Are you getting the full picture with High Definition TV?

(NC)—With all those big screen TVs bought over the holiday season, how can you guarantee you are getting what you paid for? Did you know that in Canada more than half of those purchasing High Definition TVs (HDTV) are not getting the full HD experience?

Buying an HDTV is only the first step. Many people find when they plug in their new big screen TV, the picture is not any better than their old TV and sometimes worse. According to retailers, 30 per cent of HDTVs sold are returned because customers are unsatisfied with picture quality. The problem is that most Canadians don't realize they need to subscribe to HD programming and purchase or rent an HD receiver to experience true HD.

Once you have the TV, you need to call your local satellite or cable provider for HD service. Service packages vary, but introductory HD shouldn't cost you more than an additional $10 per month. You'll also want to explore the type of HD programming and specialty channels available. Bell Canada currently leads the HD race with more than 60 HD channels including sports, movies and day-to-day broadcasts such as CSI, Lost and House.

As for an HD receiver, these are the devices that deliver the HD feed to your television and offer a picture ten times better than standard definition. Prices on these also vary, but you can purchase a receiver for $300-$600 or rent one for as low as $10 per month. Get the facts before renting or buying as some providers offer cool features and functionality like Personal Video Recorders (PVR) – that give you the freedom to record and watch whatever you want, when you want it.

The HD experience is about the individual, which means you have an opportunity to choose the package you need and the receiver that best fits your lifestyle. The 9242 HD PVR from ExpressVu, for example, allows you to record 200 hours worth of your favourite shows and have them available at the touch of a button, when you want them.



- News Canada