What Is an HDTV Receiver?

An HDTV (High Definition Television) receiver is a component that allows a television to decode HD video and audio. The receiver can be part of the TV itself, or can also be built into a cable or satellite provider's receiver to send HD signals to the TV.

History

HD technology has been in the works for years, but was held up by competing manufacturers until a standard was adopted. Developments including digital compression allowed HD broadcasting to become more economically feasible, and over time HDTV receivers grew more popular and affordable.

Specifications

While standard definition TVs and receivers offer 720 (horizontal) by 480 (vertical) lines of resolution on the screen at a given time, HDTV receivers have up to 1920 by 1080 lines, making for a sharper, more detailed picture. A higher frame rate of up to 25 frames per second adds to the improved video quality.

Improved Picture and Sound

HDTV receivers offer a wider 16:9 aspect ratio, similar to that of movie theater screens, along with the 4:3 aspect ratio of SDTVs to provide the best picture for HD or SD programs. They also feature Dolby 5.1 channel surround sound audio, a marked improvement over the two-channel stereo audio of standard TVs.

ATSC

The FCC created the ATSC (Advanced Television System Committee) in 1982 as the standard for digital TV broadcasting. HDTV receivers must have an ATSC tuner to decode the digital HD signals.

Receiving Signals

Even if your TV has an HDTV receiver, you still need an HD-capable receiver box from your cable or satellite provider or a digital antenna to view programs in HD.