Since the Federal Communications Commission required all television stations in the United States to switch their broadcasting of analog signals to a broadcast a digital signal, many viewers would have found their analog-only television sets to be inadequate. The High Definition Television Receiver (or HDTV Receiver) allows viewers who have not yet purchased a newer television capable of receiving digital signals to receive this new, federally mandated signal. The signal provides a much clearer picture and sound than the old analogue signal and provides several added features to make the television viewing experience more entertaining.

Some of the features of the HDTV receiver include programming notes that can be viewed on screen — usually containing information about the show including its name and a brief description as well as information on upcoming programming. Digital television also allows for several different layers of closed captioning for those who would desire it. Also, because digital television allows for more information to be sent along a television channel, multiple channels (or multiple versions of channels) are being broadcast. For example, channel 29, PBS, may have channel 29-1 (the national PBS), 29-2 (local PBS), and 29-3 (PBS from a neighboring state). These multi-laying of channels has also allowed for many local stations to devote an entire channel to a weather doppler radar.

Programming an HDTV Receiver is simple: most systems have an auto-programming setting that automatically detects local stations and stores them in the memory of the receiver. Typically, HDTV receivers can be purchased at any television or electronics store for under $100. In language that could be confusing to some consumers, the HDTV Receiver is often referred to as a digital-to-analogue converter. The receiver takes in the digital signal with the traditional “rabbit-ears” antennae and converts the signal to an analogue signal the older television can understand. The receiver does nothing to the television itself, it only makes the signal readable to the older style system. Consumers who have purchased a television with a plasma or LCD screen in the past two years probably do not need an upgrade; most likely, their television is outfitted to receive digital signals.

Because the Federal Government mandated this change, coupons were given out (worth $20) towards the purchase of a receiver and a massive television advertising campaign filled the country with warnings of what may happen if the viewer did not upgrade his television for the new signal. Those who have purchased an HDTV Receiver will not regret its cleaner picture and sound as soon as they experience its superiority to the analogue signal. In order to find the best deals on an HDTV receiver you should go online and check out the deals that the manufacturers offer.