My Television Is HD Ready, but I'm Not Getting HD Channels

Getting HDTV channels is more complicated than just buying an HDTV. Additional equipment is needed.

Just because you have an HDTV set doesn't mean you automatically get HDTV channels. If you want HDTV channels you will need to get compatible equipment and cables as well.

Receivers

If you have cable or satellite, then you will need to get an HD-compatible receiver from your service provider. Older receivers cannot properly display HD content. You can usually replace your receiver at no cost. If you are using an antenna, you will need to get an HD antenna, since regular antennas cannot pick up HD signals.

Cables

Even with the right receiver or antenna, you still might not be getting HD channels if your system is not configured correctly. Coaxial and composite cables, two long-running standards for home video and audio, are not HD-compatible. If you're connecting your HDTV to your receiver using either of these cables, then you will not be able to receive HD signals. Use new component video or HDMI cables to connect your TV to your receiver; these cables are fully HD-compatible.

Availability

If a station isn't in HD, then nothing you can do will make it appear in HD. Some smaller cable networks and local stations still broadcast in standard definition. You can still watch these stations on your HDTV, but they will not appear in HD.

References

• Crutchfield: What You Need to Watch HD

Resources

• Digital TV Information