HDTV: Buying Guide

There's never been a better time than now to buy a high-definition television (HDTV). Whether your primary source of television programming is local over-the-air broadcasts, cable or digital satellite TV, you will find that there is now a wealth of high-definition programs available. If you have a standard-definition television you will also enjoy all of your widescreen-format DVDs that much more on a HDTV. And with Toshiba now shipping their first-generation HD-DVD players and Blu-Ray players coming to North America next month, there are even more reasons why it makes sense to take the plunge and buy an HDTV.

Now that you're convinced you need to go out and buy a brand new HDTV the question is what type of unit to buy. First, you should decide what size HDTV makes sense for you. Because HDTV's have a wider aspect ratio (16:9) compared to a standard television (4:3) you will want to choose a larger diagonal screen size for your new HDTV than you might expect. CNET has a great guide you can check to find out the right size that meets your needs.

Now that you've chosen what size HDTV to get the next question is what type of technology you should look at. Older CRT analog televisions were all based on the same basic technology, but now you have a potentially confusing array of choices: LCD, plasma, DLP, LCoS, and D-ILA. LCD and plasma are both flat panel technologies that can be mounted on walls. If you're looking for an HDTV less than 42 inches then LCD is probably your best choice. Plasma is a better choice for HDTVs over 42 inches, as current LCD units get very expensive in larger size formats.

I just pre-ordered the new Samsung HLS-5087W 50 inch rear projection DLP HDTV. Many believe that DLP technology offers the best price/performance in the 50 inch plus category of HDTV today. Sony has made a large investment in LCoS technology which it brands as SRXD, while JVC brands their LCoS line D-ILA. LCoS (Liquid Crystal on Silicon) is most similar to DLP (Digital Light Projection) technology, however many believe the DLP camp has made faster progress on reducing manufacturing costs to offer consumers a better price/performance ratio.While rear projection DLP HDTVs lack the flat panel appeal of LCD and plasma units, they are much lighter and have far less depth than the CRT televisions of the past.

You've chosen the right size and technology for your new HDTV, and now you're trying to understand what is 720p versus 1080i versus 1080p. Let me help you out here - don't bother getting a 720p today. I'd recommend at least a 1080i, better yet a 1080p.My new Samsung is both 1080p input as well as output. In order to understand what all of these strange numbers mean, well, you've have to wait until my next article....

James Ambras california home theater home theater email: bivan_dense@yahoo.com

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DIRECTV HDTV Satellite Receiver Guide

DIRECTV will give you a free satellite TV system - a satellite dish and a four-room satellite receiver setup - when you subscribe to their service. They'll even throw in free installation.

But if you want to watch satellite TV in HD (high definition) format you'll need to get an HDTV receiver. The good news is DIRECTV is currently offering their basic HDTV receiver for free.

Here's what you get ...

DIRECTV HDTV Satellite Receiver Features

* Transmits HD broadcasts to your TV giving you the clearest picture available.
* Dolby Digital surround sound for three-dimensional audio.
* Combination tuner lets you watch both satellite and over-the-air HDTV channels.
* DIRECTV Advanced Program Guide lets you access all your HD channels with the touch of a button.
* Universal remote allows you to operate your satellite TV receiver, your television, your VCR, and your DVD player.
* Video and audio connections so you can hook up your satellite system to your stereo or your home theater system.

DIRECTV HDTV Satellite Receiver DVR Combination

The DIRECTV HD/DVR (digital video recorder) receiver lets you watch satellite TV in high definition and lets you record your favorite shows in digital format. This receiver costs $199, and comes with all the features of the HD receiver plus:
* You can pause and replay live TV, and digitally record your favorite programs with a click of your remote.
* A 250 GB hard drive lets you record up to 200 hours of regular programming or 30 hours of HD programming.
* Record two programs while watching a another program or a previously recorded program.
Bottom Line

If you want the most life-like picture and the most realistic sound when you watch DIRECTV, then you need a DIRECTV HDTV receiver. And if you want to record your favorite shows in digital format, and can afford the extra $199, you'll want to purchase the HD/DVR receiver.

Visit http://TheSatelliteTVGuide.com. for more DIRECTV HDTV information - HDTV programming and ordering information. Click on the following link to compare DIRECTV vs. DISH Network.
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High Definition Video over Wireless IP Solutions to be Presented at NAB2007

As part of the National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) NAB2007 Broadcast Engineerring Conference, HauteSpot Networks Corporation's CEO, Bob Ehlers will be presenting a lecture on "Affordable Wireless Solutions for HDTV Production".

San Luis Obispo, CA (PRWEB) March 11, 2007 - As part of the National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) NAB2007 Broadcast Engineerring Conference, HauteSpot Networks Corporation's CEO, Bob Ehlers will be presenting a lecture on "Affordable Wireless Solutions for HDTV Production".

In this innovative presentation, Mr. Ehlers will discuss how a convergence of wireless broadband, standards based software, and video compression and encoding technologies will enable more affordable electronic news gathering (ENG) and live video production in high definition.

The presentation will be held on April 15 at 1pm and is open to paid attendees of the Broadcast Engineering Conference at the Las Vegas Convention Center Room S219.

HauteSpot Networks has recently announced the availability of the HR-IXPSXPi and the HR-IXPSXPi-SD which are the first steps towards the affordable wireless HDTV contribution video systems Mr. Ehlers' presentation will discuss.

The HR-IXPSXPi is a wireless broadband bridge which is optimized for video streaming. Using the proprietary HauteLine wireless protocol, which eliminates management overhead and contentious interruptions that cause jitter, the HR-IXPSXPi can achieve over 65Mbps actual throughput for streaming media on unlicensed frequencies.

The HR-IXPSXPi has been tested with third party broadcast quality HD video encoders at 1080i 59.94fps with excellent performance and extremely low data loss.

One of the big advantages of HauteSpot Networks' wireless product is its standards compliant TCP/IP bi-directional operation, allowing encoders and decoders to dynamically communicate. The streaming can adjust to changes in wireless network quality and interference, assuring the best quality image under all conditions.

The HR-IXPSXPi-SD represents a new advance in communications technology. The device incorporates a high performance broadband transceiver (unlicensed and licensed frequencies are available) with MPEG2 video and MPEG1 stereo audio encoders and a simple to use browser interface. Any analog camera can be directly attached to the HR-IXPSXPi-SD through either composite or S-Video connectors. The video is then compressed and streamed using RTP over Unicast or Multicast which is sent out wirelessly.

The wireless signal is then received by a HR-IXPSXPi unit which is attached to a wired network. The video can be received and edited or played back through any laptop computer using freely available software, through industry standard switchers, or through a low cost IPTV set top boxes which can be attached to any analog video monitor or recorder.

The operating range of the HR-IXPSXPi-SD is approximately 300 meters through walls, around trees or around buildings and about 2 kilometers line of sight with no obstructions, using compact multipolarized antennas. Range can be extended using larger, higher gain antennas. During the demonstration the image quality was outstanding and there were no artifacts or interference.

The compact size of the HR-IXPSXPi-SD allows it to be mounted, using the optional Anton-Bauer Gold Mount clip, to a camera back and draw power from standard camera batteries.

A HD MPEG4 H.264 version of the HR-IXPSXPi is expected to be announced later this year.

The HR-IXPSXPi-SD is available in both unlicensed 900MHz, 2.4GHz and 5GHz models, as well as in the 4.9GHz public safety band. Other bands for export and government use are also available. Optional on-board mass storage is also available so the unit can be used as a digital recorder.

HauteSpot Networks will be exhibiting through Diversified Marketing in booth C1127 at NAB2007. The HR-IXPSXPi-SD and HR-IXPSXPi will be on display with a live demo.

Pricing for the HR-IXPSXPi-SD starts at just $999 and the HR-IXPSXPi starts at just $849.

About HauteSpot Networks

The experienced team at HauteSpot Networks Corporation designs, sells, and supports wireless broadband solutions meeting the unique requirements of the broadcast, surveillance, public safety, public utilities, and military markets. This means delivering product performance and features that are leading edge in a format that is simple for our customers to use.

Our modular wireless broadband platform which can be easily configured to meet the needs of vertical markets and OEM customers. We have developed our own operating system and hardware drivers which are optimized to our hardware. Combining these elements with video and audio digitization technology, we have created wireless solutions that deliver 60Mbps at distances up to 25km with no jitter and predictable delay variation.

Founded in 2002 in San Luis Obispo California, HauteSpot Networks Corporation is privately held.

Further information regarding NAB2007 may be found at http://nabshow.com/.

All trademarks, product names, and branding remain the property of their respective owners.

source: http://prweb.com/releases/2007/3/prweb510790.htm

Defining TV Moments with HDTV

Television technology as we know it today has evolved tremendously from its inception in the late 1800s. Inspired by the success of the inventions of Bell and Edison in bridging wide distances, scientists became more and more intrigued by the possibility of ‘distance vision’ or the ability to simultaneously see someone in another part of the world moving and talking while one is in another location.


With their relentless efforts, it wasn’t long before American scientist Charles Jenkins and Scotsman John Baird were able to put on air in England and the U.S their first television programming of silhouettes and stick figures. This was followed by several major breakthroughs which eventually led to the development of television technology as we know it today.


• 1927 — Bell Laboratories transmitted the first live picture with voice broadcast.
• 1939 — RCA unveiled its first line of television receivers in its World’s Fair.
• 1943 — The National Television Standards Committee (NTSC) technological standards for black and white TV were established.
• 1957 — Robert Adler invented the first practical remote control called the ‘Space Commander’.
• 1960s — Color television programming was launched.
• 1962 — Television signal via satellite was launched for the first time
• 1970s to 1980s — The highly efficient fiber optic cable was introduced significantly improving delivery of television programming and paving the way for the entry of digital television technology.
• 1990 — Closed-caption television was created for the hearing-impaired.
• 1994 — High Definition Television (HDTV) standards were established along with a plan for the eventual phasing out of analog television and the conversion to the digital format
• 1998 — The first HDTV sets were sold in the market.



What is HDTV?


High Definition TV or HDTV is a digital broadcast standard that insures the viewer the ultimate in viewing quality and sound. It is one of 18 voluntary standards for digital television set by the Advanced Television Standards Committee (ATSC), which provides guidelines on the levels of quality to be followed for sound and video encoding and transmission. Of these 18 standards, which are all superior to the analog technology commonly used in television today, HDTV holds the highest rank. The HDTV broadcast format, therefore, is the most superior. However, purchasing an HDTV-ready TV set does not mean that one automatically gets to enjoy the benefits of this technology. To be able to enjoy HDTV, one must also be viewing a program that has been digitally prepared. In some cases, one needs a set-top converter to convert the broadcasts from analog to digital.


Whatever it is, one cannot escape the fact that the digital age is upon us and, whether or not we are ready, it will just be a matter of time before the analog broadcasts we have grown so used to is phased out and digital TV becomes the standard.


For an avowed TV addict who knows nothing about digital TV, the prospect is daunting. The need to understand DTV and HDTV therefore is now.


For more information on HDTV, please do visit http://www.GoHD.TV
Robert Brookes runs http://www.GoHD.TV - an online resource that gives more than just the usual tips and advice. Check out http://www.GoHD.TV now - you won’t regret it!.
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HDTV Reviews

HDTV stands for high definition television. It contains images that have significantly higher details than normal televisions. Pixels in an HDTV product are usually square, smaller and are placed closer together, which results in higher visual detail.


There are a few varieties of HDTVs available, like HD flatpanel TVs, HD traditional projection TVs, and HD advanced microdisplays. HD traditional projection TVs offer larger screen sizes and lower prices, but they take up more space and are quite bulky. In addition, they have a thinner viewing angle than other forms of HDTV. The HD flat panel TV is thin and light, and can hang on a wall. Although the majority of HDTVs are HD ready and provide the widest viewing angle and the highest contrast, these are available at a higher cost. The HD advanced microdisplays offer a lightweight design and advanced technology without the expense of a flat panel HDTV. They are HD ready and provide a big viewing angle, quality contrast, and replaceable light sources.


Although the 34-inch CRT HDTV television is bulkier and bigger, its high picture resolution is one of the plausible clauses for its sale. The Sony 34-inch TV has been voted as one of the best televisions to produce filmlike resolution. The only negative in the product is that it is bulky and requires a big area to install it. Among the 43-inch plasma televisions, Pioneer has been chosen as one of the best products. The product has been categorized to have the best balance of image quality, features and ease-of-use. On the other hand, Panasonic plasma renders deeper blacks it lacks tuners, speakers and most inputs. The Pioneer has 1024 x 768 pixels of resolution, which is lower in comparison to the other rear-projection TVs, and LCD TVs.


The 45 -inch LCD HDTV LCD flat panel TVs are thin and wall-mountable, and have higher resolution. The Sharp Aquos LCD television is one of few HDTVs with 1920 x 1080 resolution, enough to display every detail of 1080i high-definition television.


There are a few varieties of HDTVs available, like HD flatpanel TVs, HD traditional projection TVs, and HD advanced microdisplays. HD traditional projection TVs offer larger screen sizes and lower prices, but take up more space and are quite bulky. In addition, they have a thinner viewing angle than other forms of HDTV. The HD flatpanel HDTV is thin and light, and can hang on a wall. Although the majority of HDTVs are HD ready and provide the widest viewing angle and highest contrast, these are available at a higher cost. The HD advanced microdisplays offer a lightweight design and advanced technology without the expense of a flatpanel HDTV. They are HD ready and provide a big viewing angle, quality contrast, and replaceable light sources

Plasma HDTV provides detailed information on HDTV, Plasma HDTV, HDTV Antennas, HDTV Reviews and more. Plasma HDTV is affiliated with Home Theater Projectors.

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HDTV Guide For Newbies

HDTV: Reasons For Getting It

The day advocates of high-definition television or HDTV presented it to the public in 1998, rumors spread about how it would be the best television viewing experience compared to our older TV sets. The image quality and sound would be better, giving the impression that you were in the movie or TV show while you watched it.

HDTV Defined

HDTV has made the older analog television sets obsolete. For one thing, images are several times sharper and clearer than older TVs. Older televisions receive analog wave signals in the air and the picture quality can be loss through conversion to the screen. Newer LCD HDTV or plasma HDTV sets receive digital signals from digital broadcast and picture quality is persevered.

HDTV: Function and Benefits

The US is phasing out analog broadcasting and replacing it with digital broadcasting. When the deadline arrives in 2009, your analog TV will not work, unless it has a converter. Right now, your analog TV set will still work so you might be wondering why you would want to have an HDTV right now:

Regardless of the dimensions of the screen, HDTV will have a better quality picture. Small details will show up on even larger screens.

HDTV multicasting allows stations to broadcast several programs in one line.

Digital broadcasting allows interactive programming such as games and contests.

HDTV maximizes the use of all the pixels on its screen, whereas analog TVs use a small portion of the pixels available to it.

The full spectrum of brilliant colors in images is available when seen on HDTV.

HDTV Minuses

Although HDTV's are becoming more affordable, they are in general more expensive that regular analog sets. New sets will usually have built-in HDTV tuners. If you don't have a dish or satellite service hooked-up, then you may need to purchase a HDTV antenna if you wish to receive free local HD programming.

Shopping For An HDTV?

To make the right choice in a HDTV, you need to see it for yourself. Watch it in a store, read the HDTV reviews and get the right advice. Then make the decision with confidence.

Copyright (c) 2006 by Leroy Chan

Afraid of buying a HDTV? Visit http://www.MyHDTVadvisor.com and get non-geek answers to questions about LCD HDTV, plasma HDTV, HDTV tuners, antennas and reviews.

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