to record your favorite shows in HD format, you can get a combination DVR (digital video recorder) HDTV receiver from DISH Network or DIRECTV that will record up to 200 hours of programming, and store those programs inside your receiver.
For more information on HDTV receivers click on the links below.
HDTV Satellite Dish
DISH Network and DIRECTV will give you a free satellite dish, a free four-TV receiver system, and install your satellite TV system for free when you subscribe to their service. Your installer will even show you how to operate your new system.
HDTV Programming
DISH Network HDTV programming starts at $29.99 a month for 25 HD channels and 75 regular satellite TV channels, and goes up to $79.99 for 25 HD channels and 350 regular channels.
DIRECTV has one HDTV programming package which has seven HD channels for $9.99 a month. In order to get this package you must subscribe to one of their regular programming packages which start at $29.99 for 155 channels.
Bottom Line
When it comes to which HDTV receiver is the best, there's really not much difference between DISH Network and DIRECTV receivers. Both are state-of-the-art and top-of-the-line.
When it comes to HDTV programming, however, DISH Network has the edge over DIRECTV when it comes to number of HDTV channels and price.
Visit http://www.TheSatelliteTVGuide.com/dish-network-hdtv.htm for more DISH Network HDTV receiver 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 DISH Network HDTV receivers.
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Frequently Asked Questions
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.
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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)
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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.
10 Stars Who Look Bad on HDTV
By: MusicMovieLovers | 15-03-2008
I recently read an article about celebrities entitled 10 Stars Who Look Bad on HDTV. The list includes: 1. Cameron Diaz2. Britney Spears3. Rosie O'Donnell4. Brad Pitt5. David Letterman/Dr. Phil6. Diane Sawyer/Katie Couric7. Steven Tyler8. John Madden9. Joan Rivers10. Kate WinsletDo you agree with this list? Do you think it is accurate? Do you think anyone else should be added to the list or deleted from it?
TV picture is getting darker and darker, gradually. Fix?
By: Dr. Dave | 12-01-2008
I have a Panasonic rear-projection HDTV (model unknown). Lately, the picture has gradually been getting darker and darker. In night scenes the action is virtually invisible; it's all black. Daylight scenes are dark, too. Manipulation of the picture and contrast and brightness of the TV makes little to no difference.Is this a sign of the projection bulb burning out? I thought when that goes, it was a sudden failure. Or, is there something wrong with the set, which needs to be seen by a serviceman? (The set is about 4-5 years old.) Or, is it time for a new TV? (I secretly hope it is the latter; I would like to upgrade, and need an excuse.)
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