HD Satellite TV

HD (high definition) refers to the quality of the picture being transmitted to your television set.

Picture quality is measured in scan lines. The more scan lines that are transmitted to your TV, the clearer the picture.

For instance, analog (over-the-air) TV has 525 scan lines per image. HDTV, on the other hand, has up to 1,080 lines per image -- almost twice as many lines of resolution giving you twice the clarity of analog TV.

There's a huge difference between watching TV on a regular TV set as opposed to watching an HD TV. The HD picture is sharper and the colors are brighter. The picture is so realistic it's almost like watching a scene through a window.

HD Satellite TV Features

Here are the main features of HD satellite TV:

* High resolution picture -- HDTV produces a super-sharp image, resulting

in a clearer, more lifelike picture.

* Widescreen picture -- you get a full-width picture just like you see in the movies.

* Digital audio -- HD audio programming is broadcast Dolby Digital format so you get a three-dimensional surround-sound listening experience.

HD Satellite TV Providers

Both DISH Network and DIRECTV offer HD programming. Here's a rundown on their HD satellite TV channel lineups ...

DISH Network HD Satellite TV

DISH Network offers two HD satellite TV programming packages:

The DISH Network HD Pak

This package includes HDNet, HDNet Movies, ESPNHD, Discovery HD, and TNT in HD.

The DISH Network Voom Pak

This package includes Ultra HD, Monsters HD, Rave HD, Equator HD, Gallery HD, Anamania HD, Rush HD, HD News, Guy TV HD, and Majestic HD.

In addition to the above packages you can also get HBO HDTV, Showtime HD, DISH on Demand Pay-Per-View in HD, and CBS HDTV.

In order to receive HD programming from DISH Network you must have an HD receiver. When you order satellite TV service from DISH Network you can get an HD receiver free.

Note: For more information on current DISH Network HD programming and subscription fees, or to order satellite TV service with a free satellite TV system, click on the links below.

DIRECTV HD Satellite TV

DIRECTV offers one HD satellite TV programming package:

The DIRECTV HD Package

This package includes ESPN HD, ESPN2 HD, Discovery HD Theater, HDNet, HDNet Movies, and Universal HD.

In addition to the above package your can also get HBO HD, Showtime HD, and DIRECTV Pay-Per-View, plus ABC, NBC, CBS, Fox, and the WB channel.

Sports packages include NFL Sunday Ticket HD and NFL Sunday Ticket SuperFan HD.

In order to receive HD programming from DIRECTV you must have an HD receiver. When you order satellite TV service from DIRECTV you can get an HD receiver free (after a $199 rebate).

Note: For more information on current DIRECTV HD programming and subscription fees, or to order satellite TV service with a free satellite TV system, click on the links below.

The Bottom Line

The only drawback to having HD satellite TV is the cost. If you don't already own an HD TV set, then you'll have to buy one. And the HD programming fees are another expense that will add to your satellite TV bill.

However, if you want to see your favorite shows in near lifelike clarity and you can afford the extra expense, having HD satellite TV is definitely worth the added cost.