Frequently Asked Questions – HD FAQ

Features

What is HD and how does it work?

HD stands for high definition, which is used to differentiate it from standard definition or SD. HDTV refers to a television set that is capable of receiving and displaying an HD image.

What is the difference between SDTV and HDTV?

High definition television offers the best in picture and sound quality, with better clarity and color than standard definition television. This is because high definition television is displayed in a higher resolution than standard definition television. For example, SD resolution tops out at 480 lines of resolution, while HD can have as many as 1080 lines of resolution. Pixel density is also better on HDTVs, as HD has five times as many pixels per frame than SD. This makes an HD image seem much clearer and cleaner than a SD image. HD also presents much of its programming in 16:9 widescreen, instead of SD’s 4:3.

What is aspect ratio?

Aspect ratio refers to the dimensions of the image on your TV. A 4:3 aspect ratio appears to be almost square, while a 16:9 aspect ratio looks more rectangular. A 16:9 aspect ratio will give you more of the original image, so you get to see what was filmed, rather than a condensed version of the image.

What is the difference between progressive scanning and interlaced scanning?

Progressive scanning involves the entire picture on your HDTV screen being refreshed at once, with every single line or resolution being replaced at the same time. Interlaced scanning involves every other line of resolution being refreshed at the same time, so only half the picture gets replaced every time the frame changes.

What is the difference between 480i, 480p, 720p, and 1080i?

These refer to the number of lines of resolution in the picture and the scanning system used for that picture.
480i is the standard for standard definition television. It has 480 lines of resolution that are interlaced.
480p is also called ED, or enhanced definition, which is better than SD, but not quite HD. It has 480 lines of resolution that are progressive scanned.
720p is the minimum for high definition. It has 720 lines of resolution that are progressive scanned.
1080i is an HD format that has 1080 lines of resolution that are interlaced.
1080p is an HD format that has 1080 lines of resolution that are progressive scanned.

Between 480i, 480p, 720p, and 1080i, is one format better than the others?

The best format is 1080p, since it features the highest resolution with progressive scanning for the clearest picture possible today. Most programming is unavailable at 1080p, however, so it’s a toss up between 720p and 1080i. Most providers offer customers the choice of both. You will have to decide for yourself if one image is better than the other. Some older HDTVs may be unable to support 1080 lines of resolution. Also, some customers find that progressive scanning’s smoother lines and better scalability provide more clarity on larger sets than 1080i does. It’s easy to change the settings and compare images with your DISH Network HD Receiver. Refer to your User’s Guide for additional information on how to change the image settings for your particular model.

What formats of HD images are available through DISH Network?

DISH Network offers programming for your HDTV in all available formats. However, 1080p is only available for Video on Demand and requires a DISH Network HD DVR. You can use the settings on your DISH Network HD receiver to change what format the receiver will output to your HDTV in. Please refer to the User’s Guide for your individual model for further information on how to reach the appropriate section of the settings that apply to output format.

What is the difference between “HD-Capable” and “HD-Ready”?

HD-Capable means that your HDTV is capable of receiving an HD signal and displaying it properly; however, the TV does not have a HD tuner built-in, so you will have to use an external device to receive HD signals. HD-Ready TVs have built-in tuners that are capable of decoding and displaying an HD signal. You can also attach external devices to these TVs to display HD signals.

Will all programming eventually be in HD?

Probably not for a long time. There is a great expense when switching programming over to an HD signal. Almost all of the equipment involved in transmitting a television signal has to be upgraded. While many of the most popular stations have been upgraded to HD, many smaller stations have yet to make the switch.

What is DVI?

DVI refers to Digital Video Interface. It can only transmit video, not audio. It is capable of sending 1080p video signals to a television from your device.

What is HDMI?

HDMI refers to High-Definition Multimedia Interface, a standard for a cable that is capable of transmitting high definition images. This cable can send both digital audio and pictures to your television from your device. It can transmit 5.1 channel sound and high definition images in 1080p.

Why does DISH Network sound better in HD?

High definition programs are able to carry a higher quality digital audio stream. Sound is often encoded as Dolby Digital audio, giving you audio that has higher highs and lower lows, resulting in a fuller, richer sound.

What is 5.1 channel sound?

5.1 channel sound is six channel surround sound that consists of sound from a subwoofer and five speakers that surround the listener. The 5 in 5.1 stand for these five speakers, while the .1 stands for the subwoofer (which provides most of the bass). The five speakers used are front left, front right, center, left surround, and right surround. The six channels in 5.1 channel sound can either be discrete or matrixed. Discrete sound means that the sound for each channel has been separated out to be distinct and independent of the other channels. In other words, the sound from one speaker is completely different from the sound coming from any of the other speakers. Matrixed sound involves extrapolating sound from information in other channels. This often results in part of the sound mix from the front speakers being repeated through the back speakers to give the overall sound a better field of depth.

What is Dolby Digital Sound?

Dolby Digital refers to a digital compression scheme that allows for six channels of sound to be packaged in one stream of information. The compression allows all six channels of sound to come from one digital stream, reducing the amount of bandwidth that has to be used to transmit the sound. Without digital compression, 5.1 sound would not be able to accompany high definition images, as the traditional bandwidth allocated for each high definition channel would be unable to handle the picture and sound simultaneously without degrading each other. Dolby Digital is a discrete format, meaning that each individual channel of sound has been optimized for the best sound experience possible. Sounds are placed in the sound channels with precision, allowing for improved clarity, spaciousness, realism, and imaging. The bass sound is also improved with Dolby Digital, as most of the deep bass sounds are directed to the subwoofer, leaving the surround speakers to handle the higher end of the sound field.

What DISH Network receivers can output 5.1 channel sound?

All DISH Network HD receivers can output 5.1 channel sound. You will, however, need additional equipment to take full advantage of the 5.1 channel sound stream.

What equipment, other than a DISH Network HD receiver, do I need to utilize a 5.1 channel sound stream?

First, you will need an audio/visual receiver, which is different than your DISH Network receiver. An audio/visual receiver, also known as an A/V or home theater receiver, is designed to accept numerous audio and visual inputs. The visual inputs are sent to your television, while the audio inputs are directed through your additional speakers. The A/V receiver will decode the Dolby Digital sound stream and direct the sound channels to the appropriate speakers. You will need the five necessary surround speakers and a subwoofer to take full advantage of the 5.1 channel sound. Each of these speakers will need to be connected to your A/V receiver to use all six sound fields.
To make sure that you are getting Dolby Digital 5.1 channel sound, you will need to connect your DISH Network receiver to the A/V receiver with an optical cable. These are specially designed audio cables that carry only the audio channel from the DISH Network HD receiver to the A/V receiver. You may also be able to use an HDMI cable to connect your DISH Network HD receiver to your A/V receiver, or connect the HDMI cable to your television and use an optical cable running from your TV to your A/V receiver to send the 5.1 channel sound to the A/V receiver.

What programming is available with Dolby Digital 5.1 channel sound on DISH Network?

It is impossible to say exactly what programming will be available in Dolby Digital 5.1 channel sound on DISH Network, but you’ll find that many of your favorite shows, movies, and sports in HD include Dolby Digital sound.

Equipment

What is the difference between SDTV and HDTV?

High definition television offers the best in picture and sound quality, with better clarity and color than standard definition television. This is because high definition television is displayed in a higher resolution than standard definition television. For example, SD resolution tops out at 480 lines of resolution, while HD can have as many as 1080 lines of resolution. Pixel density is also better on HDTVs, as HD has five times as many pixels per frame than SD. This makes an HD image seem much clearer and cleaner than a SD image. HD also presents much of its programming in 16:9 widescreen, instead of SD’s 4:3.

What is the difference between “HD-Capable” and “HD-Ready”?

HD-Capable means that your HDTV is capable of receiving an HD signal and displaying it properly; however, the TV does not have a HD tuner built-in, so you will have to use an external device to receive HD signals. HD-Ready TVs have built-in tuners that are capable of decoding and displaying an HD signal. You can also attach external devices to these TVs to display HD signals.

Do I need special equipment to see DISH Network in HD?

You will need an HD-capable DISH Network receiver to get an HD signal from DISH Network. There are a number of HD receivers, with and without DVR functions, for you to choose from.

What cable should I use to connect my DISH Network HD receiver to my HDTV?

You’ll get the best connection by using an HDMI cable to connect your receiver to your HDTV. HDMI is preferred as it provides a connection that can transfer both picture and sound and can support output up to 1080p. If your HDTV is older, it might not have an HDMI input. In this case, you can use a component HD output connection. This is an analog output, so the picture quality may be degraded slightly, and the receiver will not be able to output 1080p video using these components.

Can I connect a DISH Network HD Receiver to an SD television?

Yes, it is possible to connect a DISH Network HD receiver to an SD television, but you would not get a high definition picture on that television. To take full advantage of the great picture and sound quality you get with a DISH Network HD receiver, you must connect it to an HDTV.

I have a standard definition television. Can I still get service if I connect an HD receiver from Dish Network to this TV?

It is possible to hook up a Dish Network HD receiver to a standard definition TV; however, you will not get an HD picture on the standard definition TV You will need an HD TV to get full picture clarity from you HD Dish Network receiver.

What equipment, other than a DISH Network HD receiver, do I need to utilize a 5.1 channel sound stream?

First, you will need an audio/visual receiver, which is different than your DISH Network receiver. An audio/visual receiver, also known as an A/V or home theater receiver, is designed to accept numerous audio and visual inputs. The visual inputs are sent to your television, while the audio inputs are directed through your additional speakers. The A/V receiver will decode the Dolby Digital sound stream and direct the sound channels to the appropriate speakers. You will need the five necessary surround speakers and a subwoofer to take full advantage of the 5.1 channel sound. Each of these speakers will need to be connected to your A/V receiver to use all six sound fields.
To make sure that you are getting Dolby Digital 5.1 channel sound, you will need to connect your DISH Network receiver to the A/V receiver with an optical cable. These are specially designed audio cables that carry only the audio channel from the DISH Network HD receiver to the A/V receiver. You may also be able to use an HDMI cable to connect your DISH Network HD receiver to your A/V receiver, or connect the HDMI cable to your television and use an optical cable running from your TV to your A/V receiver to send the 5.1 channel sound to the A/V receiver.

Will my VCR and DVD player work with HD?

You will be able to hook your VCR and DVD player up to your HDTV, but they will not display a true HD picture. Some DVD players are capable of converting the DVD picture to HD, but it is not a “true” HD picture. For true HD pictures from a disc, you will need to get a Blu-Ray player.

Can I use DVR with HD programming?

Yes. If you have an HD DVR, you will be able to record your programs in HD and play them back in HD at your convenience.

Over-the-Air Antennas

What is an HD Over-the-Air antenna and how does it work?

An HD Over-the-Air antenna allows you to pull in HD signals from local broadcasters. It receives digital signals that can be shown and tuned on a HD-Ready TV.

Do I need to get an HD Over-the-Air antenna?

You do not need to get an HD Over-the-Air antenna to receive local channels from DISH Network. You may hook an HD Over-the-Air antenna up to many of the DISH Network receivers, if you so desire.

Where can I get an HD Over-the-Air antenna?

An HD Over-the-Air antenna is available at most electronics retailers. Sometimes, you will need to order a special connector to hook up an HD Over-the-Air antenna to your DISH Network receiver. If this is the case, you will need to contact DISH Network directly at 1-800-823-4929.

Programming

Who determines which channels are available in HD?

DISH Network carries HD channels as they are made available by the channel provider. HD channels are added all the time, so if your favorite channel isn’t in HD yet, it might be soon!

How much programming does DISH Network offer in HD?

Currently, DISH Network leads the industry in HD, with more than 200 channels available in high definition.

What does DISH Network offer for HD channels?

See the complete list of HD channels that can be added to DISH Network packages. There are also HD-Only DISH Network packages available.

Are my local channels offered in HD all the time?

Not always. Some local channels have chosen not to make their HD feeds available to DISH Network. Also, many local channels will carry network programming in high definition, but their other programming will only be available in standard definition.

How can I find out if my favorite channels are available in HD?

See the complete list of HD channels that can be added to DISH Network packages.

Does DISH Network offer any HD-only packages?

Yes. You can get HD-Only DISH Network packages that also include your local channels.

Can I use DVR with HD programming?

Yes. If you have an HD DVR, you will be able to record your programs in HD and play them back in HD at your convenience.

Other/Contact

How much does HD from DISH Network cost?

The monthly cost for HD from DISH Network will vary depending on the promotions that are currently available. There is also a difference in the pricing between the HD Platinum add-on package and the HD 120, HD 200 and HD250 packages.

Will all programming eventually be in HD?

Probably not for a long time. There is a great expense when switching programming over to an HD signal. Almost all of the equipment involved in transmitting a television signal has to be upgraded. While many of the most popular stations have been upgraded to HD, many smaller stations have yet to make the switch.

Who should I call if I’d like to order DISH Network in HD?

New DISH Network customers can call Sterling Satellite at 1-800-299-5610 to get DISH Network HD. Current customers that want to add HD to their DISH Network packages can call DISH Network directly at 1-800-823-4929.

Who do I call if I have further questions about or problems with my DISH Network HD?

Please call DISH Network at 1-800-823-4929.