Home Theater Systems

Do you need a high definition box? If you have cable and you want to receive all of the high definition TV channels offered, you will need a high definition cable box from your provider. There will often be an additional charge for it, but many of these boxes also act as a high definition video recorder which can help justify the monthly fee increase.

Another important type of HD box comes in the form of an high definition tuner or set top box. If you have an HD ready TV or a video monitor capable of displaying a high definition picture, then this device will enable the reception of free, local, over the air HD broadcasts.

Most of the HDTVs sold in the last few years have these tuners built in; however,there are those sold in the past decade that are called 'HD ready'. These TV's had the technology to display the resolution necessary to show HD, but lacked the built in tuner to receive the signal and decode it. Another name for them is 'HD monitor'. By adding a high definition tuner and a high definition TV antenna, you'll be watching your favorite local high definition television stations free and clear.

If you've been in an electronics store and perused the flat panel TV section, chances are you've seen 3D HDTV demonstrations from most or all of the TV manufacturers out there.

So what is 3D HDTV? It is the latest evolution in 3D technology. For the longest time, in order to watch 3D, we were forced to wear paper glasses with red and blue cellophane in front of our eyes. This did give us the illusion of 3D, but at the expense of inaccurate color reproduction and major image ghosting problems. Alas, this was the technology available at the time… so we endured. Enter the present day, and read the latest high definition television reviews and we have to applaud technology for ushering in an entirely new 3D technology!


When you combine the crisp clean imagery of high definition television broadcasting, hi def satellite, or blu ray 3D, with the new glasses that don't need to filter colors out in order to work properly, you get a visual experience that blows away the older technology in every way!

Yes, you do need to wear glasses, but the amazing technology in most LCD and Plasma TV's use their high frame rate to show left and right images in succession. Using a process known as active shutter technology, the glasses are synchronized to these alternating frames and are able to show the correct frames to each eye hundreds of times per second. The picture remains in high definition while providing the illusion of a three dimensional image.

Although the technology tints the glasses, thereby darkening the image ever so slightly, the color remains true, and the image razor sharp. By the way, Most manufacturer's 3D glasses are designed to fit over prescription eyeglasses, if you need to.

One interesting and common misconception is that if you were to buy one of these new HDTVs with 3D, you have to always wear the glasses and always watch everything in 3D. This is entirely false. These TV's are first and foremost 2D HDTV's with the ability to show 3D content as well. Think of it like pondering a sunroof on a new car purchase, "but what if it rains?" You don't have to open it if you don't want too. On a beautiful day or moonlit night; however, it sure is nice to have the option to open that sunroof if you have it. A 3D HDTV simply adds an additional entertainment option to enjoy, only if and when you so desire it.

If you like going to the movies to watch the latest hit films in 3D, then you should enjoy the latest offerings from the various 3D HDTV manufacturers. and the latest blu ray releases in 3D. Lets not forget about 3D gaming, a more immersive experience, now on the Playstation 3.

High definition video recorders today are the new VCR of tomorrow.

On June 12th, 2009 television changed across the United States and the difference was clear...literally! The amazing clarity of HDTV broadcasts simply blows away the standard definition analog signals we have enjoyed for much of the past century.

Depending on where you live, and how long you have had a high definition television, you might have noticed that HDTV signals were being simulcasted along with the analog broadcast. As of June 12, 2009, no more.

So how do you record these digital broadcasts? With high def video recorder!
They come in various forms such as a high definition dvr, or high definition box.

Companies such as Tivo, Moxi, Sony, and Hauppauge have released High definition video recorders that perform similar tasks; albeit with some key differences.

Tivo will record from cable or free over-the-air broadcasts, but requires a monthly fee to use its recording capability.

Moxi has no monthly fees, will record cable, but it will not record free over-the-air HD broadcasts.

Sony's recorder will record cable and free over-the-air HD broadcasts and has no fees; but it is discontinued. (As of this writing, they are available online from some merchants and auction sites such as ebay.)



Hauppauge's pvr (personal video recorder) can record HD from any set top box, with no fees, but not over the air broadcasts.

Regardless of which device you choose, expect to pay between $250 - $800 for any of these choices. If purchasing a unit is not a preferred option, and you subscribe to high definition satellite television or cable TV, then the integration of a HD recorder in your satellite or high definition cable box is available for a low additional monthly fee.

High definition dvd recorders can actually refer to two different products and is discussed here.

High definition dvrs are often available features built into high definition satellite receivers. This technology has been around for a few years with programming providers like high definition directv and dish network HD.

If you subscribe to cable TV, and you own or plan on getting an HDTV, make sure to upgrade to a high definition box so you can benefit from the awesome hi def experience!

High definition television sets come in a variety of styles. If you have had a chance to research high definition television reviews, then you know that the standards for picture quality have changed dramatically for the better. Of course, as with any product, some models will excel over others, but even on value priced brands the picture quality can tower over their analog ancestors.

So what differentiates a high definition TV set from those that aren't?
Well, for one, HDTVs are usually more rectangular in shape. This is due to the fact that the high definition broadcasting standard uses a 16 X 9 widescreen format.

Notice the difference? On the left, the widescreen picture shows more information, whereas the older TV on the right shows a 4 X 3 image offering less picture information.

So what do these numbers mean? It's quite simple really.
The numbers '16 X 9' refer to the dimensions of the screen, 16 across, by 9 high. Older TVs have a ratio of 4 across, by 3 high or '4 X 3' Sometimes they are written as 16:9 and 4:3, but it means the same thing.



So you get more picture, but you also get higher resolution and more color. High definition television channels are up to six times sharper than standard definition ones, offering much improved color and clarity which must be seen to be appreciated. Additionally, many manufacturers offer models which include the option to enjoy 3D HDTV! Click on the links below to learn more about the various types of High definition TV sets available.

A high definition TV antenna is one of the least expensive ways to enjoy local high definition television stations. It can cost as little as a few dollars at your neighborhood electronics store. The signal strength may vary, depending on your proximity, and the type of terrain between you and the broadcast towers; i.e. hills, mountains, etc. A TV antenna, connected to your HDTV may be the only thing you need to enjoy a large number of free over the air HD broadcast channels. Unlike analog broadcasting, digital TV signals either come in crystal clear, or not at all. No grain. No fuzz. Surprisingly, the picture quality may be even better than cable or satellite due to the compression techniques used by these providers to give you more channels, despite bandwidth limitations. Of course if more programming choices are important then by all means, keep your cable or satellite provider and upgrade to their high definition box or high definition satellite receivers if you haven't done so already. For those who subscribe because you want a clearer picture when watching local TV, then give a high def TV antenna a try. The antenna you need may be as simple as a pair of rabbit ears, to a small powered antenna, to an outdoor roof antenna, depending on signal strength in your area. Once you see the picture, you will be amazed!

High definition satellite television is a great choice if a high definition TV antenna is not an option, or you simply want access to more high definition TV channels! When it comes to getting a clear digital picture, satellite television enjoys a long history of providing just that.

High definition satellite receivers; however, take clarity and content to a whole new level when compared to their standard definition counterparts.

Whether you use a Dish Network or Directv high def satellite receiver or other provider depends on which one offers the best value and programming options for you.




Another thing to consider is the availability of 3D HDTV programs, which are arriving more and more as live sports coverage, popular movies, and other original 3D choices are showing up on program guides across the country.

Once you've made your decision on your program provider, make sure to specify that you want high definition to get the best possible picture on your HDTV.

Many satellite TV providers offer local high definition television stations for an additional cost. This is convenient; however, depending where you live, you may be able to get them for free by simply using a high definition TV antenna connected directly to your TV's antenna input.

Something else to note is that many providers offer high definition satellite recievers that incorporate a high definition video recorder built right into the box! This lets you watch TV on your schedule and in most cases, even record one program while you watch another.