HDTV, or High Definition Television, refers to the latest breakthrough in television entertainment. Simply stated, the differences between standard picture television and HDTV lie in the aspect ratio and number of resolution lines. Aspect ratio is the measurement of height versus width. For standard television, the ratio is 4:3 (width:height). But for HDTV that ratio is increased to give what is increasingly being referred to as the "wide-screen" view - a ratio of 16:9. One of the biggest advantages to this is allowing films to maintain their original size and resolution when transferred from the big screen to home theaters.


The number of resolution lines refers to the horizontal lines into which a picture or image is divided (and the more lines, the better the resolution). Typically, a standard picture will have around 480 active lines. By comparison, HDTV has either 720 or 1080 lines. The combination of aspect ratio and resolution lines gives the overall maximum resolution. For standard television, the maximum is 720x480. But for HDTV it is 1920x1080. That's quite a difference and allows HDTV to provide immeasurably clearer pictures and detail.

In order for HDTV to be possible, however, production, transmission, and reception equipment specifically designed for the additional lines of resolution are needed. Both the broadcaster and the end user must have the appropriate equipment. Only a handful of stations currently have this technology, but all of them will soon as the Federal Communication Commission has mandated that all stations be able to broadcast in high definition by 2006. So what does this mean to you, the end-user?

As the date of conversion nears, analog televisions will either have to be replaced by high definition sets or equipped with a converter. This is good news since more and more HD-specific broadcasters will emerge to join those already in existence.

For satellite television users, high definition signals are already available with channels such as ESPN-HD, Discovery HD, HD Net and HD Net Movies. But in order to see them properly, the right equipment is needed. Both DirecTV and DISH Network offer packages to both new customers and current customers. These packages include everything the user needs, including the correct type of dish and the all-important HDTV Receiver.

Most of these packages offer only one HD receiver - multi-room packages provide standard receivers for the additional rooms. However, HDTV Receivers are available at most electronics retailers. Consult with a Satellite TV sales or service rep before purchasing anything, though, because most equipment is formatted for the specific satellite signal provider. There are a few models that are compatible with both DISH Network and DirecTV, but most are not - for more information visit the Direct TV Equipment and Dish Network Equipment pages. There are countless models to choose from, and all have similar features. Shop around and decide which best suits your needs. Most brand name manufacturers have a HDTV Receiver on the market today.

Finally, for the ultimate in home theater feel, all that's left is the sound. HDTV provides the look and feel, but it also delivers professional style, Dolby Digital, 5.1 channel sound. Obtaining the sound equipment designed to handle that can give your home theater the ultimate touch.

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