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hdtv questions answered
by Greg Gibson
January 14, 2003
 NextGenElectronics'
resident HDTV expert Greg Gibson answers your questions about HDTV and
what you should do about this exciting emerging technology. If you have
a question or comment you'd like Mr. Gibson to comment on, please feel
free to email him personally by clicking
here. All inquiries are subject to publication, however, no personal
information will be given away or published.
Tom M. : I am in the market for a Home
Theater Surround Sound System, and here is my question. I have a HDTV
and when I buy my Surround System does the DVD Player have to be a Progressive
Scan one? Thanks, Tom
Greg Gibson : In short, any dvd should
work with an HDTV (you plug the S output to the S input on the HDTV tuner
inputs). However, HDTVs usually have a 480p input for a progressive scan
DVD. You will get improved picture and less herringbone color patterns
in the images when using a progressive scan DVD. The improved picture
is nice, and optimizes the DVD picture - but you will likely only notice
the difference if you have the pictures side-by-side or switch inputs
quickly (i.e., it isn't like the difference between analog and HDTV which
knocks your socks off). For a good system (i.e., not the cheapie DVDs),
there is little cost difference between the regular DVDs and progressive
scan DVDs - so if you find comparable models you like - take the progressive
scan. But the choice is yours... and be sure to check your HDTV manual
for more details on input hookups/limitations.
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 Bonnie
B. : My husband and I are looking into purchasing a big-screen
HDTV. However, the salespeople we have talked to are telling us we need
to buy a wide-screen big-screen television. They are telling us that once
everything is converted to HDTV, people with square big-screen televisions
are going to have to watch in letterbox format. Is this true or are these
salespeople just trying to get us to spend more money? Help!
Greg Gibson : The sales people are right
- and I hope you have read all the articles on HDTV that we have posted...
if not, please do - there is a lot of information you need to consider
before you buy an HDTV.
The FCC has "mandated" that networks and broadcasters convert
to HDTV. Unfortunately, they already were to have convertedm but they
didn't - so the FCC has "eased the rules and full implementation
target for HDTV. Also recognize that 1080i HDTV is not the only format
competing as HDTV (Fox for example claims that their lesser resolution
is still HDTV). In summary, eventually the broadcasts will all be in HDTV
widescreen - and the traditional sets will probably wind up with bars
top and bottom to fit the picture. If you are buying a set now, and can
receive HD broadcasts, then you should be fine with widescreen. Please
recall from our earlier articles that (1) traditional broadcasts will
be "stretched" and people will look FAT; and (2) if you really
don't have to buy a new set now - our advice is to wait until more broadcasts
are in HDTV (check your ota/cable/satellite services/broadcasters - see
previous articles).
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Faye J. : I have been in a high-definition
technical nightmare for the past three months and came across your Q&A
column on the web. You seem to be extremely knowledgeable and I am hoping
you can help me. I'll try to describe my situation as best as I can for
you. I am not the most technical person, but I don't believe that using
my new TV and set top box (HDTV) should be this hard.
Back in October, I purchased a new video system. A 45" Panasonic
LCD Multimedia wide-screen TV (HDTV ready), along with a Samsun high-definition
box (set top box). VCR and DVD player were also added, but they're not
the problem. Anyway, we have had severe pixelization (I think that's what
you'd call it) and other distortions while using the set top box. The
person who we purchased our system from was more than willing to work
on resolving the problem. At first he said our signal was weak and that
we needed a new antenna. I should also mention that we don't have cable
or satellite, just an antenna. He installed a new antenna and the signal
was still poor. He came out and replaced it with a "top of the line"
antenna, as he put it, and was convinced we would be okay. We weren't.
The problem persisted and to the same degree. He then replaced the cable.
Nothing. The signal on the roof read strong, however, the signal on the
STB read normal to weak. I insisted he in! stall a booster amplifier,
and he did. Still nothing. He was then convinced the STB was faulty and
replaced it with the newest Zenith STB (made by Sony). I am still experiencing
the same problems. I know this can't be normal. HDTV is supposed to be
an awesome visual experience, but it's been a frustration for me. (I should
mention that when the picture is good, it's beautiful; much clearer than
regular TV. However, I get distortions on a regular basis...I can't get
through a 30 minute program without distortion.
Please help me!! What do I do next, and what can possibly be causing this?
Your response would be greatly appreciated.
 Greg
Gibson : I sincerely, and deeply, feel your pain. As you indicated,
you have read all our postings - and I am sure you immediately realized
that your first mistake was not verifying that you could even receive
HD broadcasts before you bought your set. Unlike analog broadcasts, HD
broadcasts are "all or nothing" - meaning you get a great signal
or you get pixilation and frequently no signal (sounds like what you have).
It is terrible that the FCC and FTC (Federal Trade
Commission) don't investigate the mess that the FCC and broadcasters have
created for consumers (I would be glad to testify to Congress).
On the one hand, you have the TV-set-vendors and local
installers wanting to sell you a new, high priced system. It is easy to
sell, because the picture is dead solid perfect!
On the other hand, there is very little HD programming,
the OTA (over the air) broadcasters frequently don't provide sufficient
signal strength, may even transmit from a different location than their
normal signal, the UHF bandwidth (HD OTA is on the UHF spectrum and therefore
uses a YAGI antenna) is not as effectively transmitted as you "normal
2-13 channel", and cable/satellite operators frequently don't offer
the network HD programming. But you only learn what a mess we consumers
are in, AFTER you have bought the set and spent the money.
As you realize, your picture pixilation is cause by you
not getting sufficient signal strength from the local broadcast to your
STB. You have obviously spent a lot of money on antennas, when a call
to the engineering department of the local broadcaster might have stopped
you from buying a set in the first place.
There is not much you can do at this point. However, I
would suggest that you call your local OTA broadcasters and find out where
their broadcast antenna is, and what their power is, and are they going
to increase it soon? Once you get your answers about OTA, then you can
explore cable and satellite, assuming you still want HD after all this
torture.
The only other thing, assuming the local OTA assures you
that you should be getting a strong signal (no buildings, mountains, etc.),
is to check your grounding from the antenna, it is properly pointed, ensure
that you have no shorts in your cable, and ensure you have a proper power
strip (one with noise reduction, GFI, et al - such as MONSTER), and if
you are splitting the signal anywhere prior to the STB decoder/tuner,
you want to ensure you have a good splitter (Monster also make a 2GHz
splitter for around $20 that I use). As in all things, I can't give precise
advice since I'm not there first-hand. Hopefully, whoever sold you the
set will help you.
Let us know what happens... good luck.
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Hal N. : Cablevision swears they are broadcasting
cbs and nbc programs that are being promoted as HDTV. My question is wouldn't
they be in the 16 x 9 ratio and do you know if they are really broadcasting
this format yet. Thank you in advance.
Greg Gibson : Do they say what channel
they are providing the HD broadcasts on? Call their engineering department
and talk with an engineer - they should be able to explain how they make
the HDTV picture available - usually it is on a higher channel (e.g.,
in San Diego, Time Warner offers HDTV on channels 502-508 and requires
a special decoder box). As to the HDTV format, it should be in 16x9 (although
HBO still has some HDTV broadcasts in 4x3) -- however, you should notice
instantaneously the improved picture which is indicative of HDTV 1080i
broadcasts.
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Hal N. : Cablevision swears they are broadcasting
cbs and nbc programs that are being promoted as HDTV. My question is wouldn't
they be in the 16 x 9 ratio and do you know if they are really broadcasting
this format yet. Thank you in advance.
Greg Gibson : Do they say what channel
they are providing the HD broadcasts on? Call their engineering department
and talk with an engineer - they should be able to explain how they make
the HDTV picture available - usually it is on a higher channel (e.g.,
in San Diego, Time Warner offers HDTV on channels 502-508 and requires
a special decoder box). As to the HDTV format, it should be in 16x9 (although
HBO still has some HDTV broadcasts in 4x3) -- however, you should notice
instantaneously the improved picture which is indicative of HDTV 1080i
broadcasts.
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Alonzo S. : Can you give me a list of Equipment
(dish, cables, lmb, etc.) need to receive High Definition signal? I have
a high def tv and receiver, no one is giving the same answer. Thanking
you in advance for your help
Greg Gibson : Your question
is complex: because there are 3 separate ways you can get an HDTV signal
into your receiver -- by satellite, by cable, and by Antenna (OTA).
As we always say - please read the previous posts, because
we strongly advise people to check what they can receive BEFORE they buy
an HDTV... it is entirely possible that you can buy an HDTV and not receive
anything! For example, your local cable company may not offer HDTV; you
may live too far away to receive OTA broadcasts; and you may be blocked
by mountains or terrain or buildings from receiving satellite reception
(which must be pointed exactly at the satellite!).
To receive OTA (having first checked with your local broadcaster
to confirm you can even get a signal), only needs a UHF antenna sufficient
to receive the signal (the broadcaster can help you there with distance
to the source). Run the antenna signal into the HDTV receiver/tuner (be
sure to get professional installation for grounding purposes - don't want
your antenna to get hit by lightening and burn up your house).
To receive cable, call you local cable company and see if
they cover your area, what they offer - they install. You might have to
use their digital HD cable receiver (if so your satellite receiver is
likely not used - i.e., wasted money).
To receive satellite, call either DishNetwork or DirecTV
and inquire about the HDTV signals (they are on different satellites)
and see if you can get a signal and what they offer - they install the
dish and ground it and run the cable into your receiver/tuner (be sure
you tell them the model number so they confirm it is compatible).
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Bill M.. : I am wrestling with the decision
to buy a RPTV with a built in HD tuner or a HD monitor. I have both Directv
and Time Warner cable. Time Warner in my area offers HDTV service (in
addition to digital TV) and a HD set-top box. My real fear is not the
cost, but I have read that the HDTV standard my change yet again and I
would but stuck with an incompatible HD turner or one that will need to
be upgraded. Is this a real fear or just BS? If I never plan to use the
HDTV for over the air signals, is there any point in purchasing a HDTV
with an integrated turner? What would suggest?
Greg Gibson : We have just gotten Time
Warner HDTV service (having tested DirecTV for 6 months)... and are preparing
a significant article ("must read" for every HDTV owner!)
Time Warner HDTV service requires a DIFFERENT TUNER than
the one used by DirecTV! So if you buy the DirecTV satellite tuner and
switch to cable - you are out the $500 to $1000 for the DirecTV tuner
(i.e., you can't just plug the cable into the tuner and have it work).
Similarly, same situation occurs for sets that offer "internal DirecTV"
tuners...
The FCC is still trying (unsuccessfully) to impose the 1080i
standard on HDTV... but you are right that everyone has an opinion and
some people (FOX and ABC) don't want 1080i. Manufacturers don't want everyone
mad at them if their equipment becomes obsolete - so they are trying to
make everything compatible (which drives costs up).
So, the bottom line for your question is for you to go back
to square one and do your homework - find out what your options are for
cable and for satellite (i.e., do they offer HDTV, do they require a special
tuner, what channels do they offer, are these the channels you want to
watch, how much do they cost, etc.).
Not to ruin the ending for my upcoming article BUT - DirecTV's
HD is about to die (my opinion) because cable operators such as Time Warner
are now offering network HD broadcasts!
So, with DirecTV you must buy your own $500-$1000 receiver
and pay $49/mo to get only HBO-HD, HDNet, and Showtime-HD... while cable
can offer (in San Diego for example) for the same monthly fee + $8/mo
for the HD-tuner you get HBO-HD, Showtime-HD, PBS-HD, CBS-HD, NBC-ND,
and ABC-HD (coming in March)... this is a "no brainer" from
both cost (investment) and variety of programming. I watched the CBS NFL
Playoffs in HD and the picture was better than being there (I now am going
to drop my $3000/year NFL season tickets - this is better than being there!)...
and I don't even like JAG but it is amazing in HD.
Commentary By: Greg Gibson - email
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