HDTV Receiver Still Require High Definition Signal
When looking for a new television, most of those being sold as high definition are equipped with an HDTV receiver, enabling them to show high definition images from a variety of sources. Most of the newer televisions on the market today are equipped with a HDTV receiver and will still show a typical picture, even with an analog input signal. Having a high definition receiver also does not guarantee an improvement in picture quality if the signal itself is not of high definition quality.
Most new televisions on today's market are capable of receiving digital and analog signals with most containing tuners for both types of signals. Once the country moves past the 2009 start of mandated digital broadcasts, analog tuners will likely go the way of the 13-inch black and white television with 13 channels. However, even those with only an HDTV receiver can still use an analog signal provided they have a converter to change the signal to analog from digital format.
It should also be noted that a television set comprises two separate components, and unless they are compatible the resulting image may be disappointing. The HDTV receiver is only part of the equation with the monitor playing an equally important role in the translation of digital signals into high definition pictures. Installing an HDTV receiver onto a CRT screen probably will not result in a high definition picture, even with a high definition signal being received.
Receiver Adds Options To Viewing Pleasure
One aspect of using a HDTV receiver without being built into a television set is the ability to send the signal through a digital projector. Initially designed for business presentations, high definition projectors are being used more frequently to project images from the HDTV receiver onto a larger screen, such as a wall in a room. The projectors, much smaller than most televisions, can be mounted on the ceiling and project the television image on larger flat surfaces.
This makes them much more portable than other televisions that can be mounted on the wall or placed on a stand. The HDTV receiver used with a projector also eliminates many of the unsightly clusters of wiring often associated with component television and entertainment areas in the homes. Wiring can be hidden in the ceiling and the only thing going to the screen is the projected high definition picture. The clean installation and limited opportunities for the screen to be blocked by others is attractive to many who own a separate HDTV receiver.
