HDTV: Like Looking Out An

Open Window

 by:

Alan Rhinehart

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!