The way we view TV changed forever in 2009, as all Americans switched to digitally broadcast television channels. Though this was certainly a momentous occasion, it seems that some are still confused about what high definition TV is when compared to digital TV.
While it’s true that they are related, the easiest way to remember the difference is that all HD tv is digital but not all digital TV is in high definition. Many people these days prefer to view high definition channels thanks to their clear picture and stunning visuals when compared to standard digital TV, and so this trend has begun to grow.
We’re here to answer all of your questions about this new form of television and what exactly it entails. For those who are interested in experiencing HDTV in the home, we show you what you need to get it.
There’s no doubt that all providers of cable TV, streaming, and video on demand services will be aiming for all of their programmings to be HD in the future, so there’s never been a better time to get invested.
What Is High Definition TV?
Most standard digital TVs run on 480p, which means 480 lines of resolution which are scanned progressively. A high definition TV runs on more than this, like 720p or 1080i which is significantly more and results in a clearer and more vibrant picture for the viewer.
1080i is the most common type of HD TV used by broadcasters including NBC, CBS, and CW. 1080i refers to 1080 lines of resolution but scanned in alternate fields which each have 540 lines each. When compared to 480p, you can see already how superior the image might be.
There are some drawbacks to having HD TV, though, so some people might not want to view all of their programmings this way. High definition is known for taking up more bandwidth which may be a problem for your data plan and these images cannot be viewed in their native form on some types of TV. Therefore, you’ll need to invest in the right gear if you want to make the best transition to this way of viewing.
How To Set Up HDTV At Home
When you’re ready to make the switch and say goodbye to your days of digital TV, there are some things you’ll have to do to become HD ready. The most important thing is having something that will allow you to broadcast the signal that these programs are sending.
This can include a satellite receiver, HD ready TV, HDMI cables, antenna or something else. If you want to record TV, you’ll need to have the means to do so either with a compatible TV or a Blu-Ray recorder or something similar.
When you have the correct equipment in place, you’ll need to ensure you’re getting the HD services. Most cable companies will have special packages that offer HD content which can cost a little more than regular programming, but be worth it in terms of quality. Streaming services also offer some things in HD as well, but again you may need to pay extra for the upgrade.
How To Find The Best HDTV Cable Provider
For those who don’t already have an existing cable service or who might be looking to upgrade, there are some things you consider when choosing an HDTV provider. When comparing services, keep these things in mind for the best HD experience:
Channels
One of the easiest ways to find an HDTV provider is to look at the content offered on their channels and whether or not it’s HD. Choose quality over quantity so you can be sure you’ll get more use out of your subscription. Some providers offer an extra package with channels just for HDTVs, so this might be a smarter investment.
Full HD
There are many cable providers claiming to be HD compatible, but not all of their programming will be. It’s important to see what type of HD they offer and for how many channels.
Price
Check on the price of their HD packages to compare them against others, and find one that seems in line with how many of their channels are HD. You might have the option of choosing just some packages for HD, such as movies or sport, so you can go with what you prefer to watch.
Recording
Many TV providers now allow you to directly record programming from your TV and store it for later, so check that there are full HD downloads available. These may come with fewer hours available than if you were to record standard channels so be aware of this.
The TV Of The Future
There’s no doubt that our media consumption is changing, and especially the home entertainment sector where we enjoy television and movies. One of the bonuses for the everyday American, though, is getting a quality of viewing that continues to improve so that our favorite content can be viewed better than ever before.
With many cable providers getting on board with HDTV broadcasting, a new era of HD seems to be entering. The 4K and 8K trends that are being enjoyed by some streaming services will soon be able to make the move to broadcast television, however that technology is still being developed. Once it has been implemented, there’s no telling what the next stage might be for home entertainment.
High definition TV certainly has the power to change how we view our favorite TV and movies from home, and without much needed at all. To give yourself the cinema experience in your own lounge room and enhance your cable subscription even further, it’s something that you definitely shouldn’t pass up.