Singapore is the first country in Southeast Asia to enjoy High Definition Television broadcast via
StarHub Digital Cable.
Widely regarded as the most important breakthrough in broadcasting since the colour TV, HDTV offers images on a widescreen format that most closely emulates the human eye, colours by the millions and multi-dimensional sound that makes you feel as if you are right there in the thick of the adventure. Seeing images that are true to life in vivid colour, HDTV is best described as a true ‘reality’ TV experience at its finest.
But what is HDTV and is it really better than your average TV? Read on, be your own judge.
Traditionally, TV signals are transmitted in analogue format or Standard Definition (SDTV). Today, more and more television sets are able to receive digital signals. The main difference between analogue signals and digital signals is the signal capacity. Digital signals can basically carry billions more bytes of information or data with each transmission than an analogue signal. This higher capacity of digital signals translates to greater speed of transmission and richer data packets that enhance the image, colour and even audio quality as is apparent in a digital broadcast.
HDTV is the highest quality of digital broadcast available today.
And in Singapore, StarHub Digital Cable is first to launch HDTV.
Here are some comparisons between HDTV and SDTV
 |
HDTV |
SDTV |
| Screen Format |
16:9 widescreen picture format with 33% more image display. |
4:3 standard display format with smaller picture area. |
| Resolution |
More pixels per sq inch so details are clearer and colours more vivid.
1080i (1920 x 1080) |
Less pixels per sq inch so pictures are less defined and colours are limited.
576i (720 x 576) |
| Video Sharpness |
Up to 4 times sharper and more colour-rich |
Less sharp |
| Audio |
Dolby® Digital 5.1 Surround Sound capability |
Stereo or Mono |
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Watching HDTV makes you feel as if you just got a super precise, brand new pair of glasses. In fact, in some cases, you might just want to reach out and make sure that your TV is not actually a window that a majestic cheetah just ran past. Here’s a widescreen view of the key benefits of HDTV.
Widescreen Format (16:9)
HDTV gives you up to 33% more screen view with a widescreen viewing format much like in the cinema.
Crystal Clear Images & True-To-Life Colours
Digital signals means crystal-clear images that can be up to 4 times sharper and more colour-rich than before.
Cinematic Sound
HDTV has the capability deliver cinematic sound via Dolby® Digital 5.1 surround sound. Properly decoded, each audio track can be isolated to individual speakers around your TV room to complement your view with a multi-dimensional sound experience.
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A HD-ready TV set is only as good as the programmes you receive. To enjoy HDTV at its purest, the television programme you receive must be in HD format at the source.
HD programming are not only recorded with High Definition cameras. In most cases, the story lines, camera angles and visual creativity are carefully crafted to optimise the splendour of the HD medium.
In Singapore currently, two world-class, household names in quality television programming provide High-Definition programmes. They are Discovery HD (Ch 302) and National Geographic Channel HD (Ch 301), on StarHub Digital Cable.
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To enjoy HDTV with StarHub Digital Cable, here’s a checklist of things you need:
HD-Ready TV Set- Your HD-TV set must at least have features like 16:9 aspect ratio, resolution at least 720p and supports Component (Y-Pr-Pb) or HDMI (High Definition Multimedia Interface)
- Dolby Digital® 5.1 Surround Sound Home Theatre System (optional)
- To receive the richest audio experience and 3-dimensional sound in your living room, connect your HD set-top box to a compatible Dolby® Digital 5.1 surround sound system
- HD Set-top Box
- Your HD-ready TV may give you better immediately but it will not enable you to receive HD programmes until you get a HD set-top box from StarHub Digital Cable
- HD Plus Subscription
- Enjoy HD programmes from Discovery HD (Ch 302) and National Geographic Channel HD (Channel 301) on HD Plus. HD Plus is available on StarHub Digital Cable at only $15.75 per month (w/GST).
Experience HDTV yourself. Join the free trial now. Click here
To find out more about HDTV or to sign up, click here
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