HDTV FAQ
HDTV programming
Is HD broadcast available in my area?
Probably, yes. Some Asian television stations broadcast over-the-air high-definition signals, while others are in the midst of conducting trials. For example, if you're a Singapore StarHub cable subscriber (analog subscribers must upgrade to digital to receive HDTV), you could sign up for its latest HD service for National Geographic Channel HD and Discovery HD documentaries.
What extra equipment do I need to get HD broadcast?
Still using an over-the-air antenna? Believe it or not, that same antenna may work to pick up HDTV signals--all you need is an HDTV tuner (either built into the HDTV or separate and connected to an HDTV-ready set) as well as a local TV station that's broadcasting in HD. If you're a digital cable subscriber, most cable companies rent HDTV boxes for a month fee or subsidized one-time charges.
Will my over-the-air HD broadcast picture ever suffer from static or ghosting?
Over-the-air HD broadcasts are still susceptible to interference from hills or tall buildings, but instead of getting static or ghosting--a faint double image--you'll just get a blank screen or occasional breakup for a weak signal. If you plan on receiving your HD from an over-the-air antenna, you'll need some patience to narrow down the optimal point of reception.
What are the other sources of native HD content?
Another major source of high-def programs is movie titles and documentaries transferred onto or shot in HD by Hollywood studies. These are currently distributed through the competing HD-DVD and Blu-ray platforms and are surfacing in various part of Asia, albeit in limited quantities. Another alternative for the Web-savvy is to purchase the titles off the Web, some online stores such as Amazon.com are offering as low as US$19.95 less shipping for older selections.
How about those next-generation gaming consoles?
Nintendo Wii aside, the Microsoft Xbox 360 and Sony PlayStation 3 are all HD-ready with gaming resolution ranging from 720p to full-HD 1080p. Both also dish out 5.1 Dolby Digital surround sound similar to the multichannel audio featured in HD broadcast. In fact, as these software are cut on DVDs and high-capacity Blu-ray media, their picture and audio quality are generally superior to their broadcast equivalent, primarily due to limited channel bandwidth, etc.
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