Finding HDTV Channel Guides and Information
As more people in America are gearing up toward an eventual change to digital television transmissions, many are asking questions about HDTV channels that are already available, and how to find those channels. Most satellite and cable companies are offering high definition television channels on a limited basis, pending decisions on how the industry will face U.S. Federal Government mandates to have all channels broadcast digitally over the next few years.
By 2003, some 675 stations were broadcasting HDTV channels. In the spring of 2005, the Federal Communications Commission reported 682 stations with some additional stations operating only periodically, or on an experimental or temporary basis. A list of the HDTV
channels currently registered with the FCC is available online at http://www.fcc.gov/mb/video/files/dtvonair.html.
The benefits of HDTV channels are, of course, the clarity of picture and sound. With that understanding, it's not difficult to understand why the transition has been generally well received by consumers. Americans love television and finding a way to create better picture and sound quality is a popular idea. The drawback to changing all channels immediately to digital format is the need for equipment. It is said that the transition, made several years ago in Europe, was relatively painless because of the low number of analog television sets still in existence. In America, the percentage of people who already own digital television sets is relatively low, despite the fact that the federal government has been setting deadlines for television providers to make the change for several years.
The drawback of HDTV channels is the cost of equipment. Not only do individuals have to have an HDTV-compatible set, but networks have to use special cameras and other equipment, representing a significant financial investment. The change can be equated to the change a few decades ago when color television replaced black and white. The difference is that both color and black and white signals could be received on the same television set. Digital signals are limited to digital television sets.
So what HDTV channels are already available? Most states have several channels now being broadcast digitally. California is apparently leading the pack with more than fifty HDTV channels registered with the FCC. Both Florida and Texas have more than forty channels.
The number of HDTV channels set aside for commercial use far outweighs those used for educational purposes. As more stations reach the capability of offering digital transmissions, both will likely increase though companies will likely continue to offer more commercial channels.
