Big Screen TV Buyers Guide

HDTV: An Introduction

HDTV stands for High Definition Television, and if you live in the USA, Australia, or Japan you may already have experienced it. There are three key differences between HDTV and what's become known as standard definition TV ie regular NTSC, PAL or SECAM. The three differences are; an increase in picture resolution, 16:9 widescreen as standard, and the ability to support multi-channel audio such as Dolby Digital.

The most important aspect of HDTV, and the one which gives it its name is the increased resolution. Standard definition NTSC broadcasts have 525 horizontal lines, and PAL broadcasts are slightly better at 625 lines. In both these systems however, the actual number of lines used to display the picture, known as the active lines, is fewer than that. In addition, both PAL and NTSC systems are interlaced, that is, each frame is spit into two fields, one field is the odd-numbered lines and the other is the even lines. Each frame is displayed alternately and our brain puts them together to create a complete image of each frame. This has an adverse affect on picture quality.

HDTV is broadcast in one of two formats; 720p and 1080i. The numbers refer to the number of lines of vertical resolution and the letters refer to whether the signal is progressive scan, 'p', or interlaced, 'i'. Progressive scan means that each frame is shown in its entirety, rather than being split into fields. Both systems are significantly better quality than either PAL or NTSC broadcasts.

HDTV uses 16:9 widescreen as is its aspect ratio so widescreen pictures are transmitted properly and not letterboxed or panned and scanned. Dolby Digital multichannel sound can be broadcast as part of an HDTV signal, so if you have a surround sound speaker set-up you can use it to listen to TV rather than just DVDs.

To receive an HDTV broadcast you need either a TV with a built-in HDTV tuner or a HDTV receiver which can pick-up off the air HDTV channels, or cable or satellite HDTV like. You also need to live in are where HDTV channels are broadcast or distributed by cable or satellite.

Currently HDTV is widespread in Japan and is becoming commonplace in the US, with most major networks distributing HDTV versions of their popular content. The 2005 Superbowl led to a large increase in the demand for Fox Sports HDTV and cable companies scrambled to add it to their offering in the run up to the game. In Autralia, HDTV uptake was sluggish initially but has increased significantly since 2003.

The situation in Europe is not so bright. There is only one company broadcasting HDTV in the whole of Europe, Euro1080, and it has only two HDTV channels, both in the 1080i format. Euro1080HDe shows major cultural and sporting events to cinemas and clubs around Europe, while HD1 broadcasts sports, opera, rock music, and lifestyle programs via satellite to homes in Europe. UK satellite broadcaster, Sky, which is owned by Fox proprieter Rupert Murdoch, has announced plans to broadcast some HDTV content in 2006. The BBC has also made noises about broadcasting HDTV programs (it already films some programs in HD format).

However, it will be a while before HDTV in Europe catches up with the rest of the world. The controversy created by the confirmation of plans by the UK government to start switching off analogue transmitters in 2008 showed how many people have yet to make the switch to DVB-T. That will be used as an argument to show that there is no appetite in the UK for another major change in TV broadcasting - particularly as most people think they already have 'digital TV' in the form of DVB-T.

Given that television was invented by a Briton, and Europe led the way with PAL for so long, this is a rather sorry state of affairs.

Kenny Hemphill is the editor and publisher of The HDTV Tuner - a guide to the kit, the technology and the programming on HDTV.

MORE ARTICLES:

HDTV Reviews: The Help You Need To Buy A HDTV Set
The first place you will find a HDTV TV set review from is the HDTV TV set manufacturers, such as Sony. Though these HDTV TV set reviews are great for learning about all the technical aspects of buying a HDTV TV set, they can not help you learn about how it will be to actually own and live with watching the certain brand of HDTV TV set!

About HD Television
HD Television has become increasingly popular since its Introduction There are many well-known electronics manufacturers have designed Many models of HD style TV

HDTV: The Reasons For Buying Your Own
HDTV: Reasons For Getting It

Your Electronic Store HDTV Buying Guide
Electronic store gadgets seem to sprout out of nowhere like mushrooms. Every time you read a newspaper or magazine and watch the television, you are introduced to the latest and most advanced technological breakthrough on the face of the earth. Of the many gizmos and devices available on the market, one thing that TV addicts may want to consider investing on is the HDTV or High Definition Television.

HDTV - How to Give it Long Life
There are many benefits to have a HDTV, , there are many disadvantages in holding a HDTV as well. If a HDTV is not properly handled for, it can get harm that can affect the general picture excellence of the set. It is essential that you realize how to to take care properly for your HDTV. In this short article , you will find some preventive measures that will help you to take care properly to your HDTV so that you can prevent damage from occurring to your HDTV set. Remember that the HDTV is not a cheap "toy" .

EDTV vs HDTV
Confused by EDTV vs HDTV? We don't blame you. The number of acronyms floating about with regard to digital TV is frightening.

1080p HDTV Sets have Started to Emerge - Should You Opt for One?
It is all an issue of Image ResolutionThere are currently three different HDTV formats: 720p, 1080i, and 1080p; all three are designated as HD-Digital TV standards by the Advanced Television Systems Committee (ATSC), which adopted these formats.The main difference between these three HDTV formats is one of image resolution.

Watch and Record HDTV on the Mac
The launch of the Mac mini in January started a whole new industry of people who are designing solutions to enable the mini to be used as the basis of a home theater set-up or as a media server.However, for those who just want to use their mini, or any other reasonably powerful Mac as a viewer and recorder for HDTV, there's already an excellent solution.

The Path of United States HDTV World
The history of High definition television, HDTV in United States can be recalled back to 15 years ago.It is amazing to see that despite short history of HDTV in the nation, HDTV started to play a major role in United States home entertainment system.

HDTV: An Introduction
HDTV stands for High Definition Television, and if you live in the USA, Australia, or Japan you may already have experienced it. There are three key differences between HDTV and what's become known as standard definition TV ie regular NTSC, PAL or SECAM.

Best Buy HDTV
First things first, when we talk about HDTV (and even called High Definition Television), it is not merely transmitting at higher resolution than what is attainable with other kinds of televisions, but it also broadcasts digitally.

Television Broadcasting by HDTV Satellite Using The Best Technology Available
Are you a player in the LCD HDTV arena? And are you asking yourself what this HDTV Satellite technology is all about? The history of HDTV or high definition television is a short read. Although the technology has been available for quite some time it has not been possible to package it in an economic and viable supply until recently. What Comprises a HDTV Satellite System?

Choosing The Right HDTV
Looking to replace your old TV? Then you may might to invest in the new HD technology. Unlike regular standard televisions, HDTV sets are much lighter, occupy less space, offer more features and provide better image quality. However, the search for a new HDTV can be a daunting one, especially for new customers who are unfamiliar with the many HDTV technologies. Hence, in this article we will examine the various types of HDTVs and their benefits.

Which HDTV Should You Buy?
The Wonderful World of TV Viewed through HDTV

Top 10 HDTV brands in the market
HDTV is the latest buzz word in the technology sphere and every one wants to buy the best HDTV screen available in the market. There are various brands which are offering HDTV screens at affordable prices with latest features and technology. Top 10 HDTV brands in the market are offering numerous models of HDTV screen at competitive prices so it becomes a little difficult to choose one out of the top 10 HDTV.HDTV screens are available in three formats called plasma, LCD and rear projection. Each of the three has their own benefits and differs from brand to brand. While buying a HDTV screen makes sure that you set should not require repeated repairs as once the problem is repaired, it might reoccur. Brands like Panasonic, Samsung, Sony, Phili ...