What is HDTV?

HDTV or "High Definition Television" refers to television signals that are broadcast at a higher resolution than other traditional formats. HDTV uses digital technology to transmit a large amount of information to your TV.

Whereas analog television uses 525 scanning lines to produce images on television screens, HDTV uses from 720 to more than a thousand progressive scanning lines to produce an image. The audio quality on HDTV is also much better than analog, but perhaps the best part of all is that it's free.

How do I transition to HDTV?

Since the HDTV format is completely different from analog television, there are a couple of key things that you will need to change. The good news is that you don't need cable or a satellite dish. The bad news is that you will need an entirely new television set that is equipped to handle HDTV.

There are two ways you can go. One method is to get an HDTV receiver with a digital tuner built in. The other way is to get an HDTV monitor and digital receiver separate, along with an outside UHF antenna.

Is reception still a concern?

Yes, the HDTV antenna will need to be mounted on the outside of your home, except in prime locations where the reception is immaculate. Hills, mountains, forests, and other landscapes still affect the reception, so you will need to ensure that you are getting a clear signal. If you do not have a reasonable line-of-sight to television towers, you will need to strategically mount your HDTV antenna outdoors.

The benefits of HDTV

HDTV is great for the entirely family, but for the sports fan, it's like a dream come true. HDTV offers a crystal clear picture that gives the viewer the illusion of actually being there. Some say that the picture is so good that it's better than actually being there, when you take into the account the cost of attending major sporting events these days, especially fighting traffic and finding parking.

And with added bonus 5.1 surround sound, you can transform your living into a virtual home theatre. Movie watching and concert viewing will never be quite the same again.

More information on HDTV