How do I make an HD ready TV an HDTV?

Question

My TV says it's HD ready. What does this mean? And how can I make it HDTV.

Answer 1

"HD Ready" means that the TV is capable of displaying HD images, but does not contain an HD tuner.

You don't need to "make it HDTV" - you just need to hook it up to an HD source:
- Cable box (call your cable co. to get HD channels)
- Satellite system (call them to get their HD package)
- external HD tuner and antenna (to get over-the-air broadcasts)
- HD-DVD or Blu-Ray player (to play HD movies)

Note: The reason they make "HD-Ready" sets like this is because most people use their TV's with cable or satellite. Very few people these days have an antenna and a tuner. So to include the tuner - which would allow them to call the set truly an HDTV - would be a wasted expense for most customers. Leaving this out saves costs and allows them to sell the sets for less, but they can't call it an HDTV.

Answer 2

Typically that means that there is an HDTV tuner already in it for HD, you could probably get your local channels in HD even on standard cable. To get the rest of them you will need to go up to the HD pack on most of your satellite and canle providers. Typically this can change the bill by anything from 7 to 50 dollars a month, it just depends on what packages you pick up.

You may also want to invest in an HD DVD player or a Blu Ray disc palyer, as these are HD video players. They will allow you to get the most out of your tv when it comes to movies. Ultimately I think Blu Ray will win the format war, since it has the backing of SOny and the Playstation 3. However there are some companies such as LG that have made dual format players (blu ray and HDDVD) that might also be a way to go.

The other thing you have to be sure of is what level of HD your tv is capable of handling, and also what outputs in HD you can get from your sources, sucha as cable or video disc players. 1080P is the best, then 1080i, then 720p, then 720i, then 480i. The i stands for interlaced, the p stands for progressive. It has to do with the way the lines are displayed on the screen. You just need to match up sources with whatever the best format is that your TV can process. Happy Home Theatring and good luck.

Answer 3

HD ready means it has a HD tuner, so what all you can get is local networks, CBS NBC FOX ABC, in HD with what is called an off-air antenna. you still need to have cable or a dish to get every thing else like HBO and ESPN, etc. go with the best price LCD is liquid, plasme is a gas, LCD are better but more money per sreen size

Answer 4

You need an HDTV Tuner. Cable or Dish HDTV Tuner is in their box or receiver. For Over the air HDTV you don't have a tuner in the TV.

ATI HDTV Wonder PCI TV Tuner Remote Control Edition
http://www.buy.com/retail/product.asp?sku=10375953
This is an over the air HDTV Tuner for PC.
It is used in conjunction with a non-HDTV tuner, such as:
Sapphire theatrix 550 pro
http://www.sapphiretech.com/en/products/multimedia_landing.php?gpid=114

Answer 5

Call your cable company! You have to get the HD package. It's about $8 more a month where we live. Give 'em a call.