FreeKeys FTA Satellite

So you finally want to kick your analog TV to the curb and buy a high-definition television? Congratulations! You are about to embark on a digital journey to a world of crystal-clear picture quality, widescreen images and 5.1 Dolby Digital Surround Sound in the comfort of your own home. But before you buy an HDTV, there are several things to consider.

First things first, you should understand the different types of HD displays available. There are several options out there, and each looks and works differently to bring you that incredible HD picture quality. Next, you need to determine how you will receive an HD signal, as the source dictates what accessories you might need. All too often, people think they are watching HD content when they’re really not. Finally, an HDTV isn’t complete without a surround sound home theater system. You will need to connect your television to your speakers, DVD player and gaming system to create the ultimate HD home entertainment center.

Sound confusing? It doesn’t have to be. RadioShack has long been known for cables, connectors and making things work, and just recently, our stores began carrying a great selection of high-definition, flat-panel LCD televisions. Now, we are able to offer a complete HD solution to customers, and our knowledgeable sales associates can demystify the world of HDTV and help customers find the right display, source and sound for their needs.

Which display is right for me?

There are several different display technologies that can bring HDTV into your home, and it is helpful to familiarize yourself with these options and understand how each works before you buy. Here’s an overview of four popular options:

·         LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) – An LCD is a flat-panel television that works by directing light through liquid crystals and then magnifying it for projection. They are known for being lightweight, stylishly slim and extremely bright. If an LCD sounds right for you, consider one of the many LCD TVs available at RadioShack today, such as the AKAI Widescreen LCD HDTV that comes in 27” 32” and 37” sizes.

·         Plasma - Plasma technology uses hundreds of thousands of individual pixel cells that are a lot like tiny fluorescent lamps, creating a smooth, evenly lit image across the entire surface of the flat-panel display. Although this is typically a more expensive option, the result is a bright, sharp and accurate picture.

·         DLP (Digital Light Processor) - These rear-projection televisions utilize a small Digital Micromirror Device (DMD) to tilt more than 1.3 million micromirrors on or away from the light source inside the DLP to create beautiful picture. DLP televisions are usually much larger in size and produce clear, bright and colorful images.

·         CRT (Cathode Ray Tube) - If you are not ready to drop serious money on one of the options above, you might consider a CRT television. These rear projection televisions produce great picture with good contrast when hooked up to an HD signal; however, they tend to take up significantly more space than a flat-panel and are much heavier.

How do I get HDTV programming in my home?

You can get HD programming the same way you get regular television shows – via cable, satellite or simply over-the-air.  

• Cable - Cable providers offer a variety of HD packages. The price and number of channels available in HD may vary depending on where you live. If you plan to get HD programming through your cable provider, you will need to get a set-top cable box or a CableCARD that allows your television receive and decode the cable signal.

• Satellite - Almost anyone can receive HDTV via satellite by signing up with companies like DISH Network, which offers America’s largest HD line-up. RadioShack is a leading provider of DISH Network services.

• Over-the-air - You also can access HDTV signals the old fashioned way with an antenna. With an Amplified VHF/UHF/FM Indoor Antenna or 80 inch Boom Length, 32-Element Antenna (outdoor), both available at RadioShack, you can get a strong, clear HD signal that will deliver a considerably better picture than standard definition. These signals are in many larger markets now, and are quickly becoming available in smaller markets. Over the air signals provide an uncompressed signal which translates to some of the highest quality pictures available.

When determining how to get an HDTV signal, it is important to consider whether your television is “HD-compatible” or “HD-ready.”  HD-ready televisions, sometimes referred to as HDTV monitors, don’t include a digital tuner. To receive a high-definition signal, you will need a high-definition tuner, also known as media receiver or set-top box. A television that is “HD-compatible,” also known as an integrated HDTV, has a built-in digital tuner and can receive over-the air HD broadcasts.

How do I connect to my home theater?

Once you have figured out the source of your HDTV signal and chosen a television display, it is time to consider the audio and video inputs and outputs. When connecting multiple devices, such as an HDTV cable box, Xbox-360, DVD player and speakers, you will need an Audio/video  receiver, which acts as the hub of your home entertainment system. One great option is the Sony® STR-DG500 660W* 6.1-Channel Home Theater Receiver, available exclusively at RadioShack.

Many newer televisions offer what is called HDMI connectivity (for High-Definition Multimedia Interface). Essentially, HDMI simplifies your set-up by connecting any audio/video source (set-top box, DVD player, A/V receiver) to your television with just a single cable – eliminating the complexity of multiple composite, S-Video and component video cables. RadioShack offers an assortment of HDMI cables that deliver crystal-clear, all-digital audio and video.