From The Dawn Of Digital TV To The Best Satellite HD

When Congress ended the age of analog TV broadcasting, DISH Network® played its part in transitioning America to digital TV. Read further on SatelliteDish.tv to understand why it happened and what it means for viewers. Plus, check out the future of television with a satellite HD comparison between two top providers.

A Congressional Deadline Ends Analog Broadcasting.

Every system before Digital television was part of the age of Analog broadcasting. Broadcasters used one of three types of Analog encoding (SECAM, NTSC, or PAL) for the signal and then the signal was altered for carrying via VHF or UHF.

 In 1996, the U.S. Congress allowed every broadcast TV station to have another channel so that they could endeavor to broadcast their programming in the Digital format, maintained alongside the analog.

However, upon revisiting the matter, Congress designated June 12, 2009 as a firm deadline to cease all Analog broadcasting, which was to be replaced with all Digital signals from the next day on.

What Is Digital Television?

It’s a fact that Digital television is just better quality TV. The picture is sharper and the sound is clearer than with Analog systems. However, it remains a bit of a surprise for people to know that Digital television is high functioning in a whole different way. DTV allows for a much more efficient use of the “space” of a channel.

With Analog systems a channel could only show one program. But with DTV, its efficiency creates an opportunity for what is called multicasting. On the same channel, broadcasters can offer many more programs including HD ones from DISH Network and DIRECTV® HD. The DISH Network and DIRECTV satellite setup was always a perfect match for use with digital signal systems.

Why Did We Transition From Analog to Digital TV?

Most of the public thinks the government transitioned us because Digital TV is more efficient and because the quality is simply better. Since the next step in technology is High Definition programming (check out a satellite HD comparison highlighting DIRECTV vs DISH Network HD channels), continuing to view Analog channels was like having a foot in the past.

These are good reasons. However, it was a congressional issue because switching from Analog to DTV creates broadcasting space for important communication systems designed for the safety of the people. The space can now be used for the fire department and for police and public safety and rescue teams, etc. So, while it’s nice that DTV helps use channel space for SD and HD DISH Network and DIRECTV satellite dishes, television isn’t the only reason for the switch. Emergency broadcast systems benefitted greatly.

How Did DISH Network Contribute With A Free Digital TV Converter?

DISH Network has a lot of exciting free offers on SatelliteDish.tv. However, DISH Network TV aided in the transition to DTV by providing a truly useful free item, the free Digital TV converter. DISH Network specifically designed a free Digital TV converter box for the deadline.

Great customer service begins with thinking about the customer. While they certainly could have sold the box for a hefty profit like others did, DISH Network TV made sure their TR-40 CRA was included in a coupon program devised by the U.S. government thus making it a free Digital TV converter for the people. They priced it at $40 because the coupon was for $40.

And, just because it’s meant to be a free Digital TV converter box, it didn’t mean DISH Network TV didn’t put their effort into it. CNET reviews deemed it, “…your top choice. Plus, just like the easy DISH Network or DIRECTV satellite setup for receivers, the converter box was also designed for easy installation and use. DISH Network – the best value in TV!

What Is HDTV?

The next wave in improved picture and sound quality is HDTV or High Definition television.  The DISH Network TV and DIRECTV satellite setup for HD channels is quite simple. All that customers need are: 

• HD DISH Network or HD DIRECTV satellite dishes, television units that are HD capable,
• DISH Network or  DIRECTV HD receivers
• An HD channel package from the provider.

A satellite HD comparison thoroughly examining the equipment, prices and DIRECTV vs DISH Network HD channels, should help make selecting a provider easier. You can elevate your home entertainment experience once you decide and schedule your HD DISH Network TV or DIRECTV satellite setup.

Why Should You Consider Upgrading to Have DISH Network or DIRECTV HD?

High Definition quality is even better than SD digital quality because it provides truer colors and sharper pictures and a more pronounced sound. Dish Network wants you to apply those brighter elements to enhance your experience of viewing sports, concerts or movies in their channel packages. Imagine seeing with your own eyes that the tennis serve was inside the line. Get goosebumps from hearing the cheering fans. Get bathed in the colors of your favorite movie. No one has more HD channels or better HD technology than DISH Network.

A Satellite HD Comparison: DIRECTV vs DISH Network HD Channels

Dare to compare: DISH Network is flat-out a better value than DIRECTV. Both DISH Network and DIRECTV HD improve upon what Standard Definition digital delivers. Both DISH Network and DIRECTV HD have robust packages of HD programming [link to satellitedish.tv/channel-packages/hd-programming] to bring your TV viewing to the next level.

A proper satellite HD comparison will study the equipment, prices and channel offerings. 

• The Slimline dish is the newest of the DIRECTV satellite dishes.
• Television in HD with DIRECTV requires customers to upgrade to this Slimline.
• DISH Network installation will take place within 24 hours, not up to 3 days like DIRECTV satellite setup.
• DISH Network offers free Standard Professional Installation in up to 6 rooms.
• DISH Network gives new customers up to 3 receivers: a free HD DVR upgrade plus up to 2 HD receivers.
• DIRECTV gives one receiver, unless you catch a promotion for a second one for free.
• Using DIRECTV satellite dishes, television channels are more expensive than DISH Network's.
• 3 DISH Network TV channel packages are cheaper than the least expensive DIRECTV package.

The numbers don’t lie in lineups of DIRECTV vs DISH Network HD channels. Every single HD package from DISH Network contains more HD offerings than DIRECTV’s and, in all cases, roughly twice as many. A satellite HD comparison of DIRECTV vs DISH Network HD channels is easy. With DIRECTV satellite dishes, television in HD simply costs more. Though both companies offer HD FREE FOR LIFE with 24-Mo Agreement and AutoPay with Paperless Billing, DIRECTV subscribers get significantly fewer channels than you do with DISH Network TV.