How to Tell HDTV from Regular Cable

By eHow Electronics Editor

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Not since we made the switch from black and white to color has there been such a major improvement in television. High definition is growing in popularity, and for good reason. Its crisp, clean picture rivals pictures you see in your favorite movie theater. Many people are now beginning to choose HD programming over regular cable, and it's easy to be able to tell which one you're watching.

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Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Step1

Purchase a high definition television. These are available through major electronics retailers in a wide price range. High definition televisions also come in many different sizes, from big screens to HDTVs that are small enough to fit on a kitchen or bathroom counter.

Step2

Find HD programming. You can do this by subscribing to HD service through your cable or satellite. HD programming is also available over the air for free, if you have the right equipment.

Step3

Know the difference between digital programming and HD programming. With digital service, you usually get more channels and the picture is a better quality than with regular cable. But digital does not mean it's high definition programming. Many cable providers require you to have a special HD cable box to receive HD programming.

Step4

Note what channel you're on. If you're watching high definition programming over the air, you'll be on a digital channel. On cable and satellite, high definition channels are usually listed as HD on the on-screen guide.

Step5

Change your television settings. High definition televisions have a setting where you can stretch a regular size picture to fit your high definition screen. The regular size is 4:3 and HD is 16:9. If you change your television settings to 16:9 instead of stretching the picture, you'll be able to see when you're watching a program in 4:3 and when you're watching a program in 16:9, or high definition. Non-HD programming will have black bars on both sides of the picture.