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Overview
What is HD?
High Definition TV (or HDTV) is a high resolution digital broadcast format for programming. It is 6x sharper picture than today's standard definition broadcasts, resulting in more lifelike experience.
Am I really watching high definition?
HDTV is more than just a bigger TV. You need 3 things to get HDTV:  |
HDTV television | |
HD programming | |
Click here to for the full HD programming lineup DISH Network offers. | |
HD receiver | |
Click here to see the latest HD technology from DISH Network. |
Picture Quality
What does 16:9 aspect ratio mean?
Aspect ratio refers to the shape of the screen. 16:9 aspect ratio means the screen is shaped like a rectangle or ?widescreen?. This shape is similar to a movie screen and means you can see more of the action than with a standard analog TV. Below is an illustration of 16:9 compared to the analog format 4:3.
What do 480i, 480p, 720p and 1080i mean?
The numbers 480, 720, and 1080 represent the number of lines of resolution on the screen. More lines equal more detail available in the picture. P stands for progressive and i stands for interlaced.
Interlaced Picture = Every other line is scanned continually
Progressive Picture = Image at once
Both formats are considered HD, however some people believe progressive is the better of the two. 1080p TVs are going to arrive in the market in 2006.
What is the difference between SDTV, EDTV, and HDTV?
SDTV - This is Standard Definition TV and a good quality picture that is better than current analog broadcasts. It is usually 480i and is the most common resolution for DVD players and digital TV broadcasts.
EDTV - This is Enhanced Definition TV and a better quality broadcast than SDTV at 480p lines of resolution.
HDTV - The highest quality broadcast with 720p or 1080i lines of resolution.
Sound Quality
The picture quality of high definition is amazing! But what about the sound quality?
HDTV is broadcast in Dolby® Digital Standard. Some programs will be broadcast in 2.0 (or more simply, stereo) and some programs will be broadcast in Dolby® Digital 5.1 Surround Sound. This is surround sound with 3 speakers in front of the viewer and two behind them (the 5) and one subwoofer to make the couch shake (the .1). This completes the movie theater experience at home.
* New DishHD programming packages require ViP211TM or ViP622TM DVR receiver.
Additional equipment and costs may apply. Please call 1-888-284-7116 for more information. | 
