In the United States, the Senate has passed a bill on December 2005 that would mandate all analog broadcasts by free to air television networks to stop and cease analog signal transmission by February 17, 2009.

The US Senate bill means that after February 17, 2009, the conventional and widely used analog TV sets in the country will be obsolete and useless.

Why? Because these TV sets would not be able to receive signal transmissions anymore. Thus, the lower-income TV viewers would have to be deprived of TV entertainment.

But, the US Senate also approved a resolution that would make the federal government subsidize the average-income consumers’ use of converter boxes to enable them to watch the proposed, improved, better and new digital broadcasts from their favorite TV network still using their analog TVs.

The resolution would allow low-income analog TV users to still use their analog TVs but at the same time empower them and give them access to digital TV broadcasts.

That resolution is still pending in the Senate. But people expect the transition to digital broadcasts to resume and take place within the allotted time frame. Thus, converter boxes will also be popular in a couple years time as digital broadcasts conquers the air waves and digital TV sets still remain expensive.

HDTVs

HDTV were first introduced to the market in 1998. HDTVs stand for high-definition television sets, and the name implies the general function, use and outstanding feature of the equipment.

HDTVs are high resolution. It means that the TV screen of these kinds of television are far better and comparatively spicier and perkier than their analog counterparts.

For sure, every televiewer around the world has grown to love the analog TV sets, but because the times are changing and HDTVs are far better than analog TV sets, consumers are expected to quickly make the big switch.

What is with HDTVs? And why are people turning gaga over them? The answer to these questions are seemingly obvious, as technology is characterized and known for that, turning obsolete the old stuff and bracing in the better and new stuff which in turn are modifications of the new stuff.

For one thing, HDTVs are further modified versions of the analog TV sets. But the features of the two are so distantly different and apart from each other.

HDTVs vs. analog and digital TVs

HDTVs are the new types of TVs sets that are setting the appliance storms on fire from a rush of TV shoppers. That is because every aficionado and TV addict, who are more than particular on the choice of TV sets they buy, are turning to HDTVs for more pleasurable TV viewing experiences.

In a few years time, it is estimated that HDTVs will takeover the role being currently played out by analog TV sets in the TV industry not just in the United States and other developed and industrialized countries but also in other countries, even in the third world.

Thus, it would be significant and interesting to make a comparative analysis of HDTV up against the traditional and more widely used conventional analog TVs and the more modern digital TVs.

Analog TVs cannot display images perfect fit for DVD signals not unlike the progressive-scan feature of the HDTVs. Analog TVs, notably, could only project or transmit standard-definition signals such as those from your traditional and popular free to air TV networks.

Analog TVs, just like HDTVs can also receive transmission signals from cable and satellite-transmitted signals, but the things is, the resolution and image and sound quality can still fall short compared to HDTVs.

Digital TVs are the inspiration and antecedents for the development of the chic HDTVs. Digital TVs can receive and display progressive-scan signals like those coming from DVD players. The features are almost the same with those of HDTVs, only that HDTVs are the modifications of digital TVs and therefore are more complex and modern than them.

After digital TVs, there is still one type of new TV sets that are seldom found in the appliance stores. They are called EDTVs.

EDTVS stand for enhanced-definition television sets. EDTVs, take note, are almost like HDTVs. The types of signals received by HDTVs are that of the scope of signals compatible for HDTVs.

The features of EDTVs and HDTVs are unified, except for the resolution. Yes folks, HDTVs have got the best TV resolution in town. Nothing else can currently compare with it. EDTVs are far behind HDTVs, needless to say.

This year alone sales of HDTVs is expected to reach 20 million. In fact, HDTV sales is on track to post a one week record shortly before the Super Bowl, as fans to want to enjoy the big game in all of its high-definition glory. HDTV comes in different prices and sizes. Whether it is DLP, LCD and Plasma. Consumers are confused on what to buy because of their unfamiliarity with the technology.

Studies show that nearly 60% of HDTV buyers are not sure on the difference between LCD, Plasma and Micro Display. Many HDTV shoppers do take time to research but still need to be guided on which product is appropriate for their demands and budget.

Cable companies have strengthened the demand for HDTV, as there is already 17 channels that offer HD programming. In addition, HDTV prices have sharply dropped over the past year and some sets cost as lows $1,500.

Comcast has reported that its roster of HDTV customer agents has ballooned to 1,100 and they answer queries and take orders from subscribers. The company has also deployed 1,100 HDTV technicians to assist in setting-up the products at homes.

Terms of HDTV
HDTV - a new breed of TV that combines the capabilites of a HD-tuner and HD-ready display. Nearly all of HDTV’s being sold in the market today use the 16:9 widescreen aspect ratio. An HDTV tuner can receive analog and digital broadcasts over-the-air.

HD–compatible TV- only composes the high-resolution display. Can only accept digital broadcasts if hooked with a separate HDTV tuner. HD-compatible TVs can have the 16:9 widescreen ratio or the square-ish 4:3 aspect ratio.

Starting on HDTV

A recent study by the Consumer Electronics Association indicated that 71% on consumers it has surveyed plans to purchase an HDTV set soon are already planning and saving up. However, one reality in the consumer market today is that store do have the right number salespeople that have a good grasp on new technoliges.

Most are more concerned on making a quick sale rather than making it easy for the consumer to understand what he is going through. Translating or explaining complicated technology terms is never an easy task.

It's hard enought to expain the difference between HDTV and analog TV and it will be more complicated to clearly tell the difference between HDTV and EDTV.

Setting up HDTV

When you decide to jump into HDTV give yourself time to become familiar with the technology. An HDTV setup normally consists of the following, HD-ready TV, receiver, antenna and HDTV service provider. Many HDTV's nowadays already have a built-in tuner, eliminating the need to purchase an independent box.

TO help you in making the right choice here some of the most popular HDTV products now available in the market.

Receiver

The DIRECTV HR10-250 High-Definition Television satellite receiver is the ideal for those that want to get the most out of watching crystal-clear HDTV broadcasts. The HR10-250 can receive and decode digital signals from DIRECTV’s high-resolution broadcasts. The satellite receiver also features a built-in hard drive digital video recorder.

HD-broadcasts feature images rich in detail and surround sound makes a room alive and vibrant. HR10-250 HDTV satellite receiver can be connected to any HD-ready TV and home audio system.

Specifications:

» HDTV DIRECTV tuner — receives and decodes digital
High-Definition Television signals from DIRECTV’s satellite broadcasts and local
free-to-air broadcasts with the use of a compatible antenna.
» receives digital TV broadcasts in 480i, 480p, 720p, 1080i
» dual ATSC tuners
» can record up to 200 hours of standard-definition digital TV
with its built-in hard disk digital video recorder and up to 30 hours of
HDTV
» manual timer recording by channel and time
» Season Pass™
» 1 set audio/video outputs (composite, S-video, component video,
HDMI)
» Thumbs Up/Thumbs Down buttons — ratings system from TiVo
» HDMI, HDMI-to-DVI, component video, S-video, composite video,
and telephone cables
» 1 year warranty

The increasing popularity of crystal-clear broadcasts in American TV has indicated that HDT has arrived and here to stay. Analog TV shift to an all-digital system herald a new dawn in the 65-year history of television. Hours of HDTV content are already available every night. Viewers can easily determine if a show is presented in HDTV if the message “Presented in high definition where available” is shown in the beginning of a program.

Basics of HDTV:

HDTV- a new type of television that combines an HDTV tuner and HD-capable display. Almost all of HDTV’s available in the market use the 16:9 widescreen aspect ratio. An HDTV tuner can receive analog and digital over-the-air broadcasts.

HDTV-ready TV- features only the high-resolution display and can only receive digital broadcasts if connected with a separate HDTV tuner. HDTV-ready TVs can have the 16:9 widescreen ratio or the square like 4:3 aspect ratio.

Choosing the right shape of a TV is important in the HDTV experience. A 4:3 screen will be advisable if a considerable amount of local and network dominate programming and these is a low number of over-the-air or cable HDTV programming in your TV market area.

However, with the arrival of new technology also calls for viewers to adapt to the situation. Those still using TV sets purchased nearly a decade ago will not be able to get the most out of the HDTV experience. For this you need to have a tuner to receive and decode HDTV signals from a source, and a high-quality screen that can reproduce the outstanding details and colors from an HDTV broadcast.

The chief reason why HDTV pictures look considerably clearer and crisper than normal TV is due to the higher resolution of HD. Normal TV pictures only have 480 lines of vertical resolution, while the most common HDTV’s have 1,080-line interlaces scan and 720-line progressive scan. The best analog quality that can be offered by analog TV is 480i, which in contract is the lowest quality signal in digital TV.

Getting started in HDTV is not as expensive like in the past few years, as prices of tuners and HDTVs continue to drop but the quality of products are constantly improving.

To help you maximize your HDTV setups without breaking the bank here are some tips to avoid costly mistakes and help you enjoy HDTV at its best.

Finding HDTV broadcasts within your area

Over-the-air-broadcasts: Nearly 1,500 local station across the US are transmitting Digital TV signals today. About 90% of digital station broadcasts are made in the UHF range an these can be accessed with the use of a normal UHF antenna. For this scenario you need:

- HD-compatible TV
- HDTV tuner- some are already built in an HDTV
- Outdoor or indoor UHF antenna
- The HDTV broadcasts in your area (of course!)


Cable HDTV:

Nearly all cable companies in the US offer HDTV service to their subscribers (especially those living the major cities and TV markets). Digital cable will offer more channels and the picture quality of broadcasts will be noticeably more crisp. However, consumers must always remember that “digital cable” is different from HDTV via cable. For this setup you need the following:

- HD-compatible TV
- HD-compatible cable box
- HD programming from cable company

Digital Satellite TV:

HDTV via satellite is available for those living the US and has a clear view of the sky. In short, this service is available almost everywhere. HDTV channels are already available from the top satellite TV providers DIRECTV and the DISHNetwork. Those lucky enough to live in major cities can even get local stations in HD via satellite. For this setup you need:

- HD-compatible TV
- HD-compatible satellite dish
- HD-compatible satellite receiver
- HD programming

Once you start to enjoy HDTV, going back to normal TV is likely not anymore an option. The crystal-clear viewing experience becomes addictive and anything less becomes mediocre. Many HDTV viewers have become impatient towards the slow growth in the number of compatible programming available.

However, HDTV will receive a boost from the introduction of the Blu-ray and HD DVD within the next twelve months. These new formats will enable HDTV viewers to watch and enjoy high-definition versions of their favorite movies for as long as they want.