Your HDTV video system feeding a real HDTV signal makes a world of difference. Recently worked on installing a system of very high-end home theater (six-figure price tag on this work), and when it was time to try it, it was difficult to watch anything but a true channel HDTV projection screen instep 20 great.
A system of high-definition television has a native resolution and each signal is scaled up or scaled down until it matches the native resolution. The optimal situation is to feed it a signal that matches the native resolution, so no resizing is required.
When a standard-definition tv signal is displayed on an HDTV, the result is like looking at a picture of low quality JPEG. All artifacts in the image are blown out. When you switch to a true HDTV picture is like someone cleaned up a layer of dirt out of the tv. Everything becomes much clearer and crisper. So, how do you get a true HDTV signal in your new home theater system?
Tuning for HDTV channels
There are three main ways of getting an HDTV signal in your home theater system: broadcasts, cable and satellite. Let's take a closer look at these options.
Getting HDTV over the Air
It might be a surprise, but over 99% of us homes have at least one television station with a digital transmission and 85% of all U.S. homes have 5 or more stations, digital broadcasting. These are the major networks that watch every day. Many of them have HDTV broadcasts. Before you go ahead, try local HDTV signals available in your area (www.hdtvpub.com).
If you're going to get the most out of your HDTV over-the-air programming, it makes sense to shop around for an HDTV with a built-in tuner (ATSC). Many HDTVs (and almost all video projectors) do not have a built-in tuner. If you are building your home theater around a video projector, or intend to buy an HDTV without a built-in tuner, you will need to invest in an HDTV (ATSC) tuner (such as the Samsung SIR-T451) to access the broadcasts.
Once you have worked the tuner editions, you need an antenna to get the broadcast off the air and your HDTV. The distance between your home and your local TV stations broadcast transmitter and power transmission, determine whether it will send a couple of old-style ' rabbit ears ' or if you need a more robust antenna on the roof. Antenna mapping program of AntennaWeb (www.antennaweb.org/aw/welcome.asp) is a resource that will help you find where local broadcasting transmitters are in your area and choose the type of antenna that you'll need to put on the roof.
Check with your local TV stations to determine which programming over-the-air HDTV, they offer. This can vary from the station and the market, but is constantly increasing the number of channels available. You can get a better combination of network HD broadcasts over the Air than through your cable provider or satellite-and are free!
Get HDTV through cable
To get HDTV programming from your local cable company you will need a compatible HD cable box (usually the cable provider will provide this for a small monthly fee) and a subscription to the HD programming.
The amount of transmission of HDTV content on cable channels is growing every day. Check with your local cable company to determine which channels offering in HD. You probably have several packages available.
The majority of HDTV cable service will provide excellent results. But, the quality of the signal that arrives in your home depends on the quality of network cabling that keeps your cable company. In some cases this can lead to lower the image quality. If you're going to go with a cable solution, ask around and find out if others in your area are happy with the service.
Special Note: Digital Cable Service is not the same HD cable service. Most services are still standard definition digital. You must buy the service that is specifically marketed as HDTV to get HDTV programming.
Get HDTV through Satellite
If you have an unobstructed view of the southern sky, you can get your HDTV programming from one of the main satellite systems. Dish Network, DirecTV and VOOM are the main players in this market. Each offers a growing collection of HD channels, and if you live in a remote area, may be the only option.
To obtain the satellite programming you need to get a HD compatible with parabolic antenna, an HD-compatible receiver and subscribe to a satellite HDTV programming service. Usually you can get all three as part of a package. If you have existing satellite service, which might need to upgrade your hardware to be HD compatible. Contact your service provider to determine what upgrades will be necessary and if they are offering any special incentives for upgrading to HD.
Enjoy your new point of view
Once you have true HDTV running through your home theater digital, you'll be amazed at the difference it makes in your entertainment experience. You may find yourself skipping your favorite program of standard-definition only to watch anything in HD-is that good.
Andrew Seltz is a Go-To Guy. His love for technology and film led him to work for the installation of high-definition video in private homes and commercial premises. His articles appear on http://www.ColossalTV.com -the place to get answers to your questions digital home theater.
