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Need to Convert? How to Leave your Analog behind
from: George PhillipsSwitching from traditional analog television to HDTV, or high definition television, is not as simple as plugging in a TV set and calling the cable company. Changing over to high definition can be confusing because there are many options. Do you need to convert? This is how to leave your analog behind.
To get connected in the world of high definition television, you must first purchase an HDTV-ready or an HDTV capable television. There are several to choose from. Rear projection, plasma and LCD are all types of HDTV. When a television is labeled as HDTV-ready that means the TV has an HDTV tuner built in. This enables the TV set to get over-the-air high definition signals from local networks. HDTV-capable means that the TV set is able to receive high definition signals, but only with the use of an HDTV converter box that is available from the cable or satellite company, or a digital tuner and over-the-air antenna.
Choosing a high definition television can be confusing. When shopping for a new HDTV, do research and understand the product. It is recommended that you shop around and ask lots of questions before purchasing. HDTV set ups can be costly. Larger sets can run in the thousands of dollars just for the television. Most HDTV sets that are available for sale are big screen and they are generally expensive. Smaller-screened televisions with digital capabilities are slated to hit the market in 2007.
The next step in converting to high definition is to acquire a converter box. A converter box usually costs between $5 and $10 per month, or some are available for purchase for several hundred dollars. Many HDTV sets available on the market now have built-in digital tuners that allow you to view the free digital broadcasts of major local networks. Additionally, converter boxes that are compatible with analog televisions can be purchased. These special converter boxes or adapters cost around $100. The picture will be similar to analog, but will be in digital format. The only downfall to this is that if there is a weak digital signal, there could be no picture on the screen at all.
Next, when converting to HDTV, you must make sure that the channel you want to watch is broadcast in high definition. All major networks currently broadcast in both analog and high definition, but not all of their programming is in HDTV. The FCC recently gave networks channels in both analog and high definition with the hopes that networks would also make the switch to all HDTV. Besides the major networks, many of the movie channels also broadcast in high definition. Be aware that not all channels do broadcast in high definition, so if you have favorite channels it is important to call your cable or satellite provider beforehand to see what is and what is not offered.
The last step in converting from traditional analog to high definition is to make sure that the program you want to watch is offered in high definition. Though most networks do broadcast in both analog and high definition, many of them offer only a handful of programs that are in high definition. Some offer professional sporting events such as football, baseball championships and Olympic Games as well as awards shows and special prime time features. Others may offer less programming. These high definition programs will be offered on different channels than the traditional programming. Before making the switch check to see if the shows you like to watch are offered in high definition.
When you are ready to purchase a new HDTV set, there are a few things you should look for before buying. Consider the size of screen you need. When looking at wide-screen televisions, remember that the screen should be a certain distance from the seating area. This will give those watching a better picture resolution. For example, for optimal viewing, a high definition wide-screen that measures 50 inches should be viewed at about 117 inches, or just less than ten feet from the screen.
It is also recommended that before purchasing a new high definition television to look at the features that comes with the set. The remote control may seem trivial, but you are likely to use the remote over and over again. Check it out in the store and see how it feels. See if it seems well made or if the buttons are laid out logically. If you want the buttons to light up, check out that feature. Also, if you like the picture-in-picture feature that allows you to see more than one channel at a time, check to see that the television you want to purchase has that option. Also, make sure that it can be used with high definition broadcasts.
Important Notice Concerning DTV and HDTV: Although many TV systems have already complied with earlier rulings for changing all transmission to digital TV, there still is doubt as to when overall compliance will be reached. Earlier it was scheduled for late 2006, but it is doubtful if this happens.
George Phillips is the webmaster of Better Home Living Guide and the
Continuing Your Education Online website ... Anything related to better home living can be found in our directory of topics at www.cashbuilder.com
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