Tuesday, January 26, 2010

HDTV: The World's New Broadcasting

By Mel Loewe

HDTV, or high-definition television, is a system of digital television broadcasting that offers higher resolution than standard-definition TV. It is broadcast digitally, as opposed to analog broadcasting.

As bandwidth and standards for television programming have changed over the decades, high definition television options have been adopted by the Federal Communication Commission and TV industry.

Adoption of this type of broadcasting was slow to be picked up. Standardization was a difficult process due to technical and economic reasons, which prevented satellite distribution and recording. Japan, nonetheless, first made the switch from analog to digital, high-definition TV airing in 2007.

Find The Best Digital HD Cable TV Providers In Your Area

Europe followed suit and first introduced the technique by airing Vienna New Year's concert in HD on the HD1 channel in 2004. The U. S. Has also made strides in developing high-def programming. It was first introduced to the market in the 90's by the Digital HDTV Grand Alliance, with the first broadcast airing in 1996 out of North Carolina. The country is working to make a full switch away from standard-definition television.

Particular frame sizes and rates, as well as scanning systems, characterize HDTV. As a result of such specifications and technological advances, the resolution is nearly twice as high as standard-definition TV, which creates much better picture quality.

HD television requires specific equipment, including a HD-ready television, tuner and cable box with cable card slot. Because equipment specifications vary by location, it is best to consult with cable professionals before purchase or installation.

Amongst worldwide TV viewers and customers, one of the most well-liked features of HDTV is recording capabilities. TiVo is the most famous version of such a feature, and it allows you to record and view more than one program at the same time. This also allows viewers to record programs while watching others at the same time.

In the United States, the Federal Communications Commission requires that cable companies provide customers with a set-top box for HD customers as a means of recording and storing.

Traditionally, these television products have been available for in-store purchase with in-home installation. Now, however, online purchases are becoming more common and available around the country.

High-def TV sets can range in price from as low as four hundred dollars to more than five thousand dollars, depending on the retailer and model. Some have been sold for as much as fifteen thousand dollars. It is expected that as high-definition television becomes increasingly popular, prices will begin and continue to drop, making it easier and more attainable for most consumers.

Despite higher prices and the need for new equipment, many customers are ditching their analog TV sets to go digital. They cannot resist the higher picture quality, even on smaller screens. Companies enjoy the ability to "multicast", or the ability air multiple signals and information at the same time with the same bandwidth. In spite of the major disadvantage of having to invest in new equipment and lack of compatibility between analog and digital system, high-def systems are selling well and appear to be the new system to have. - 33366

About the Author:

No comments: