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- High Definition
Buyers Guide -
A critical step in choosing high definition
digital equipment is understanding the different options that are
available and then choosing the ones that you desire or are
applicable to you. As all HDTV equipment
manufacturers differ in terms of available features, having a
good understanding in advance can ensure your choice in equipment
will offer the features that are important to you. Many people
rush out and buy equipment thinking that all high
definition television equipment is created equal, and
later find out that they will need to upgrade later to enjoy the
maximum benefits. Others also end up paying premium prices for
equipment with features that they may never use.
If you have not already done so, you should familiarize
yourself with the basics of high definition
technology and equipment on our Introduction to
HDTV and HDTV
Glossary. Once you have chosen your equipment, our HDTV Setup
Guide will walk you through the basics of setting up your
equipment.
Currently, there are three different ways to receive High
definition programming.
- Off-Air HDTV Signals. These
come from your local broadcast stations, which requires a HDTV
tuner as well as an antenna capable of HDTV reception and of
course an acceptable off air signal. In order to receive them,
you usually need to live less than 75 miles (Approximately 1
hours drive) from a major metropolitan area or television
broadcast tower. The farther you live from the television, the
larger the antenna required in order to receive the signal. There
are exceptions to this of course, people that live on high
mountains or hills will usually receive a stronger signal than
people that live in a low valley. Unlike analog broadcasts, which
can yield a snowy picture in "fringe areas", with digital, you
will either receive the signal or you won't. People that live
within city limits of major cities will more than likely be able
to receive HDTV signals using a small indoor antenna. Rural
residents will require a large outdoor antenna.
- Satellite High Definition. All
digital direct to home satellite broadcasters such as the
American Directv, Dish Network, VOOM systems as well as Canadian
Star Choice and Bell Expressvu offer a limited range of high
definition television programming. To receive these signals, you
will need a new satellite decoder capable of receiving high
definition signals and you may need a second dish or one capable
of receiving signals from multi- satellites, depending on your
satellite provider. Be aware that HDTV content varies from
provider to provider. Currently, VOOM offers the most high
definition content available anywhere on satellite with over 30
channels. Most others offer only 6-10 channels. If you are
planning to invest in a quality HDTV satellite IRD, the good news
is that most mid-range to high end satellite receivers also have
the capability to receive off-air HDTV broadcasts with the use of
a HDTV antenna. Some also receive analog off-air signals. There
are exceptions to this however as some will only process analog
off air signals so be sure to check before you commit to a
decision.
- Cablevision High Definition.
Many cablevision providers also now carry a limited selection of
HDTV programming. In order to receive high definition cablevision
signals, you will need access to digital cable and a special
cablevision HDTV set top box. These can be purchased and also
rented from most cablevision providers. Available programming
varies from provider to provider. Some high end integrated HDTV
televisions now come with a digital cable tuner built in. This is
known as a CABLECARD module and it requires a special access card
from your cablevision provider in order to receive cablevision.
Some cablevision tuners also have the capability to receive HDTV
off-air signals. Some also receive analog off-air signals. Be
sure to check on your chosen model's capability before committing
to a decision.
- Integrated High Definition Personal
Video Recorder A sub-category to all 3 HDTV tuner types
are ones that have a built in personal video recorder. While
there is an abundance of PVR's capable of recording standard
broadcasts, ones capable of recording high definition programs
are still rare and fairly costly. However in the coming years,
they will become more and more common as prices drop and new
manufacturer join in.
Available Options
Choosing the equipment with the correct options is one of the
most important choices you will make, especially if you are on a
limited budget. There is a wide variety of equipment available
and by far, not all are created equal.
If you plan on receiving off-air high definition signals from
your local television stations, you will need a digital tuner or
HDTV set top box. There are a wide variety of digital tuners
available on the market and not all are created equal. Some are
capable of decoding all 18 formats of digital television,
including all 6 HDTV and EDTV as well as SDTV. Others however,
especially lower end models will only have the capacity to decode
the more popular ones. For example, some models offer 1080i and
720p for HDTV broadcasts, while others only offer 1080i. While at
the moment there are few broadcasts available in 720 lines
progressive mode, in the future there are likely to be far more.
Some models offer a number of output options, such as
DVI/HDMI/RGB, while others offer only the basics. Generally, the
more feature you desire in a HDTV tuner, the more you should
expect to pay. While a low end model can be acquired for less
than $250 USD, a top of the line model will be in excess of $750
USD.
Digital Television (DTV) Formats
There are currently 18 digital television formats, with
varying degrees of resolution, frames per second and aspect
ratios. These include HDTV, EDTV and SDTV signals. Your chosen
HDTV tuner should offer the ability to receive most if not all 18
formats. If you have or are planning to purchase a progressive
scan HDTV television, then you will likely want to invest in a
HDTV decoder that can output both 1080i as well as 720p HDTV
broadcasts. If your television is an interlaced model however,
this may be an un-neccessary expense, unless you are planning to
upgrade later.
Digital Video Connections
Supported digital outputs are an area that varies widely by
manufacturer. The more outputs a model has, the higher the cost,
therefor you should choose a model that offers the features that
you will use now, as well as conceivably in the future.
- Component Video (Standard) -
Progressive component video connections are standard on most all
HDTV tuners and they are the most common type of digital
connection. They seperate the video signal into 3 distinct
streams (red,green and blue), in which the video signal is
carried via three individual cables using RCA type jack
connections. HDTV decoders use progressive component video,
identified by Y,Pr,Pb.
- DVI - A DVI connector is an
uncompressed video only connector that is standard on most HDTV
components. DVI employs a copy protection scheme developed by
Intel known as High Bandwidth Digital Content Protection (HDCP)
which uses a special authentication protocol to protect programs
from being copied. This allows a broadcaster to restrict the
recording ability of certain programming, such as pay per view
and special events. DVI operates in conjunction with digital
video outputs, such as coaxial or optical or analog composite
audio out. DVI/HDMI outputs will deliver the highest quality
video possible.
- HDMI - HDMI is the next
generation of digital connections, allowing uncompressed video as
well as digital audio. HDMI is the successor to DVI and also
offers the HDCP copyright protection scheme. HDMI is also
backwards compatible with DVI through the use of a HDMI to DVI
adapter. It is expected that many devices ranging from DVD
recorders to digital VCR's will eventually offer HDMI inputs in
the coming years. HDMI is not yet widely available in most
digital televisions, however it is an important consideration if
your digital television supports it or you are planning to
upgrade to a new one in the future and you want an all in one
cable for the highest quality video as well as digital
audio.
- RGB+H/V - RGB+H/V digital
connections also seperate video into distinct red,green and blue
channels and are a consideration if you have a high end
projector, which take advantage of wide-bandwidth RGB+H/V
connections to deliver line-doubled images free of visible scan
lines. You will not see a noticeable difference between RGB and
component video on most televisions and projectors.
- Firewire - Firewire is a two
way connection that is capable of transmitting both video and
audio and support a copy protection scheme known as Digital
Transmission Content Protection (DTCP) which is more flexible
than the HDCP scheme used with DVI. This would allow a
broadcaster to limit or restrict recording of certain broadcasts,
such as pay per view or special events.Firewire outputs is a
consideration if you would like to send your HDTV programs to a
digital VCR or another digital device, such as a DVD
recorder.
Digital Audio Connectors
Digital audio connectors also vary from manufacturer to
manufacturer. As important as the types of connections offered,
is the number of digital outputs. Most people with home theater
and HDTV sets will want more than one set of digital audio
outputs.
- Optical Cable - This is the
preferred and best method of sending digital audio signals from a
component, which is capable of 5.1 surround sound. It utilizes a
special fibre optic optical cable to pass the digital signals.
The most common optical cable platform is TOSLink, which uses a
square shaped plug, although some select components, such as mini
disc recorders may use a small 3.5mm optical mini plug. You will
want to ensure you match your optical cable type to your
particular audio components. Optical cable outputs are a
consideration if you have or plan to purchase a 5.1 surround
sound capable audio receiver (Dolby Digital, DTS) which supports
optical inputs.
- Digital Coaxial - Another
method of passing digital audio signals is by using a single
digital coaxial connection. This utilizes standard 75 Ohm
RCA-type video cables and allows a 5.1 surround audio signals to
pass. Digital coaxial outputs are standard on many HDTV
components. This method is usually used for older or low end 5.1
audio receivers which do not support optical inputs.
Analog Video Connectors
Your choice in HDTV component should also offer analog video
outputs to enable you to send down-converted signals to analog
components such as VCR's, Personal video recorders, as well as
non-HDTV analog televisions. Most HDTV components offer analog
S-Video, which allows 400 lines of resolution and also composite
video, which allows 330 lines of resolution.
Analog Audio Connectors
Your HDTV component should also offer analog audio outputs to
enable you to send Dolby Pro-logic audio signals to non 5.1
surround audio receivers. This comes in RCA type left and right
composite outputs.
Other Features
There are other features that are offered as well that are
worthy of consideration. These include features such as on-screen
display and electronic program guide compatibility as well as
other that are dependant on make and model.
HDTV Components Buyers Guide
Off-Air Tuners
Digital Cable/HDTV Tuners
Other models of Motorola HDTV/Digital cable tuners are
available for sale or rent exclusively through your local
cablevision provider. These include models with a built-in PVR
for recording HDTV programs in addition to standard definition
ones.
Dish Network Satellite
- Vip722 - Dish Network satellite HDTV
DVR
- Vip622 - Dish Network satellite HDTV
DVR
- Vip222 - Dish Network satellite HDTV
decoder
- Vip211 - Dish Network satellite HDTV
decoder
Directv Satellite
Starchoice Satellite
Bell Expressvu Satellite
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08/04/2008 11:20 AM
In order to give the website a better focus, we are phasing out the less popular areas of the site, including the high definition and digital video recorder areas and forums. This will leave the site focused on digital satellite television and satellite radio.
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Cycling
VERSUS
9:30 am ET
When viewers tune in today to the opening of the 96th Tour de France in Monaco, they'll see at least one familiar face. Lance Armstrong, the seven-time champ, will return to compete on the nearly 2,200-mile route for the first time since 2005. This year, a particularly difficult mountain stage has been added at the end of the 21-stage race, which runs until July 26.
A Capitol Fourth
PBS
8:00 pm ET
Jimmy Smits hosts the Independence Day concert at the U.S. Capitol, welcoming a slate of performers that includes Barry Manilow, Aretha Franklin, the cast of "Jersey Boys," Michael Feinstein and classical pianist Andrew von Oeyen. Erich Kunzel returns as conductor of the National Symphony Orchestra. Also: fireworks!
Macy's 4th of July Fireworks Spectacular
NBC
9:00 pm ET
Natalie Morales and Tiki Barber of "Today" host this broadcast of the annual gala fireworks display from New York, featuring such A-list musical acts as country superstar Kenny Chesney, Katharine McPhee and Jordin Sparks.
2009 Hot Dog Eating Contest
ESPN
12:00 pm ET
Nathan's Famous' yearly salute to acid reflux comes live today from Coney Island in Brooklyn, N.Y., where American Joey "Jaws" Chestnut will defend his title in the 94th annual event. Last year, the 24-year-old Californian downed 55 franks and buns in 10 minutes, tying six-time champ Takeru Kobayashi of Japan, whom he then defeated him in a five-dog "eat-off." Those two men return today to compete in an international field of "eaters."
Apollo 13
MAX
7:30 pm ET
Tom Hanks stars as Cmdr. Jim Lovell in director Ron Howard's 1995 theatrical hit about the near-disastrous 1970 Apollo 13 mission. Headed for the moon, Lovell and his crew, Fred Haise and Jack Swigert (Bill Paxton, Kevin Bacon), experience an on-board explosion. On the ground, their colleagues scramble for a solution while the world holds its breath. Gary Sinise and Ed Harris also star. Jim Lovell appears in a cameo role as captain of the USS Iwo Jima.
Burn After Reading
HBOE
8:00 pm ET
The star quality certainly is present in the latest film from Joel and Ethan Coen, the Oscar-winning makers of "Fargo" and "No Country for Old Men," but the story gets too frantic for its own good. John Malkovich plays a newly resigned CIA agent whose secrets are swiped by his divorce-seeking wife (Tilda Swinton) and ultimately land in the hands of gym workers (Brad Pitt and Frances McDormand, alias Mrs. Joel Coen). George Clooney also appears.
Far From Home
MNT
8:00 pm ET
And far from good, this movie marked young Drew Barrymore's attempt to transition from kiddie fare into more adult roles. She plays a teenager on a tour of national parks with her dad (Matt Frewer). The pair gets stranded without gasoline at a trailer park in a remote area where a serial killer is picking off people. Unfortuntely, this poorly written film runs out of gas just as quickly. Richard Masur and Karen Austin also star.
Kings
NBC
8:00 pm ET
King Silas (Ian McShane) sends David (Chris Egan) on a mission to recover a national treasure, the Charter of Gilboa, but David learns shocking news about his father's death while carrying out the assignment; Jack and Katrina's (Sebastian Stan, guest star Leslie Bibb) engagement gets attention and decidedly mixed reactions from Queen Rose (Susanna Thompson) and the king. Dylan Baker also stars in "Chapter One."
NASCAR Racing
TNT
8:00 pm ET
NASCAR action continues tonight in Daytona Beach, Fla., where top Sprint Cup drivers square off in the traditional Fourth of July weekend race, the Coke Zero 400. Last year, Kyle Busch benefited from a last-lap wreck that brought out the race's 11th caution and gave him a narrow victory over Carl Edwards in a green-white-checkered finish. He'll return to defend his title against the likes of Edwards, Jimmie Johnson and Tony Stewart, among others.
Rocky
TCM
8:00 pm ET
Sylvester Stallone rose to superstardom with this 1976 blockbuster about a small-time boxer who reclaims his self-respect by taking on the world heavyweight champion (Carl Weathers) in a well-hyped title bout. Taking his long shot seriously, the challenger prepares with the help of a wise old trainer (Burgess Meredith). Talia Shire and Burt Young also star in the film, which inspired four sequels.
Law & Order: Special Victims Unit
NBC
10:00 pm ET
While hearing a harassment case involving a woman (guest star Sprague Grayden, "Jericho") and her ex-boyfriend, Judge Koehler (guest star Alan Dale, "Ugly Betty") asks Benson and Stabler (Mariska Hargitay, Chrisopher Meloni) to question a convicted serial killer about the location of his son's body. Richard Belzer and Stephanie March also star in "Liberties."
The Keeper
TMC
10:30 pm ET
Dennis Hopper is so good at playing psycho he can phone it in. And that's what he does in this formulaic 2004 thriller. His character, a cop who's a few doughnuts short of a dozen, takes it upon himself to "rehabilitate" a stripper (Asia Argento) ... by locking her up in his basement. Even more ludicrous is the subplot involving the TV producer (Helen Shaver) who's crazy -- and we mean that literally -- about Hopper's copper.
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