Featuring:
 1080i Resolution
Six times sharper than Standard Definition Television and twice the color resolution.
Dolby© Digital 5.1 Channel Audio
16:9 Theater
wide-screen format
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- 1. So HDTV is simply a sharper picture?
- Actually, HDTV is a revolution: It is literally twice the picture quality of current televisions. And that ghost-free, crisp picture is displayed on a screen that’s wide like a movie theaters, not almost square like a regular TV. Most HDTV programming is produced in surround sound, too. Once you’ve seen and heard HDTV - and experienced all the extras - it’s painful to go back.
- 2. What is the difference between DTV and HDTV?
- Let’s call them first cousins. HDTV is the ultimate form of digital television. There are also sets on the market called "standard definition" digital. They’re still a leap from today’s technology, but HDTV is second to none. Industry prognosticators believe that, as digital TV takes over, most of us will have an HDTV as our primary set and smaller, standard-definition digital sets in secondary locations, like kitchens and bedrooms.
- 3. What is the difference between Standard Satellite and HDTV?
- First, HDTV is a new feature and enhancement of Dish Network. Digital satellite allows you firsthand experience of what kind of improvement digital technology can make in TV viewing. Digital Cable is sent out from the MTC in a digital format, but your current television isn’t, so the digital signals must be converted back into the old-fashioned transmission that your TV uses to create its pictures and sound.
- 4. So whether it’s regular digital or HDTV, I’ve got to buy a new television set?
- Eventually you’ll want to. All U.S. broadcasters, TV stations and cable systems are in the process of converting to digital. In a few years, the analog signal (the current method of transmitting television) will be turned off, and digital transmissions will take over. Today, the improved quality of Dish Network Satellite service over analog does not require the purchase of a new TV - only the presence of a digital converter from Dish. Viewing of HDTV channels from Dish Network, does require an HD capable or ready TV in addition to the receiver.
- 5. Aren’t HDTV sets much more expensive?
- Digital and HDTV technology is falling in price at a pretty fast clip, but it’s still more expensive than buying a regular TV set. When HDTV sets first hit the market, it was difficult to find anything for under $10,000. Many prices have fallen by as much as half. Today you can buy newer-model HDTV sets for around $1,500 to $3,000, which is about the same as many folks spend on big-screen analog TVs. You can find standard-definition digital TV sets for under $1,000.
- 6. What about my existing VCR, will it be able to play back and record HD programming?
- Your existing VCR will be able to play back your library of VHS tapes on the new digital television receivers. However, your VHS VCR will not be able to record the widescreen high definition signal. If you want to record and playback the digital HDTV signal, you will need to purchase a new D-VHS VCR.
- 7. Do VCRs, PVRs, and other video equipment work with DTV sets?
- All DTV sets have at least one composite input (sometimes two or three), and at least one S-video input (possibly more). You can connect your existing VCRs, PVRs, and other accessories to these jacks as you would with a regular TV. Also, DTVs usually have an analog TV tuner, so your satellite receiver can also be connected to your DTV.
- 8. What are the FCC requirements on broadcasters?
- The FCC requires local broadcasters to begin transmitting their programming in a digital format (either standard definition or high definition) by May 2002. However, recent FCC reports indicate that as many as 40% of stations have requested an extension in their deadline to begin broadcasting in digital.
- 9. What are the retransmission issues associated with HDTV?
- Satellite operators must receive permission from programmers in order to transmit the programmers’ content to their subscribers. This includes HDTV signals, and these negotiations are ongoing.
- 10. Where is the content?
- Currently, there are several sources of HDTV content. Premium networks HBO and Showtime are currently offering high definition programming. Other television programmers are evaluating HDTV. Some local broadcasters are also offering network programming in high definition. Dish has negotiated to carry the available local high definition programming.
- 11. What do I need to have in order to receive HD Service?
- Dish Network’s HD Service will usually be less expensive. For customers who already own an HD-capable TV set, the only additional equipment required to receive Dish Network’s HD Service is a Dish Network HD receiver (which may be either leased or purchased, depending on the system). In rare instances, a customer may also be required to purchase an RGB adapter (only required if the customer’s HDTV set does not have YPbPr inputs). To receive satellite HD Service, a customer would require a new satellite HD receiver, plus-in many cases-a new dish or an additional dish. In addition, for that satellite HD customer to receive off-air HD signals from local broadcast stations, the customer would have to purchase an HD decoder and, possibly, an antenna.
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