How to get HDTV at OneCall
To set yourself up for enjoying HDTV, you first need a television capable of displaying a high-def image. Then you need one or more of several other things:
- A digital TV tuner capable of receiving free HDTV broadcasts (either a stand-alone unit or one that's integrated with the TV)
- Digital cable (check to make sure it's available in your area and that your provider transmits HD programming)
- Digital satellite service (if it's available in your area and your provider transmits HD programming)
Terms to Know
Why do I need a set-top box?
DTV signals are broadcast in a variety of ways by different providers. For example, an HDTV signal and a digital satellite broadcast are very different, and must be received and decoded differently. That`s where a set-top box (STB) comes in. Each STB is designed to receive and decode a different type of broadcast. Most DTVs require the addition of an STB because it would be too costly to equip them with tuners and decoders for every type of broadcast. It wouldn`t make sense to pay for a TV with a satellite receiver if you`re only planning on getting over-the-air HDTV. That`s why you`ll see terms like "HDTV monitor" or "HDTV upgradeable". This means that the TV is capable of displaying true HDTV, but it does not have a built-in HDTV tuner.
