subject: Getting HDTV Into Your House Theater [print this page] Getting HDTV Into Your House Theater Getting HDTV Into Your House Theater
Feeding your HDTV video system an actual HDTV signal makes a world of difference. I recently worked on the installation of a really high-end residence theater system (six figure price tag on this job) and when the time came to test it, it was hard to watch anything but a true HDTV channel on the big 20 foot projection screen.
A high definition television system has a native resolution and every signal is either scaled up or scaled down until it matches this native resolution. The optimum scenario would be to feed it a signal that matches the native resolution so no scaling is needed.
When a standard definition tv signal is displayed on an HDTV, the result is like looking at a low top quality JPEG photo. All of the artifacts inside the image are magnified. Whenever you switch to a true HDTV image it is like someone cleaned a layer of dirt off of the tv. Everything becomes a lot clearer and a lot more vivid. So, how do you get a true HDTV signal into your new home theater system?
Tuning in to HDTV Channels
The three primary methods of acquiring an HDTV signal into your house theater system are: over-the-air, cable, and satellite broadcasts. Let's take a closer look at these options.
Obtaining HDTV Over-The-Air
It may possibly come as a surprise, but over 99% of US homes have a minimum of 1 television station with a digital broadcast and 85% of all US homes have 5 or a lot more stations broadcasting digitally. These are the major networks that you watch each day. Numerous of them have HDTV broadcasts. Prior to you go any further, look for local HDTV signals accessible in your area (www.hdtvpub.com.)
If you are planning to get most of your HDTV programming over-the-air, it makes sense to shop around for an HDTV with a built-in (ATSC) tuner. Many HDTVs (and almost all video projectors) don't have a built-in tuner. If you're building your property theater around a video projector, or plan to get an HDTV with out a built in tuner, you'll need to invest in an HDTV (ATSC) tuner (like the Samsung SIR-T451) to access over-the-air broadcasts.
Once you've got worked out the tuner problems, you will need an antenna to get the broadcast out of the air and into your HDTV. The distance between your home and your local TV stations broadcast transmitter, along with the power of the transmission they send out, will establish whether or not an old fashioned pair of 'rabbit ears' will work or whether or not you need a more robust antenna up on the roof. AntennaWeb's antenna mapping program (www.antennaweb.org/aw/welcome.asp) is really a resource that will support you locate where the local broadcast transmitters are in your area and point you to the type of antenna you will require to put on the roof.
Check with your local tv stations to determine what over-the-air HDTV programming they offer. This will vary station by station and market by marketplace, but the number of channels available is steadily growing. You might get a far better mix of network HD broadcasts over-the-air than by means of your cable or satellite provider - and they're free!
Obtaining HDTV Through Cable
To get HDTV programming from your local cable organization you'll want an HD compatible cable box (usually your cable provider will offer this for a tiny monthly fee) and a subscription to HD programming.
The amount of HDTV content broadcast over cable channels is growing each and every day. Check together with your local cable organization to figure out what channels they offer in HD. They will likely have various different packages obtainable.
Most HDTV cable service will offer outstanding results. But, the quality of the signal that arrives at your house depends on the top quality of the wiring network that your cable firm maintains. In some instances this can lead to lower picture high quality. If you plan 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 isn't the exact same as HD Cable Service. Most digital service is still standard definition. You must buy service that is specifically marketed as HDTV to get HDTV programming.
Obtaining HDTV Through Satellite
Should you have an unobstructed view of the southern sky, you are able to get your HDTV programming from one of the main satellite systems. DISH Networks, DirecTV, and VOOM are the major players in this market. Every offers a growing collection of HD channels and, if you live in a remote area, they may be your only option.
To get satellite programming you need to get an HD compatible satellite dish, an HD compatible receiver, and subscribe to an HDTV satellite programming service. Usually you are able to get all 3 as part of a package. In case you have existing satellite service you could want to upgrade your hardware to become HD compatible. Check together with your service provider to figure out what upgrades you will need and if they are offering any special incentives to upgrade to HD.
Enjoy Your New View
Once you've got true HDTV running through your digital house theater, you will be amazed at the distinction it makes in your entertainment experience. You could come across your self skipping your favorite standard definition program just to watch anything in HD - it's that stunning.
