HDTV has arrived. Millions of people are already enjoying its crystal-clear picture and sound, and you could be, too.
HDTV is the most exciting part of
To experience true high-definition television in your home, you need a source of HDTV signals, a tuner to receive and decode those signals, and a high-performance display screen that can reproduce the remarkable detail and color of HDTV images. Many people have invested thousands of dollars in an HDTV without giving much thought to what they'll be watching on it. This article will help you put all the pieces of the puzzle together so you can avoid costly mistakes and experience the full magnificence of HDTV.
How to find HDTV signals in your area
The three basic ways to receive high-definition programs are described below. Once you know what type(s) of HDTV signals are available, you'll have a clearer idea of what equipment you need to watch them.
- Over-the-air broadcasts: Digital TV broadcasts are currently being transmitted by over 1500 local stations across the country covering over 99% of U.S. TV households (as of 1/06). Visit this website to find stations broadcasting digital signals in your area — just enter your zip code (the site also lists local cable HD availability). Over 90% of digital stations broadcast in the normal UHF range (channels 14 through 83), so you can receive them with a standard UHF antenna. For antenna info that's specific to your address, visit the Consumer Electronics Association's antenna selector website.
What you need:
- HD-compatible TV
- HDTV (ATSC) tuner — separate unit or built into TV
- indoor or outdoor UHF or UHF/VHF antenna
- local HDTV broadcasts (they're free!)
- Cable HDTV: Cable TV providers now offer the option of HDTV service to about 90% of subscribers, especially those living in medium- and big-city TV markets. This website lets you quickly check HD cable availability in your area. Don't confuse "digital cable" with HDTV via cable. Digital cable usually means that you get more channels, and the picture quality may look a little better than regular cable, but it's not HDTV. If your cable provider does offer HDTV, you'll probably need to upgrade your cable box to an HDTV-capable model.
What you need:
- HD-compatible TV
- HD-compatible cable box (or TV with built-in digital cable tuner: QAM or CableCARD-ready)
- HD programming (subscription required)
Most new HDTVs include a built-in "QAM" digital cable TV tuner, which lets cable subscribers watch most unscrambled cable channels without using a set-top box. CableCARD-ready TVs offer access to additional programming via a special card slot designed to accept a CableCARD™. This CableCARD is a removable security card that allows the TV to receive premium (scrambled) digital cable programming without using a set-top box. The CableCARD doesn't duplicate all cable box features and capabilities, and fewer new HDTVs have a CableCARD slot due to lack of support by cable companies. Contact your local cable provider for details regarding the availability and costs of CableCARD-related services.
- Digital satellite TV: If you live in the contiguous 48 states and have a clear view of the southern sky, you can probably receive HDTV programs via satellite. DIRECTV® and DISHNetwork® currently offer a limited number of HDTV channels. Viewers who live in large cities may be able to get their local stations in HD via satellite, too. Otherwise, some combination of satellite/antenna or satellite/cable may be necessary to receive the exact channel mix you desire.
What you need:
- HD-compatible TV
- HD-compatible satellite receiver
- HD-compatible satellite dish
- HD programming (subscription required)
