HDTV: Like Looking Through an Open Window
Have you ever watched a movie on a regular TV set, and then
watched the same movie on an HDTV? If so, you would have noticed
a huge difference! On the HDTV viewing, you see and notice
things you've never seen before, even if you've seen the same
movie several times! The colors are brighter, backgrounds are
clearer, and details are better defined. HDTV is like looking
out an open window, whereas in comparison, standard TV is almost
like looking through a glass soda bottle. Because of CRT
(cathode ray tube) technology, TV is often referred to as "the
tube". After watching HDTV, watching standard TV is almost like
trying to view through one!
HDTV, or High Definition Television, offers precision sound,
original film quality picture resolution, and a wider, better
detailed panoramic view. This is made possible by the use of
true digital signal which is transmitted via satellite or cable
directly to your unit. You'll notice that not only does HDTV
offer extraordinary picture clarity and sound, but the scope of
the picture just like watching a movie on the "big screen",
inside a real movie theater!
The use of digital signal is what separates HDTV from your
common television set. The reason why there is such a notable
difference between the two is that conventional televisions
operate on analog signal. Digital signals are much faster,
meaning images are is refreshed more rapidly, therefore
providing superb picture resolution. Analog signals are much
slower. As a result, the images produced by a television using
this type of signal are of low resolution. Simply put, the
picture is just not as sharp and view is restricted.
Not only do HDTV's offer superb picture quality, but HD sound is
second to none. This is because Dolby Digital surround sound
comes standard with HDTV. So, not only does watching an HDTV
remind you of a movie theater, it also has the sound system to
further enhance the experience.
Along with better quality picture and sound, HDTV's are quite
easily integrated with your computer. They are able to easily
communicate directly with one another through the use of a type
of data compression software such as MPEG-2. Once this software
is successfully installed, a whole new world of multimedia
technology is literally at your fingertips! For instance, CD-R
applications can be transmitted to an HDTV, as well as HDTV
programs can be downloaded onto your computer. Either way, the
picture resolution is top notch and the signal is stable.
Lastly, HDTV's are more affordable than one might assume. There
are many different ways to buy or finance an HDTV system. Some
companies offer money-saving offers both in-store and online.
Some of these include rebate programs; others include special
deals, extra gifts or incentive packages offering items such as
hundreds of dollars in gift cards. There are both in-store and
online promotions as well as savings with shipping and delivery.
Bottom line, HDTV is affordable for almost any budget and well
worth every penny! -------------------------------
Alan Rhinehart is an avid media and technology critic. He
contributes to various online publications including "New
Technology TV", a popular blog covering TV technology and home
theater systems. Visit for more information on HDTV and exclusive Dish Network
deals.