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• Article Continues: HDTV Content Providers
HDTV Content Providers |
Most of today’s cable TV providers have embraced HDTV technology head-on through comprehensive upgrades to their infrastructure. To receive HDTV content from your cable company, you are generally required to subscribe to a High Definition programming package and lease an HDTV compatible cable box. The cost is usually
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Cable TV Hook-Up CableCard™ Device |
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an additional $15 per month. Some HDTV’s are equipped with a CableCard™ slot. CableCard™ technology allows the end-user to avoid leasing a box and uses circuits in the HDTV and CableCard™ itself to receive the signal. Cable Cards have not been well received since they do not support Pay-Per-View™ and OnDemand™ programming.
HDTV via Cable Pros:
Simple upgrade with no extra equipment to buy
Decent selection of HD content including local HDTV channels |
HDTV via Cable Cons:
Must lease HDTV box from the cable company
Cable companies often compress their HDTV feeds reducing quality
HDTV via Satellite Provider |
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Satellite operators have been waging a tough fight for supremacy of HDTV content by making significant investments in infrastructure. Dish Network™ recently integrated the satellites from VOOM™, an exclusively high Definition satellite provider, into their orbiting network. DirecTV™ has launched a constellation of HD satellites to expand their programming options. If you are already a subscriber to either of these services, upgrading to one of their recommended HDTV satellite receivers is a great option. Unlike the cable company, this receiver must be purchased up-front to receive HDTV service.
HDTV via Satellite Pros:
More HDTV channel selections than cable
HD programming packages are generally cheaper than cable
HDTV via Satellite Cons:
The required HDTV satellite receiver can cost upwards of $500
Not all local channels are carried in HD by the satellite providers
HDTV via Antenna (Over-the-Air Broadcasts) |
While most television viewers receive their programming through a cable or satellite provider, several million tune in to standard definition over-the-air NTSC broadcasts through an antenna and tuner. A special ATSC (Advanced Television Systems Committee) digital tuner is required to pick up HDTV signals over-the-air, which are integrated into many HDTV’s and stand-alone receiver boxes. On February 17, 2009, viewers can only watch over-the-air television if they have an
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ATSC digital tuner, since standard NTSC broadcast signals will be shut down permanently by the FCC. To offset this cost and inconvenience for consumers, the Government will provide nearly $1 Billion in vouchers for ATSC digital tuners to those affected by this transition.
HDTV via Antenna Pros:
No monthly subscription costs required
Picture quality is generally superior to satellite and cable
HDTV via Antenna Cons:
Costs associated with special ATSC tuner
Reception problems similar to cell phones in some areas |
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