Feeding your HDTV video system an actual HDTV signal makes a world of distinction. I recently worked on the installation of a very high-end residence theater system (six figure price tag on this job) and when the time came to test it, it was difficult to watch anything but a true HDTV channel on the big 20 foot projection screen.
A high definition television system has a native resolution and every single signal is either scaled up or scaled down until it matches this native resolution. The optimum scenario would be to feed it a signal that matches the native resolution so no scaling is required.
When a standard definition tv signal is displayed on an HDTV, the result is like looking at a low top quality JPEG photo. All of the artifacts in the image are magnified. Whenever you switch to a true HDTV image it is like an individual cleaned a layer of dirt off of the tv. Everything becomes much clearer and a lot more vivid. So, how do you get a true HDTV signal into your new house theater system?
Tuning in to HDTV Channels
The three primary techniques of acquiring an HDTV signal into your home theater system are: over-the-air, cable, and satellite broadcasts. Let's take a closer look at these options.
Acquiring HDTV Over-The-Air
It might come as a surprise, but over 99% of US homes have a minimum of 1 television station with a digital broadcast and 85% of all US homes have 5 or far more stations broadcasting digitally. These are the main networks that you watch every single day. Several of them have HDTV broadcasts. Just before you go any further, look for local HDTV signals available inside your region ()
If you're planning to get most of your HDTV programming over-the-air, it makes sense to shop around for an HDTV with a built-in (ATSC) tuner. Many HDTVs (and nearly all video projectors) do not have a built-in tuner. If you are building your house theater around a video projector, or plan to get an HDTV with out a built in tuner, you will need to invest in an HDTV (ATSC) tuner (like the Samsung SIR-T451) to access over-the-air broadcasts.
Once you've worked out the tuner problems, you need an antenna to get the broadcast out of the air and into your HDTV. The distance between your house and your local TV stations broadcast transmitter, and the power of the transmission they send out, will determine whether an old fashioned pair of 'rabbit ears' will work or whether you want a far more robust antenna up on the roof. AntennaWeb's antenna mapping program (/aw/welcome.asp) is a resource which will help you discover where the local broadcast transmitters are inside your region and point you to the type of antenna you'll will need to put on the roof.
Check together with your local tv stations to determine what over-the-air HDTV programming they offer. This will vary station by station and market by marketplace, but the number of channels available is steadily growing. You could get a much better mix of network HD broadcasts over-the-air than via your cable or satellite provider - and they're free!
Obtaining HDTV By way of Cable
To get HDTV programming from your local cable organization you will require an HD compatible cable box (typically your cable provider will provide this for a little monthly fee) along with a subscription to HD programming.
The quantity of HDTV content broadcast over cable channels is growing each and every day. Check with your local cable organization to decide what channels they provide in HD. They'll likely have several diverse packages offered.
Most HDTV cable service will offer outstanding results. But, the top quality of the signal that arrives at your residence depends on the high quality of the wiring network that your cable organization maintains. In some instances this can lead to lower picture high quality. Should you plan to go with a cable solution, ask around and find out if others inside your region are happy with the service.
Unique Note: Digital Cable Service isn't the exact same as HD Cable Service. Most digital service is still standard definition. You need to buy service which is specifically marketed as HDTV to get HDTV programming.
Acquiring HDTV By means of Satellite
If you have an unobstructed view of the southern sky, you'll be able to get your HDTV programming from one of the major satellite systems. DISH Networks, DirecTV, and VOOM are the major players in this market. Every offers a growing collection of HD channels and, in the event you live in a remote region, they may be your only choice.
To get satellite programming you'll want to get an HD compatible satellite dish, an HD compatible receiver, and subscribe to an HDTV satellite programming service. Typically you can get all three as component of a package. Should you have existing satellite service you could need to upgrade your hardware to grow to be HD compatible. Check with your service provider to determine what upgrades you'll will need and if they are offering any unique incentives to upgrade to HD.
Enjoy Your New View
Once you've got true HDTV running through your digital residence theater, you'll be amazed at the difference it makes inside your entertainment experience. You may come across your self skipping your favorite standard definition program just to watch anything in HD - it's that beautiful.
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