Directv HDTV

by Eli Yuliani (OurHdtvs)
Essentials In Watching DIRECTV HDTV

The popularity of HDTV continues to grow day by the day, as more and more content enters the TV market. DIRECTV is one of the pioneers in the HDTV market and it already has released many products to help viewers maximize the HDTV experience. Here are some of DIRECTV’s most popular products for HDTV enthusiasts.

Satellite Dishes

The Terk TRK-2 satellite dish enables viewers receive the most number of programming and digital broadcasts. With the Terk TRK-2 you get:

-       DIRECTV satellite broadcasts angled at 101 degrees and local channels in certain areas.
-       the ability to use two DIRECTV receivers at the same time with the use of the dish's dual-output LNB

Each receiver connected to the TRK-S2 enables independent channel-switching, which is ideal for viewing in multiple rooms.

DIRECTV's base programming can also be viewed via TRK-2. In addition, sports, pay-per-view specials, many premium channels and local programming major 40+ markets can be accessed.

Specifications:

- DIRECTV dish antenna with a dual-output LNB
-       reflector: 18-3/8"W x 20"H

DIRECTV TRK-S26

The DIRECTV is the gear to enjoy high definition broadcasts. With the Terk TRK-S26 you receive:

-       Broadcasts from all DIRECTV satellite positions (at 110, 101 and 119 degrees) and HD content and local channels in certain some areas.
-       Direct connection of as much as four receivers.


Connecting the TRK-S26 to a independent HDTV-ready DIRECTVPlus tuner will enable you to receive all of the standard and high-definition DIRECTV shows available in your market.

Specifications:

- multi-satellite dish antenna with three LNB’s
- built-in multiswitch allows for connection of up to four DIRECTV tuners
- HDTV programming from the 110-degree satellite can be accessed by the Sat-C LNB.

- HDTV-ready DIRECTVPlus tuner is needed to access HDTV programs
- reflector: 21-1/8"W x 18-1/2"H
- one-year parts & labor warranty

Tuners

DIRECTV H20 HDTV tuner

Viewing high definition shows from HDTV is easy with the H20 tuner. This HTDV tuner can be connected to a HD-ready antenna to watch programs from free-to-air or local channels.

DIRECTV's high-definition programming produces crystal-clear, lifelike images and surround sound. You only need to connect the H20 HDTV tuner with your HDTV-compatible TV and audio/video setup.

Specifications:

   »  HD-DIRECTV tuner — receives and decodes digital HDTV signals from DIRECTV’s satellite broadcasts and local free-to-air broadcasts with the use of a compatible antenna
   »  1 USB interface
   »  phone jack
   »  built-in ATSC tuner
   »  2 sets audio/video outputs (2 composite, 1 S-video, 1 component video)
   »  RF/IR multibrand audio/video remote (controls up to four components)
   »  includes component video, S-video, and RCA audio/video cables
   »  selectable 480i/480p/720p/1080i output via HDMI and component video
   »  receives digital TV broadcasts in 480i, 480p, 720p, and 1080i
HDMI)
   »  optical digital audio output passes Dolby® Digital audio
   »  searchable 7-day program guide
   »  on-screen caller ID
   »  satellite and antenna inputs
   »  support MPEG4
   »  14-15/16"W x 2-13/16"H x 10-13/16"D
   »  90 days warranty

DIRECTV HR10-250

DIRECTV’s HR10-250 will ensure a pleasurable viewing experience especially for those into High-Definition programming. The HR10-250 receives and decodes digital signals from DIRECTV’s high-definition programming. The HR-10-250 also has built in hard drive digital video recorder that enables crystal clear reproduction of shows.

Specifications:

   »  HDTV DIRECTV tuner
   »  storage space that can accommodate as much 200 hours of standard-definition digital TV and up to 30 hours of HDTV
   »  manual timer recording by channel and time
   »  1 antenna input and 2 satellite inputs
   »  1 set audio/video outputs (composite, S-video, component video, HDMI)
   »  selectable 480i/480p/720p/1080i output via HDMI and component video
   »  dual ATSC tuners
   »  Thumbs Up/Thumbs Down buttons — ratings system from TiVo
   »  receives digital TV broadcasts in 480i, 480p, 720p, 1080i
   »  optical digital audio outputs pass Dolby® Digital 5.1-channel audio
   »  phone jack
   »  remote control (multibrand for TVs and A/V receivers)
   »  2 USB interfaces for future use
   »  HDMI, HDMI-to-DVI, component video, S-video, composite video, and telephone cables
   »  TiVo 14-day interactive program guide
   »  WishList™ keyword search of program listings
   »  Season Pass™ — record whole seasons of TV shows; first-run only, or with reruns
   »  15-1/8"W x 3-5/16"H x 13-7/8"D
   »  1 year warranty

Check out my other guide on HDTV Receiver

HDTV Cables

by Eli Yuliani (OurHdtvs)

A Cabling Authority For HDTV

Cables are crucial in making sure the listeners or viewer maximizes his homes video or audio system. Poor cables are normally susceptible to noise and interference that negatively affects the signals produced by the source unit. In addition, low quality cables will rob the consumers of all the benefits of investing a huge amount in a particular system.

A considerable number of A/V components do have all the cables needed in a setup, while there are those that contain a cable that is too long. Cables that included by a source manufacturer do not normally measure up to the quality of those made by aftermarket companies. Using the right cable is one of the needs in order to maximize your HDTV viewing pleasure.

Enter digital video interconnects

The development of digital video connections resulted from the adoption of digital video sources and displays. There are only two digital video options and these are HDMI cables and DVI cables.

HDMI and DVI cables will greatly benefit TVs that have a “fixed’-pixel” display. These cables allow video signals to remain digital up till they reach the screen. Digital pictures do have the snowy and grainy effects normally seen in analog pictures. Both cable types can carry HDTV video signals. The demand for the said cables has sharply increase over the past two years, as more and more people are using HD-compatible TVs and HDTV tuners.

Here are some of best selling HDTV cables in the market today.

Monster HDMI400

Attaining the best high-definition image and detailed sound is a big possibility when using the Monster HDMI400. This cable can be used with HDTV’s with a built in tuner or HD tuners. Information can be delivered by as fast as 5 gigabytes per second with HDMI.

Such speed means that a single HDMI cable can handle uncompressed multichannel digital audio signals and uncompressed high-definition video and have extra bandwidth.

The Monster HDMI400 HDTV cable uses a gas-injected dielectric that ensures minimal signal loss and optimal signal strength even on extended lengths. High-density triple-shielding rejects RFI and EMI noise, delivering a pristine signal to your components. The cable fully supports both 720p and 1080i HDTV video formats and multi-channel audio formats.

Specifications:

   »  signal strength runs at optimum level with its gas-injected dielectric
   »  signal transfer is seamless and corrosion is effectively avoided with 24k gold contacts
   »  noise rejection with high-density triple-shielding treatment
   »  lifetime warranty for the Monster HDMI400 HDTV cable

Arista HDTV cable

Those that have experience installing an HDTV system know that some components that can carry digital video signals with the use of a DVI connection, while others use HDMI connection. Arista’s HDTV cable ensures that digital video signals from various sources are properly transferred from one another.

The Arista cable for HDTV makes sure that signals flow cleanly and completely. This cable effectively rejects electronics interference from other signals, as it uses two layers of aluminum/Mylar spiral binding.

In addition, corrosion will not be a problem with its gold-plated tips. Connections are solid and strong with the DVI terminal's thumbscrews and preserves signal transfer.

Specifications:
   »  male HDMI to male DVI connection
   »  2 layers of aluminum/Mylar spiral binding for noise rejection
   »  24k gold-plated tips for optimum better transfer and corrosion resistance
   »  pure copper center plates
   »  90 days warranty

Monster HDMI400/DVI cable

Attaining the best high-definition image and detailed sound is a big possibility when using the Monster HDMI400/DVI cable. This cable can be used with HDTV’s with a built in tuner or HD tuners. Information can be delivered by as fast as 5 gigabytes per second with HDMI.

Such speed means that a single HDMI cable can handle uncompressed multichannel digital audio signals and uncompressed high-definition video and have extra bandwidth.

The Monster HDMI400/DVI cable HDTV cable uses a gas-injected dielectric that ensures minimal signal loss and optimal signal strength even on extended lengths. High-density triple-shielding rejects RFI and EMI noise, delivering a pristine signal to your components. The cable fully supports both 720p and 1080i HDTV video formats and multi-channel audio formats.

Specifications:

- connects components with DVI and HDMI video interfaces
- transfers standard-definition and high-definition digital video signals
- 24k gold contacts
- lifetime warranty

Check out my other guide on HDTV Receiver

HDTV Satellite

Reaching For HDTV Satellite

by Eli Yuliani (OurHdtvs)

The number of HDTV satellites continues to grow and you need the right antenna to capture all of excitement. Satellite technology has helped lead the growth television, as it enables viewing of more channels. Here are some of the best selling HDTV satellite antennas in the market today.

Terk TV5 satellite antenna

The Terk TV5 indoor HDTV set-top satellite antenna guarantees the best reception with its outstanding ability to pick up signals. The TV5 has a compact design and twin-tuned horizontal elements that are only five-inches long and easy to adjust for directional tuning. Can easily be placed above the TV or cabinet.

Specifications:

- VHF/UHF band separator with 75-300 ohm matching transformer
- VHF and UHF capability for reception of channels 2-69
- AC adapter
- compact matched-pair receiving elements
- RF-style video input with antenna/source switch
- Dimensions 25"W x 4-3/4"H x 12"D
- built-in variable-gain amplifier (to +40 dB for UHF/VHF)
- 1 year warranty

Terk TV2 HDTV satellite antenna

The Terk TV2 satellite antenna is ideal for those located in suburban or urban areas, as these normally receive strong TV signals. Features extendable dipole elements that can be swivelled independently to enable the viewer catch many stations.

The Terk TV2 HDTV satellite is a great addition especially for a DBS system. Additional parts include RF-style coaxial input to enable connection of a second audio or video source, and a switcher to select between the satellite antenna and another video source such as a DBS system, cable, VCR, or a video game console without the need to change connections.

Specifications:
- VHF/UHF band separator with 75-300 ohm matching transformer
- VHF and UHF capability for reception of channels 2-69
- extendable dipole elements
- RF-style video input with antenna/source switch
- Dimensions: 8"W x 9"H x 4-1/4"D
- 1-year warranty


Terk HDTVi satellite antenna

The Terk HDTVi is a passive non-powered HDTV satellite antenna that boasts of an elegant designed to match any install. This antenna is solution to the dilemma of receiving excellent digital TV reception without the need to use an outdoor antenna. Ideal for those in a condominium or apartment.

Local HDTV channel will be easily picked up by the Terk HDTVi satellite antenna. Designed for optimum pick-up of HDTV reception, with a high-gain platform that uses dipoles and long-periodic elements to receive VHF HDTV and UHF broadcasts. The UHF antenna can be placed horizontally or vertically to aid reception.

Specifications:
VHF and UHF capability for reception of channels 2-69
13-3/8"W x 9-1/8"H x 16"D
 VHF/UHF band separator with 75-300 ohm transformer
1 year warranty


Terk TV4 satellite antenna

The Terk TV4 HDTV satellite antenna is advisable for those living in urban and suburban areas due the strong TV signals these locations receive. Using “rabbit ears” will not be an option anymore once you use the TV4 HDTV satellite antenna.

The TV4 HDTV satellite antenna uses 5-inch twin-tuned horizontal receiving elements and can be positioned above your TV or cabinet. These elements are attractive and deliver high-grade performance and adjustments will only be minor and they stay in a matched position. Directional tuning to catch certain stations is easy: just twist the elements to look for the position that offers the best reception.

Specifications:
VHF/UHF band separator with 75-300 ohm matching transformer
VHF and UHF capability for reception of channels 2-69
compact matched-pair receiving elements
1 year warranty

Channel Master 3010 satellite antenna

The Channel Master model 3010 satellite antenna easily picks up analog and digital over-the-air TV signals in the VHF and UHF bands, including HDTV. The compact design of the 3010 makes it easy to hide and look inconspicuous. This satellite antenna can also be positioned at the roof, wall and attic. Also termed as a Medium-sized Directional antenna. A great product for those looking for a quality antenna at an affordable price.

Specifications:

   »  receives digital & analog UHF/VHF TV signals, plus FM
   »  optional mast
   »  supports RG-6 cable
   »  includes 300-ohm-to-75-ohm electronic adapter
   »  30" turning radius (if combined with an antenna rotor)
   »  reception "beam width" is 45 degrees
   »  Dimensions: 55"W x 15"D x 2-1/4"H
   »  range is 45 miles for VHF/FM, 30 miles for UHF
   »  90 day-warranty

Check out my other guide on High Definition