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In technology years, high definition service is already old news although still very popular. It keeps it’s popularity because different factors that effect HD keep getting better. Sometimes it’s a new TV that re-invigorates it or a new format or, as of recently, a network update like that which AT&T Uverse TV service has implemented. Link any chain, HD is only as strong as it’s weakest link. In the case the weakest link has always been the service provider. Now, with fiber optics to patch up the gaps, TV service providers, like AT&T, can really maximize what the technology has to offer. High Definition is a form of television that offers superior digital quality above the current standard definition service. HD offers a 16:9 aspect ratio as compared to SD which is 4:3 which means that the screen is wider than it is tall with an HD TV. It is meant to mimic the movie theater view. Aside from the aspect ratio, HD also provides a crystal clear and quality picture. That is achieved because HD offers a higher resolution by using more than 2 Million pixels. A pixel is simply a very small point on your TV that holds a very small piece of an image. The more pixels you have the more detailed the picture on the screen is. By comparison, a standard definition TV uses about 500,00 pixels (way less than half of what an HD TV offers). In order to view something in High definition, an HD receiver, HD programming, and an HD TV are required.
- HD receiver/ set top box: Cable companies or any other TV company must provide you with an HD enabled receiver in order for you to view HD from your HD TV. TV companies usually have standard receivers (for standard definition TVs), HD receivers, Standard-DVR receivers (with recording capabilities), and HD-DVR receivers. Most TV companies will provide one receiver for free (usually a not a DVR) and any additional receivers you may need will require a monthly rental fee.
- HD TV: You can buy an HD TV anywhere theses days and the prices get lower and lower as the technology becomes more common place. By the way, HD TVs come in different levels. The levels are usually 720i, 720p, 1080i, and 1080p. An HD TV that is 1080p is the best of them all and is closer to blue ray quality than any of other other levels. Make sure to talk with an employee in the electronics store/ department to get a better explanation of what would be better for your preference (and budget).
- HD Programming: Now that you have an HD TV and an HD receiver, you will need HD channels to watch. This is the service that allows your HD receiver and your HD TV to have access to the HD channel range. Keep in mind, not all channels are offered in HD. Those channels that are available in HD are usually duplicates of the standard version. For example, channel 3 is ABC in standard definition but channel 403 is ABC in high definition. In order for a channel to be available in HD, the network that owns the channel has to use HD cameras to film shows or movies. Those that do not o this, will only be able to offer programming in SD regardless of the what equipment you have.
Remember that last link in the chain, the service provider. If you are going to spend all kinds of money on a fancy HD TV, then make sure to choose the TV provider that can maximize what you paid for. If you have Uverse or FiOS services available in your area, that’s the winner.
