Direct TV HD receiver

Making the Switch to High Definition
As the traditional analog television becomes obsolete, it is now being replaced by High Definition Television, or HDTV. HDTV broadcasts television programs at an exceptionally higher picture and sound quality than the standard analog television. The picture and sound are so good, in fact, that many people compare it to that of a movie theater.

HDTV has twice the resolution and picture clarity of standard television that is displayed in widescreen format, just like a theater. In addition, its digital format provides for clear surround sound.

What Equipment is Needed?
In order to receive HDTV, a certain number of things are needed.

• HDTV Set. First, you need an HDTV set. This will have different components than a traditional analog set. It may be just an HDTV-ready set, which does not have the tuner in it needed to view digital TV, or it may have the tuner built in. .
• HDTV Receiver. In order to get digital picture on your HDTV-ready set, you will have to have an HDTV receiver. These are provided by Direct TV when you sign up for their service.
• Set-top box. A set-top box is required to receive digital TV if you don't have an HDTV set. The picture quality won't be as good as it would with an HDTV set, but it will still be clearer than analog.

The Direct TV HD Receiver
The HDTV receiver is responsible for receiving the digital signal from the satellite and then transferring it to the television set.

Direct TV has a number of HD Receivers, depending on the package you get and the features you would like. One of their most popular receivers, and the one usually provided when giving away free equipment, features the following:

• The HD Receiver from Direct TV has the ability to receive hundreds of channels that are HDTV capable.


• A DIRECTV Advanced Program Guide, which gives you listings of the various HD channels available at any time. This is accessible via the remote.


• The ability to access up to three days of program listings.


• Advanced searching capabilities, that allow you to look for a program by keyword, time, or name.


• Multiple Output Jacks


• A variety of screen formats, including 1080i, 720p, 480p, video 1/2 (480i), variable 1, variable 2, variable 3, and auto DVI modes.

Installing Your Receiver
Many times, the dealer the customer purchases the satellite system from will have the system professionally installed for free as part of the promotion.

If you are not getting your receiver professionally installed, it's important to read the instructions carefully so that you know exactly where everything goes. Check to make sure the equipment has all of the cables needed for it to work properly. You may need to go out and purchase certain cables yourself.

If you are having trouble installing your HDTV receiver, the user manual that came you're your receiver has an entire section of troubleshooting and frequently asked questions. Often, this section is enough for you to be able to determine where the problem lies and then correct it. Direct TV has a customer support hotline that will help you determine what is wrong with your receiver, whether you're not receiving sound or the picture is blurry, and then talk you through the steps it will take to fix it.

The Direct TV HD receiver turns your home into the theater by providing crystal-clear picture and enhanced sound!