Questions regarding High Definition Televison

glemay

What's the story on HD TV. I see that today's new TVs are High Definition Capable or Ready or whatever they call it. And I've also read about being able to subscribe for HDTV. But what is suppose to happen with in the next year or so?

I've heard from a few people that by 2006 regular TV will be history and that all we will have is High Defintion. I've also been told that all the older TVs, (analog) will be no longer compatible.

Does anyone have any information on what we are to see in the near future?

Gerald

Mazeroth

Only the crystal ball can tell...

fireshoes

It will likely be many years before the analog signal is turned off. Although the 2006 date is tossed around a lot, it is not a set date. It also only applies to off air signals, so if you get your locals from satellite or cable, it won't matter anyway. They will send out a down-rezzed signal.

That said, I'd get an HDTV anyway. Why stay in the stone age? I know some local broadcasters are slow to provide the signal right now, or broadcast at a low power, but they will be forced to provide a realistic signal soon. Cable networks aren't required to go HD, but many are already because it's simply a superior product. Between locals and cable networks, I would expect 15 to 20 HD channels to be readily available in most places with the next year.

As far as the HD Ready tv's, that just means the tv has the lines to display an HD picture, but does not have a tuner built in for off air reception (antenna). If you are using cable or satellite, it really matters very little if the tuner is built in. If you are just using an antenna, then it would be handy to have. For satellite and most cable companies, you just get an HD receiver from your provider. A few tv's with the HD tuner built in have an option called CableCard which lets you get HD from your cable company without having a seperate tuner box.

Clear as mud?

glemay

Thanks guys, that clears some things up.

Frank Z

HDTV's can be either HDTV Ready or HDTV Compatible. Ready means that there is an onboard digital that can decode the Off-Air signal (OTA=your local broadcaster). The other set needs a separate receiver in order to process the HD signal. DBS companies offer some HD content and their receivers will also do double duty and decode your local OTA stations as well, provided you have an antenna connected to the box.

The 2006 date was the original target set by the FCC. After 2006 all, or at least most of the frequencies currently being used for analog broadcasts were to be sold off. This was, or still is, supposed to be a big money maker for the government. I'm not too sure what the current status of that plan is.

The big roadblock to having all stations on the digital bandwagon, are the stations themselves. They are complaining about the cost and to be honest I do know of one station that has closed up shop because their market was to small to bare the weight of the increased advertising costs need to pay for the new equipment. A few other issues have cropped up, such as overlapping coverage areas. This happened in my hometown with the NBC affiliate. No firm date from them or the FCC on when the construction permit for the new tower will be released. What's really sad is that there are a lot of non-HD stations in a lot of markets that are loosing viewers to competing stations that are broadcasting an HD signal. I for one don't watch ABC as much as I used to. My local station is run by a bunch of backwoods hicks that wouldn't know a good business decision if it bit them on the gonads.

It's been a rocky road for those of us that are early adopters. I'm glad that I have 2 stations (CBS, & FOX) that are finally broadcasting an HD signal. Both of these stations serve up everything that the national networks transmit in HD, yes this means FOOTBALL!! FOX will be broadcasting the Super bowl this year in 720p!! Our local ABC station has a digital signal on the air, but it's so week that I don't even have it programmed into my E*921DVR or my #6000 receiver.

Some cable companies are also offering HD programming, and in some cases they even provide local HD channels as well. I'm pretty sure you need to be on digital cable though.

VOOM is another HD-DBS company that some have turned to. The problem with VOOM is the cost of the equipment, and the cost of the service. Recent reports in the WSJ indicate the future of VOOM isn't all that good. They’ll probably get bought up by Echostar or DirecTV at some point.

HDTV image quality is incredible. The big three broadcasters know it, the larger cable/satellite stations know it, the cable/DBS providers know it, and more importantly, the consumer knows it. It’s a shame that more local stations haven’t figured it out. HD broadcasts means an increase viewers.

If you want to learn more about what is available in your area, check out WWW.TitanTV.com, or check out
this forum at AVS. Do a search at either site for your home town and se whats available.

Toxis

Projected dates... end of '06, all channels will broadcast HD. End of '10, all analog broadcast comes to an end.

Frank Z

Actually there's no requirement for HD broadcasts, Digital yes, but HD is not mandatory.

PolkThug

Frank is correct. The 2006 FCC mandate has absolutely nothing to do with HD. It only affects overt-the-air (OTA) broadcasting in digital instead of analog.

So, if you have cable or satellite, the mandate does not effect you.

Regards,
PolkThug