Getting the Most From Your High Definition TV

By Mark Elkins

"We just bought an expensive new TV, and the picture looks like junk!"

That's what many people say when they first connect their new HD television to their older, standard definition cable or satellite box. Satellite and digital cable providers normally use data compression in order to get the most programming out of their available bandwidth. This causes picture degradation that is not noticeable on an older standard TV, but will stick out like a sore thumb on a good quality HD television.

Of course the cable company will offer a simple solution. Just upgrade to an HD package. A good idea, especially if you are a Tivo junkie like me. But there is another option that they are not going to mention: FREE over the air HD broadcasts. All you need is an antenna.

The best HD picture available

"An antenna? Are you kidding me?" TV antennas may seem like leftover relics from the last millennium. The truth is, they offer the best HD picture you can get. In some areas, they offer programming that cable and satellite just don't have. All TV stations are being required to switch to digital TV broadcasting. A digital broadcast is "all or nothing". Like satellite, the picture will either be there, or not. If you can receive a marginal picture from a station over an analog TV, you will receive a perfect picture when using a digital tuner. True HD broadcasts will be received in full screen High Definition quality. Shows not yet available in HD will still be free from ghosts, reflections, and snow.

Same channel, more shows

Another big advantage to digital TV is "Multicasting". Each TV channel has room for several separate digital TV broadcasts, while actually using less of the available radio spectrum. Most satellite and cable companies offer local channels in HD. But your local TV station may have additional programming that can only be viewed on an over the air broadcast. In the Chicago area, Comcast, Dishnet, and Direct TV all offer one HD channel for each local TV station. It has the same programming as the local analog broadcast. However, each of our local network and independent stations actually offer two or three separate broadcasts each. Without an antenna, we would miss almost a third of the local broadcasts.

Hiding the antenna

Of course, many people just don't like the way an antenna looks. The best possible results are always obtained from large directional antenna, sticking up as high as possible. However you can also put a smaller antenna in an attic, or very close to the roof line. Since the digital broadcasts do not have the quality issues of analog TV, this may work for you even if it would not work on your older TV. There are a lot of factors involved, including topography, trees and buildings in the area, and the materials your home is constructed with. You should carefully consider all of these factors when deciding on an antenna location.

Getting your new home HD ready

If you are building a new home, you are in a unique position to get your home ready for HD TV. Most high end homes, and even some not so high end homes, are getting built with custom electronics in mind. Consider making sure there is room for an antenna in the attic, and run an extra cable or two up to it. This way you can always add an antenna later, or use the cables for your satellite dish. An even better choice would be a large empty conduit, so you can run any low voltage cables you may need later on. If the antenna will be on the roof, it also requires a grounding cable.

How we can help

If you are in the Chicago suburbs, Elkins Technologies can help with choosing the right antenna or other custom electronics for your home or business. Whether you have a small condo, or a large luxury home, we have what it takes to give you the best results within your budget. For a new home, or major renovation, it's best to call during the planning process. Call us at 630-499-0198.