Watching HDTV on your Computer

With the required change to HDTV, one interesting way to take advantage of this new technology is to convert your computer into an HDTV.   This is much cheaper than purchasing a new HDTV and gives you many advantages over buying a converter box for your old TV.   The HD tuner plugs right into a USB port and the software tends to install automatically.  While these tuners can cost anywhere from $60 – $200, they are still much cheaper than buying a big screen HDTV.  You can get free HDTV through either the antenna on your converter or rooftop, or hook your computer to a cable box.

Converting a laptop to an HDTV works really well.  Many of the laptops sold in the last few years are multimedia centers with 15.4 inch widescreen which is a similar shape to smaller HDTV’s.  The laptops are portable and can be moved from room to room, which can reduce kids fighting over the TV. If the converter has its own antenna, you can even watch free HDTV outside your home.  You can use your DVD burner to make a copy or save a copy of a show or movie directly to your PC which makes it easy to send a copy to a friend.  You can even get a PC remote control making changing channels a breeze.

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HDTV has Style

It takes some folks awhile to reach the decision of buying an HDTV but once the point is reached they will next need to decide what style of HDTV is right for them. Surprisingly, there are four styles of HDTVs. Direct view are televisions which don’t use projection technology. They are relatively inexpensive and have a wide viewing angle. However, they are usually bulky and have poor resolution reducing the picture quality. While many people choose them because of their cost efficiency if you’re looking forward to a higher quality performance you may want to browse further.

Completely opposite of the direct view TV is the plasma TV which is usually a mere 3 inches thick. These flat style televisions have excellent home theater viewing however, they also come with a heavy price tag. The future does look bright for this style as the prices begin to drop and the resolution value continues to increase.

LCD TV’s also have the inconvenience of expense but they don’t have a danger of bur in as do plasma televisions. They are also equipped with superior picture quality and sound. However, consumers remark that the quality they provide isn’t quite as well as the plasma TV. You be the judge. CNET has some great comparison information of the two.

Rear projection televisions are also an option. A new generation of these TV’s is currently forming called microdisplay TV. The cost of most rear projection televisions is fairly inexpensive but there is a slight difference in their specific styles. Your retailer will efficiently help suit you with the best television for your needs.

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HDTV Coupon Compatible Converter Boxes

By now, you may be aware of the government allotted program offering coupons for those with analog televisions who are having difficulty with financing a much needed converter box for future television viewing. Be advised that these coupons are only valid for specific converter boxes.

Because it may take up to 6 weeks for their delivery and they only have 90 day validity, you may want to know beforehand where you can purchase these eligible converter boxes. To make things easier I’ve actually did some of my own research and have compiled a list of converter boxes through https://www.ntiadtv.gov/cecb_list.cfm

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HDTV and Seniors

Most seniors cannot afford a new HD ready TV or pay for cable TV, so they will need to order the HD converter box for their current TV in order to still watch free TV.  They can order the $40 discount coupons using 800 #, but most people are not aware that its takes approximately 6 weeks after you are approved, for the coupons to be mailed and they expire in 90 days.  Also, you need to make sure you purchase a converter box which is eligible for the discount. Due to the confusion; it’s best to find a local store to purchase the converter box.

Often seniors need to rely on a technically savvy relative or close friend to help with connecting and setting up the converter box.  This can be a much bigger challenge then many people realize because the younger people often already have digital cable TV and do not have to change their own setup.  One of the confusions that will often occur during setup is the number of HDTV stations available over the free airwaves.  Most people think at first they set up the converter box incorrectly.  Remotes need to be reset and with both HD and non HD stations available you may see the same TV shows on more than one channel.   But the good news is the quality of the picture even with an indoor or roof antenna will be far superior to the old picture.

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HDTV: The Works

For many people, the digital experience has created havoc. The high tech world has them confused with the multitude of choices and abbreviated enhancement of television. They’ve taken the expected plunge to upgrade their television only to be left without the know how of making the move.

For years people have adapted to the analog television which translate picture and sound through radio waves. It reaches the television either through cable or satellite connection. Though the system has worked well throughout the years, it’s more limited. This brings us to crave for DTV. One of the biggest brags of this new technology is a higher quality picture. A digital signal is capable of supporting higher resolution thus, making the video progressive rather than interfaced. Stations now can use one bandwidth to send several signals. They can also send additional information or even, interactive content. Sounds great huh? Though some people are quite comfortable with their analog tv, without the proper services it will become nothing more than a blank screen.

If you’re ready to take the leap into the digital world however, don’t expect this transition to be made with a new HDTV. You will still need an HDTV service provider such as a cable or satellite company. You may also be able to acquire HDTV stations through an antenna depending upon antenna performance and area provisions. Finally, you’ll also need an HDTV. 

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HDTV: What Will Happen to the Little Guy

If you’re like me, you’ve grown accustomed to your local television programming. If you’re from a small area you may be wondering how your local networks will stay afloat with the current DTV expectations. Don’t worry, the little networks won’t be smeared off of the face of your television but because they are on a smaller ratio they will have to continue to broadcast under analog venue.

This applies to all lower power or community stations with restricted range, all Class A stations, and all translator or booster stations. If your favorite stations fall under one of these categories be aware of that as it may have some affect on your decisions in the transition phase to digital TV. However, if you watch television through cable or satellite you shouldn’t need to be concerned because this concern is only related to over the air signals and most digital television sets have a built in analog tuner.

If you’re unsure if your favorite stations fall under one of these categories one factor to look for is this: If the station you are watching is channel 13 but your tuned to channel 23 than this signifies a translator station and it falls under the analog category but to make things a bit easier I found a website that lists lower power television stations by state. It can be found at http://www.ntia.doc.gov/dtvcoupon/LPTVmap.html.

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HDTV: What this Means to Analog Viewers

In the early part of 2006 it was decided by the Congress and FCC to switch off analog broadcasting by February 2009. As the time draws near this has many people in the United States in a panic. To enhance the effect commercials’ have been created to remind consumers that television sets without cable or satellite connect will soon go blank. To support their decision and perhaps cushion the blow, the Congress formed a bill which subsidized converter boxes. The final plan allowed for coupons to further relieve some of the financial stress of obtaining these boxes.

If you knew these coupons were available you were more informed than I. Since I was unaware I decided to do some ground work to find out about this offer. I located a program called the TV Converter Box Coupon Program. This program was specifically created for people who chose to keep their analog television. For many, the cost of a new TV is simply not in their budget. This program allows for two 40 dollar coupons to be used toward the cost of eligible converter boxes. Please note that a television which is connected to cable, satellite, or other paid services does not require the use of these converter boxes. Otherwise, you can apply for coupons while available, in one of four ways.

You can apply online at https://www.dtv2009.gov/ApplyCoupon.aspx . You may apply by phone at 1-888-388-2009. You may download and mail an application to P O BOX 2000, Portland, OR 97208-2000. Finally, you may also fax an application to 1-877-388-4632. Please keep in mind that these coupons may take up to 6 weeks for delivery and are often only valid for 90 days. 

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Surprising HDTV Benefits

For those without cable or satellite TV, you will need to either purchase a converter box or buy a new HD to continue to receive free TV through either a rooftop or indoor antenna.  When you select auto channel, you will be surprised how long the process takes to complete.  Your new HD accessible TV will not only have a much clearer picture, but your will now be able to access many more stations with different types of programming usually only available for those paying for cable or satellite TV.

Many of the free HD stations now accessible via antenna are geared to a specific segment of the population.  There is a sports station which aired many of the US Olympic trials, a 24 hour cartoon network to entertain young children, a Latin American station which airs programs in both English and Spanish for Hispanic viewers. And even a 24 hour worship station.

Depending upon where you live, you can also find 24 hour weather stations similar to those on cable TV featuring both local and national forecasts, local traffic cams and news stations with more limited programming.  Public Broadcasting has also taken advantage of the ability to broadcast multiple stations through one bandwidth. It’s likely that even with the age old antenna you’ll be able to find enjoyable viewing. 

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HDTV and DirecTV

According to many sites related to DirecTV and the switchover to HDTV, they promise to give you a better picture quality, wide screen viewing, and adequately better sound. When you become an HDTV subscriber they will provide you with a High definition receiver and up to three receivers for the other rooms in your home. Rebates are offered which will greatly reduce equipment fees and in some cases provide them free of charge. However, to use this service it is limited for use with a high definition TV.

There are many programming options. Upon subscribing you will receive HBO and Showtime as a benefit of your programming package. For additional cost you can include services such as ESPN HD for your sports entertainment, Universal HD for viewing the newest films, Discovery HD to fulfill your science and nature curiosities, HDNet for concert or your favorite TV series, and Network Channels. Be aware that some local programming will not be provided without an additional over the air antenna. DirecTv may also be accessible to your home computer. One thing I found in the past with satellite TV was that winter weather froze up the dish or interfered with the signal. If you live in a heavy winter region, you may want to ask if this particular issues have been resolved before choosing this service. 

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CRT Televisions in HDTV

CRT televisions, otherwise known as direct view are recognized as the traditional tube television. While they are bulkier in size and image size and resolution is more limited, these televisions’ are still a favorite among many. Since the craze of digital television took effect; newer HDTVs have met with all the chatter and the advantages of the direct view television have been set aside.

A direct view television should never be passed by for lack of consumer knowledge. One major convenience of these traditional TV’s is their plug and play ability. You simply connect cable, satellite, or antenna, plug in your television and your ready to view. Another nice aspect of the traditional TV is that your viewing is never disturbed by light significantly when the sun beams through the window during the day, or indoor lights glare during the night. The angle for viewing is always comfortable and although it is believed that more advanced televisions have more to offer in picture quality, the traditional direct view TV actually has a superb quality. Though these features may not be enough to satisfy some consumers, it is essential to add that these televisions have a long life expectancy, virtually maintenance free, and are purchased at a much lower cost. 

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