Popular today are high definition television sets. The most popular types are the plasma and LCD type of set. In order to receive the highest quality picture these sets offer, certain things are required. An HDMI cable is necessary. This is usually connected to the source of the broadcast like a cable box to the HDMI input on the TV. Most sets have several HDMI inputs to allow multiple high definition sources. Occasionally it may be desired to have several sets receive the same broadcast. In this event an HDMI splitter would be used. The HDMI splitter connects to the source and has multiple outputs on the receiving end. Since the U.S. went to digital broadcasting many older TV sets needed adjustments to function correctly.

To get effective digital TV reception a good antenna is needed. In fact, TV aerials or antennae are critical for accurate digital TV reception to take place. Many persons feel that the picture quality produced using digital TV reception is superior to the former analog type of broadcast. It is especially desire when watching sporting events which take place outside. It is important to remember that the quality used by the broadcast source matches that of the TV. It is possible; even likely, that the broadcast source produces higher quality than the TV set can handle or display accurately. In this case the broadcast source quality setting must be raised or lowered to match the quality reception that the TV can receive. If you are attempting to receive the standard over the air broadcast stations, placement of TV aerials is crucial.

Unlike analog broadcast, digital broadcast become choppy or frozen when the broadcast signal is insufficient or the reception is poor. Often just a slight adjustment in the orientation of the TV aerials will correct this problem. Digital TV reception has allowed manufacturers to make much larger sets than was previously available. Consumers will also find the plasma or LCD sets significantly lighter in weight than the old analog TV sets. This allows the TVs to be installed in places formerly not accessible for television in the past.

Today wall mounted TVs are popular. The smaller and lighter footprint of these TVs also make them popular additions to many kitchens and bathrooms as well. Digital TV can still be recorded like analog TV was in the past. But the digital recording is faster and much easier. In fact many cable TV companies include this capability as standard equipment. So now users can pause live TV while they go to the bathroom for example. They can resume watching whenever desired. This is accomplished by using a digital video recorder (DVR).

Basically the DVR records the broadcast continuously. When live TV is paused, the DVR continues its recording function. Now the broadcast video is available for later viewing. Another new feature allows users to operate the cable or set top boxes remotely. So if a program is not previously set up to be recorded, it can still be done even if the user is not at home.