Preparing for High-Def

Just about everyone has heard of HDTV. Maybe you saw it at your local electronics store, heard about it from a friend, or saw an "available in HDTV" logo appear on your favorite television program. Although the HDTV buzz is spreading like wildfire, there is much to know before you can enjoy HDTV at home.

If you've been to a store, you may have been told that getting HDTV is easy. While that may be true for some, getting HDTV is not always as simple as many think. In order to join the high-def revolution, you'll likely need to make some significant (and pricey) technology upgrades. These upgrades include your source, tuner, and display.

What you need to watch HDTV

High-Definition Signal or Program

In the same way a broadcast signal is needed for receiving a normal (analog) television program, a high-definition signal is required in order to watch programs broadcast in HD. HDTV programming can be delivered through one of two ways: (1) a pay-TV service such as cable or satellite, or (2) a local broadcast signal. Most people across the United States have access to HDTV programming through one or both of these signal types. However, those in rural areas may have a harder time getting HDTV programs because of fewer signal options. Also keep in mind that there is sometimes an additional monthly fee for receiving specific HDTV channels and programs through pay-TV services.

You will want to check your television listings for available programming. Not every program on a digital TV station is recorded in high-definition, especially during the daytime hours. Although there is a wealth of HDTV programming to view, the majority consists of sporting events and prime time television shows. If you find that there isn't any compelling high-def programming in your area and your current TV still works, you may want to consider holding off on your HDTV upgrade.

High-Definition Tuner

Verifying access to one or more broadcast signals is the key first step but a high-def tuner is required to properly receive them. HDTV tuners, also known as HD receivers and HD decoders, are specific to your television service.

The most common pay-TV services are satellite and cable. For example, if you receive television programming through the Dish Network satellite system, then you will need a Dish Network high-definition receiver. If you rely on an antenna for local broadcast reception (also known as free TV), then you will need to have a tuner for off-air signals. These are known as terrestrial HDTV receivers.

NOTE: Some manufacturers are combining multiple tuners in a single unit allowing you, for example, to receive high-definition programming from both satellite and terrestral sources from a single box.

If you purchase or have purchased an HD-Integrated TV, then you already have one or more HDTV tuners built into the television. In most cases, the built-in receiver is for local broadcasts from a terrestrial antenna. Some of the newer TVs on the market are integrated for cable systems. You can verify this by looking for a slot labeled "CABLE Card" somewhere on your television. In this case, all you need to do is acquire a cable card from your cable service provider. Most televisions are not integrated for satellite service. You will most likely need to purchase the correct HD receiver for your satellite provider as mentioned above.

If you own an HD-Ready TV (or HDTV monitor), there is no HDTV receiver built in to the TV. The correct HDTV receiver for your provider must be purchased before you can begin viewing HDTV programs.

HD Television

The last item that is needed in order to watch a high-def program is a television capable of displaying HDTV images. These TVs generally come in two flavors: HD-Ready televisions (also known as HDTV monitors) and HD-Integrated TVs. Both kinds are capable of displaying HDTV images, the difference between them is whether or not an HD tuner is built in (as described above).

If you purchase a TV that is labeled as an EDTV monitor, you will still be able to view HDTV programs. However, the quality of the HDTV images will be reduced. EDTVs are a popular category for flat panel displays because the reduction in resolution (image quality) makes them less expensive to manufacture, and therefore more affordable for the consumer.

What to Expect

Once all of the requirements have been met and properly setup, you can begin to watch HDTV programs available to you. You will immediately notice the depth, clarity, and detail that HDTV images provide over the traditional analog programs.

Making the HDTV plunge can be an expensive proposition. In many cases, it can be cost prohibitive to upgrade everything at one time. To ease the financial pain, consider upgrading one step at a time. However, be aware that until all the requirements have been met, you won't be getting the true HDTV experience.

The difference between analog and HDTV is astounding. Television has never looked better. Enjoy your HDTV experience!