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Solid Signal - Antenna
Help - HDTV Broadcast Information
American television broadcasters have collectively
spent billions of dollars to build out the nation´s HDTV infrastructure.
New cameras, transmitters and advanced switchgear are now in place so that
you can watch glorious HD free of charge. All that your HD capable TV needs
is an antenna and possibly a tuner.
With HDTV it is important to note that reception is an all or nothing proposition.
Since you will be receiving a digital signal it will be either a perfect
picture or a blank screen. A high gain antenna optimized for receiving the
frequencies in which these digital signals are broadcast will give you your
best chance for success.
High definition television (HDTV) is the highest form of digital television.
It has five times more detail than traditional analog televisions and provides
an enhanced viewing experience with a wider screen and a crisper, more colorful,
higher resolution picture. It also typically comes with premium Dolby Digital
surround sound to provide for a complete movie theater experience.
Where is HDTV available?
Since being launched in the United States in 1998, more and more stations
have been converting to broadcasting HDTV programming. There are currently
1491 stations in 211 markets in the U.S. and Puerto Rico broadcasting in
digital formats, which serve over 99% of US TV Households. Over 120 new
stations were added in 2004 alone and now 89% of the U.S. TV households
are in markets with five or more DTV stations.
What will I be able to watch in HDTV?
It is important to note that not all shows are currently broadcast in HDTV.
For the most part, broadcasters are currently offering the majority of their
primetime lineups and major sporting events in high definition and continue
to add more HDTV programming on a regular basis.
How do I get HDTV?
Digital signals can be broadcast over the air or transmitted by cable or
satellite. Regardless of how you will receive them, you will first need
an HDTV tuner. Most cable providers will sell or lease these tuners as part
of their monthly service. The more cost effective option, however, is to
choose from one of the options below.
The three main methods
are:
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Digital Over-the-Air
Tuner:
Also
known as a set top box or ATSC tuner. Currently these sell for $40-$200.
This method will give you the greatest flexibility as technology changes. |
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TV set with Built-in
Tuner:
Many HDTVs
have the digital or ATSC tuner built in to the set. Note: if your set
says "HD Ready" you will need to purchase a tuner. |
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HD Satellite Receiver/Tuner:
Satellite
companies offer HD Satellite tuners with an over the air tuner built
into the device. An over the air antenna can be an excellent complement
to these HD satellite tuners for receiving local HDTV programming. |
Are all methods of
receiving HDTV signals equal?
No! There are very legitimate reasons that people prefer using antennas
to cable for receiving local HDTV broadcasts.
A quality Off-Air Television Antenna will offer:
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The best picture
quality:
Cable and satellite
providers have bandwidth limitations. Because of this, they must often
resort to data compression or other techniques that compromise the image
quality and don´t provide the full benefit of HD programming. Off air
antennas are the only method for receiving HDTV in the resolution that
the network intended it to be broadcast. |
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Full carriage of all your local
channels:
The bandwidth
limitations also limit the number of HDTV channels that cable and satellite
providers can carry and many do not offer the local channels that their
customers desire. Also contract disagreements between local cable operators
and local broadcasters can mean that major networks may not be available
in your area. |
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The Lowest Cost:
Aside
from the costs to purchase and install the over the air antenna, receiving
HDTV is totally free. There will never be a fee for local off air channels.
In many communities, cable companies often force customers into their
top programming tier at the cost of up to $100 a month just for the
"privilege" of getting your HD locals.. |
So what kind of
antenna should I buy?
There is no magic HDTV antenna that will work in every location. You will
have to choose one primarily based on your distance and direction from the
transmitters. For more information on this, please read our Choosing the
Best HDTV Antenna or call us at 1-866-374-4625.
Solid Signal has endeavored to ensure that the American public receives
the highest quality, over-the-air digital television signals. We have been
leading the charge for advanced over-the-air digital television through
the use of reliable and effective digital antennas.
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Contact us:
Signal Group LLC
SolidSignal.com
22285 Roethel
Novi, MI 48375
1-877-312-4547
Info@solidsignal.com
Canadian Customers
Phone: (248) 896-8587
Fax: (248) 306-9113
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Hours
of Operation
Mon: 8:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Tue: 8:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Wed: 8:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Thu: 8:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Fri: 8:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Sat: Closed
Sun: Closed
All Times in EST
Closed Christmas Day, New Years Day, Thanksgiving Day, 4th of July, Memorial Day, Labor Day
Email
for Returns:
Returns@solidsignal.com
Distribution
Facility
Signal
Distribution
22285 Roethel
Novi, MI48375
We do offer walk-in retail services
at our location.
Pickup times must be scheduled by phone. Available pickup times occur Monday thru Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM. Customer pickup service is for U.S. residents only.
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