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Frequently Asked Questions
I just bought a new high definition television (HDTV). Do I need more equipment to see high definition programs?
There are several ways to obtain high definition content for your new television. First, you need to know if your set is HD ready or HD with ATSC digital tuner built in. HD ready means that there is no digital tuner built in and you need to obtain another box to see HD programming. HD with ATSC digital tuner built in allows you to see HD programming broadcast over-the-air. In addition, your set may contain a QAM tuner for viewing non-encrypted cable programming without a set top box. The specifications for your television will tell you exactly which tuner(s) you have.
Over-the-air with antenna
The television stations in most metropolitan areas now offer over-the-air (OTA) high definition TV broadcasts. These include all of the major networks like ABC, NBC, CBS, Fox, and PBS as well as the independents such as WB and UPN. Many stations are also producing their local shows in HD. If your set has an ATSC tuner built in, just connect an antenna to it and tune in the HD stations. (HD stations are labeled in the format xx.1 or xx.2 where xx is the station number you are used to using. For example the HD version of channel 11 is 11.1). You can find out about antennas for HD reception at
www.antennaweb.org .
In the United States, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is regulating the conversion from analog to digital. As a measure, the FCC is setting deadlines making it mandatory that all manufacturers include digital (ATSC) tuners in their televisions. Here are the dates:
- July 1, 2005: All TVs with screen sizes over 36" must include built-in ATSC tuner
- July 1, 2006: 100% of 25-35" TVs must include ATSC DTV tuner (right now only 50 required)
- July 1, 2007: 100% of 13-24" TVs must include ATSC DTV tuner
- July 1, 2007: 100% of all interface devices must have ATSC DTV tuner (VCR, DVD player/recorder, DVR)
The above deadline applies only to new televisions.
Cable
Most cable companies are now providing high definition content on their systems. There are two ways to view this high definition content. The easiest is to obtain a set-top-box. Cable companies generally lease their set-top-boxes on a monthly basis. Be sure to ask for a model that decodes HDTV. Your cable company can also provide you with an HD Digital Video Recorder (DVR). You must connect the set-top-box to your HDTV using a digital input. (See Connecting to a HD Television below).
The second method of viewing high definition content from a cable provider is with a built in QAM tuner. If your set has a built in QAM tuner you simply plug the cable from the cable company directly into your set. This will allow you to watch non-encrypted programming. (Encryption is used for programs such HBO and Showtime). Some of the newer sets have slots for a special device called a Cable Card. The Cable Card is a device that you obtain from the cable company, plug into a small slot on the HDTV and provides the decryption for all the encrypted services that you subscribe to.
(Note: The TIVO Series 3 is a set-top-box due for release in the second half of 2006 that contains an ATSC tuner, a QAM tuner and Cable Card slots. For more information see TIVO below).
Satellite
Finally, you can obtain high definition content from a satellite company. The two largest satellite service providers are DirecTV and Dish Network. They provide set-top-boxes and DVRs that can be leased or purchased Satellite service is available virtually anywhere in the country with installation of a small dish. You must also connect these set-top-boxes to your HDTV using a digital input. (See Connecting to a HD Television below).
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