In February of 2009, a tremendous change will occur in the world of iptv premium. This could prove to be the biggest change that has occurred in the world of television in the last fifty years, due to the fact that all viewers will be affected in one way or another. The change will involve the conversion of all television broadcasts to all-digital programming. At that time television stations across the United States will cease broadcasting the traditional analog signals that have dominated television production since its inception and will instead broadcast only in digital format.
As the time nears for the switch, many consumers have become confused regarding whether high definition or HDTV is the same thing as all-digital broadcasting. While they may sound somewhat similar, they are not actually the same. Much of the confusion seems to stem from the fact that DTV is used to refer to digital television. HDTV is used to refer to high-definition television.
HDTV or high-definition television refers to a type of high-quality broadcasting. This terminology is also used to refer to the class of television that is required in order to watch HDTV broadcasts. When the switch is made to digital only broadcasting in February of 2009; there will not actually be any change made regarding HDTV. Even after analog broadcasting ends in February of 2009, there will still be many television programs that will be broadcast in standard definition. The change will not allow consumers to begin automatically receiving and viewing HDTV broadcasts.
If you are interested in receiving the benefits of high-definition television programming; however, you will need to invest in a television with high-definition capabilities. Currently, there are a few television networks that broadcast high-definition prime-time programs. In addition, numerous satellite programs are also broadcast using high-definition. Currently Direct TV is setting the standard with HD programming. Their Direct TV HD package has the capacity to serve up to 150 national HD channels. Next in line is the Dish Network with only 70.
Unless you have a television that is relatively new and already has a digital tuner, you will need to obtain a converter box in order to watch standard broadcasts following the change to digital programming in 2009. If you are a satellite subscriber, you will generally not be affected by the conversion. Due to the fact that the countdown to the conversion is less than one year away converters are already available and on the market. The cost for most converters usually runs about $60; however, households are eligible to receive two $40 coupons from the government to assist in defraying the cost of purchasing converters.
If you are interested in viewing high-definition television programming, you will still need to ensure that your television is high-definition capable. When HDTV was first introduced prices are much higher than they are today. As the technology as become more standard, prices have become much more affordable. HDTV capable televisions provide you with the ability to watch HDTV programming in crystal clear clarity.