An HDTV converter is a term you may have seen used but what are they? To simplify things there are two types of televisions – older standard definition TVs (SDTV) and High Definition TVs. SDTVs display at 480i or 576i and HDTVs display at 720p, 1080i and 1080p. An SDTV television cannot display a picture at Full HD TV resolutions, however there are devices that allow the different signals used for Standard Definition TVs and High Definition TV be ‘converted’. Why might you want to mix SD and HD available devices? For example if want to buy one of the satellite TV boxes that are HD capable when you only have an SD TV with a view to buying an HD Ready TV sometime in the future.
Freesat – To receive freesat you need a freesat box and satellite dish, and it is a subscription-free service. BBC HD and ITV HD channels are available through freesat. There are a wide range of freesat digital boxes available for both SD and HD. Also some HD ready TVs come with integrated receivers.
SKY – Subscription based satellite service for both SD and HD channels, with a wide range of HD channels available. HD subscription is additional as is the HD receiver box.
Virgin Media – Virgins V+ is a cable HD subscription service provided over their cable network. It requires the V+ HD digital box which also provides on demand content.
Other HD sources –Other HD devices includes Blu-Ray DVD, Xbox & Sony Playstation 3 games consoles, and HD camcorders.
VGA to HDMI converters – This type of converter allows a VGA signal from a computer or laptop to be converted to a HDMI for use on a HDMI television. If your computer doesn’t have a DVI output this can be used to convert it to HDMI to use on a HDTV.
Component to HDMI converter – This can be used to convert the video signal from a component connection to HDMI for use on an HDTV. An example of this might be the component output from a Nintendo Wii.
