HDTV Explained . . . Finally!

It's been several years now since the inception of what is generally called HDTV, but there is still a very high degree of misconception and confusion on the part of consumers. It's not their fault. The consumer electronics industry and the FCC have made HDTV a very confusing issue. So I sat down recently with some of the Metex installers and salespeople to compile a list of some of the most common questions we face day to day concerning HDTV. Hopefully some of you will find this useful.

Facts

HDTV does not refer to a TV set. HDTV is a standard set of resolutions as defined by a body called the Advanced Television Standards Committee (ATSC). There are actually 18 different resolutions according to the ATSC, but only two have any real meaning to you as consumers -- 720P and 1080i (more on that later). So to put it simply, HDTV is a signal, not a component or a TV. In order to view that signal you need a TV capable of displaying it. And there are only two types of TVs capable of that -- HDTV-ready and HDTV-integrated TVs. (HDTV-ready and HDTV-integrated sets are available in any of the current TV technologies such as LCD, plasma, and CRT.)

720P and 1080i are the two most common HD video resolutions. One thing to keep in mind is that just because 1080 is a higher number than 720, don't assume it's better. There is a heated discussion among industry insiders as to which is better, but that argument is really just a back and forth between videophiles ( a.k.a. techno-geeks) and it doesn't really matter on the consumer level. Both resolutions are very good.

So how do you get

the HDTV video signal?

Currently, in Laredo if you own an HD-ready or HD-integrated TV you're best option for HD programming is either from Time Warner Cable or from a satellite provider such as Direct TV or Dish Network. Since satellite provider packages vary, we'll talk about Time Warner Cable.

In order to subscribe to the TWC HD package simply call them (721-0600) and tell them you want the HD tier. It's only about $10 a month and you get several HD channels such as HBO, Showtime, ESPN, TNT, and more. But remember, just because you have the HD package, not all channels will be HD quality. Only those being broadcast in HD will be available in HD.

There is one other way to get HD video to your TV, and the good news is that it's free. However, you'll need to have an HD-integrated TV to get it. Off-air broadcasts of HDTV video are just becoming available in our area. (Off-air, in case you don't remember, means that you are receiving channels from an antenna, not through your cable, i.e., channel 8 is KGNS off-air.) Currently only Telemundo has an HDTV off-air feed but KGNS (NBC) is not far behind. This is encouraging because once KGNS begins their HD broadcast, we will be able to watch programs such as the Tonight Show in HD quality, not to mention all the great NBC sporting events.

If you own an HD-ready TV, don't worry; you won't be left out of the off-air HDTV feeds, but in order to receive them you will need to purchase an ATSC tuner (available for about $250).

What about DVD?

DVDs are not High Definition quality video. They're not even close. The resolution of the current DVD format is closer to digital cable than to HD; however, by the end of this year and early next year a new disc will come to market that will be capable of storing HD video. (Sony's new disc will be called Blue-Ray.) But as for now DVD resolution is below half that of HDTV.

Widescreen?

The shape of these new TVs is very confusing to some people, and with good reason. They are vastly different from the square TVs to which most people are accustomed. The reason for the widescreen format is that all HD video signals will be widescreen (also called 16:9). Widescreen allows viewers to see a great deal more than the older style. And if you've ever seen a football or basketball game in HD you'll know what I mean.

What's going to happen

to my older TVs?

There's a rumor going 'round that all TVs that are not at least HD-ready will be completely obsolete within the next few years, and that is absolutely untrue. While it is FCC mandated that HDTV video reach an 85 percent market penetration rate by 2006, it does not mean that analog broadcast are going away. You'll still be able to use your older TVs for several years to come.

So why should I buy

anything now?

Good question, but there are several good answers.

HDTV will be here, it's an FCC mandate that by 2006 85 percent of American households should have at least off-air digital broadcasts available (that means HDTV and that means widescreen).

With improved quality in digital cable and DVDs available today, you can get a much improved image by viewing them on an HD-capable TV.

Image quality is greatly improved with these newer TVs; it doesn't matter what you watch on them, it will be an improvement over an analog TV.

Progressive scan DVD players need a digital TV in order to display their video output.

The list can go on and on. So the best thing to do is get to a home entertainment store and check them out for yourself. You won't be disappointed.

This article was written by Wayo Foster with contributions from the Metex Audio Video Custom Installation Team. Together they are certified by the Imaging Science Foundation, the Custom Electronics and Design Association, the Professional Audio Retailers Association, Lucasfilm THX, and Elan Home Systems.

For more information you can contact Metex at www.metexav.com, info@metexav.com, or 725-1235.