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So, you want to watch Chiller HD in hi-def but your head’s spinning about how to do it. Put down that aspirin. Here’s some info that will help ease the pain.
Let’s Get Digital
Before we get into high definition (HD), let’s talks digital television in general. Because, well, there are some things you should know. By February 17, 2009, all TV stations in the US will have switched from analog signals to digital (sometimes referred to as SDTV). If you or someone you love watches TV by pulling the signal off the airwaves using rabbit ears, you’ll need a converter box to translate the new digital signal back to analog. Thankfully, the same people who take money from your paycheck every week are here to help. Yes, the good ol’ US government is issuing $40 rebate coupons toward the purchase of a converter box. For more information, go to https://www.dtv2009.gov/
Most people who already get their signal from a cable or satellite provider won’t have to do anything to continue receiving regular broadcasts, so you’ll be able to watch Chiller even if you decide not to go hi-def for some time to come. Yay!
But I Want My HDTV!
All right, settle down, we’re getting there. If you want to watch television in high definition, there’s only one way to do it: you’ll need an HD television set. What’s the difference between standard definition and high definition, you ask? Plenty. Both are digital signals, but HD offers roughly twice the resolution of standard definition, producing an incredibly sharp picture and eye-popping colors. It’s often compared to the experience you get when you go to the local multiplex, but without the sticky floors and mindless chatter. Take a trip to your local electronics retailer and see for yourself.
But before you buy, there are some things you should know.
Going Native
This part gets a little technical, but we’ll try to keep it simple. There’s a quiz later so no drifting off.
When you buy an HD set, you’ll notice references to “1080i” and “720p.” That’s because all HD networks broadcast in one of those two formats. An HD set’s native resolution is the amount of pixels on its screen. If a source signal is different from your HD set’s native resolution, it will be scaled accordingly.
So, when a 1080i or 720p set receives a lower quality signal, such as 480 analog, it will be scaled to match the screen’s higher, native resolution (a process called “upconverting”). If an HD set receives a signal higher than its native resolution, it will be scaled in the opposite direction (called “downconverting”). A slight loss in quality usually results.
Then there’s 1080p, sometimes referred to as “full hi-definition.” It produces the best possible image for both 1080i and 720p signals. But since there are no broadcasts in 1080p and the price tag for a 1080p set is high, for a lot of people, either a native 1080i or a 720p HD set will do just fine. (However, if you find a 1080p set at a great price, and you’re really picky about image quality, you should give it serious consideration.)
Please be aware that some networks fudge a bit when they claim to broadcast in HD. Chiller HD delivers true 1080i for the best possible image.
Thinking Outside the Box
There are three ways to get a hi-def signal into your home. If your local stations broadcast in HD, using an antenna is one way. But that limits you to local programming. The other two are:
CableIf you plan on watching hi-def through a local cable provider, you'll need:
• an HD television set
• an HD cable box or built-in HD digital tuner
• an HD tier subscription
Satellite
If you plan on watching hi-def through a digital satellite provider, you'll need:
• an HD television set
• an HD satellite receiver
• an HD dish
• an HD tier subscription
Telco (telephone company)
If you plan on watching hi-def through a local telephone provider, you'll need:
• an HD television set
• an HD receiver box
• an HD tier subscription
Please note that most cable and satellite providers charge extra for HD subscriptions.
Ready or Not, Here It Comes
Most HD sets being sold today have the HD tuner built in, along with an analog tuner (although, as we said, analog won’t be around much longer).
Some sets are referred to as “HDTV-ready.” These sets have an HD screen but require a separate HD tuner.
Size Matters
There are all sorts of formulas online that will help you decide what size screen to buy for a particular room and whether it should be a flat-panel, plasma or projection display. In general, the bigger the screen, the higher the price tag. But an increased supply of HD television sets and advancing technology will gradually drive down the cost.
Return Engagement
It’s a wise idea to check a store’s return policy before buying an HD set just in case you choose the wrong size display for a room.
I Bought the Damn Thing, Now What?
This is where able-bodied relatives come in. They can help you position the set for the best viewing angle. Consult that nerdy nephew who knows a thing or two about cables and hooking things up to a separate sound system, assuming you have a separate sound system. Also, you can pay a professional to install it for you.
Quiz Time
Aw, we were kidding about the quiz. But you might want to print out this information and bring it with you when the time comes to buy an HD set.
