What is HDTV?

HDTV stands for high-definition television. It is digitally broadcasted television and delivers 10 times the resolution than a standard definition television (SDTV), giving you clean, vibrant pictures that are much more real to life. It also has a wider screen giving you 33% wider viewing area, providing complete screen images like those you'd see in the movie theater. You'll also enjoy theater quality sound that adds to the overall entertainment experience.

With 140 channels and growing Dish Network is the satellite leader in HD programming. Most Dish packages include a free HD DVR upgrade and you can add HD programming to your Dish Network package for only $10 a month. It's easy, affordable and will help you enjoy TV like never before.

What equipment do I need to enjoy HDTV?

So, you've made the decision to enjoy higher quality TV viewing and get high-definition TV programming. Lucky for you, Dish Network makes it easy and you only need a few basics. No need to worry about your set-up either; a professional installer will take care of the installation at no cost to you. All you need to do it sit back, relax and enjoy a better TV viewing experience.

HD-Ready TV

Every HD set-up starts with an HD-ready TV. HD TVs are more the norm than the exception these days and can be found just about anywhere. Odds are you already have one.

Dish Network Satellite Dish

The satellite dish receives the digital transmissions and distributes them to the various receivers throughout the house. A professional installer will install it on your house for you for free.

HD Receiver

You'll also need the HD receiver. The receiver converts the compressed video into the images you see on your TV. Some receivers are HD DVR Receivers. They allow you to record your various shows and replay them when you want and more. Most current Dish Network packages include a free HD DVR receiver upgrade. The installer will make sure it is hooked up right at no cost to you.

What Are The Benefits of HD TV?

Outside of better picture quality, HD TV offers a number of great entertainment benefits:

Better Aspect Ratio

Older model TV's have a lower aspect ratio of 4:3. HD TV's have an aspect ratio of 16:9. What this means to you is a screen size that is 33% wider. That's a whole lot more picture for your money.

Much Better Resolutions

Picture quality is no small thing. With a standard TV you generally get 210,000 pixels per image. With and HD TV, you get 2,073,600 pixels per image. When you consider the horizontal and vertical pixels, it works to be 10 times the resolution and picture quality. Pictures have never been so real and life like.

Sound Quality

HD TV's have 5.1 channels of CD-quality sound, providing you with high-quality surround sound, whereas a traditional TV usually only has 2 channels of audio which barely qualifies it as stereo sound.

With a 33% bigger picture, 10 times the picture quality and theater quality sound, HDTV outperforms the traditional TV experience hands down. What are you waiting for?