Update on Televisions or

Just when we think that we have completely understood the technology about television monitors, it seems that something new comes along and we have to learn more and buy more stuff to keep our signals up to the latest technology. With the advent of HDTV and new technology almost everyday, here's more information about the latest in televisions.

First of all, for those of us who thought that we had to upgrade to HDTV pretty soon, here's a piece of useful information: The original date for conversion to HDTV by broadcasters was December 31, 2006. What we were told was that by Act of Congress, broadcasters had to stop broadcasting in analogue by that date. Since less than 85% television users had converted to HDTV, the date has been changed to December 31, 2008. Supposedly on that date, broadcasters will go off the air with conventional signals. In order to watch television, you will have to be a) on cable, b) hooked up to a satellite system or c) have a convertor box. Over the next couple of years, expect that most broadcasters will have many more HDTV shows on, and more stations will be HDTV compatible. Expect big changes before 2008.

1. Free HDTV signals are available wherever signals are present in the US. In order to receive such signals, you will need to have an HDTV compatible TV, HDTV tuner, UHF/VHF antenna.

2. About 65% of cable operators at the moment provide HDTV programming. For that reception, you'll need the HDTV compatible set, an HD compatible box for "Digital Cable Ready" TV with a CableCard slot and card. Of course, you'll have to pay for cable.

3. Satellite providers are beginning to distribute HDTV programming. Of course, you'll need the HDTV set, HDTV receiver (not all satellite receivers are HDTV) and an HDTV dish (not all dishes meet this requirement). Again, you'll have to subscribe to a satellite service.

Our past article about the various types of screens and resolution pretty much covers the current spectrum, however, resolution is getting better and here are the new viewing distances for HDTV-capable TVs, particularly important in a coach:

First of all, if you are going to make the leap into a new monitor/television, stick with the name brands. Picture quality is directed related to construction quality and internal components. Over-the-road use is the toughest challenge to this new technology and you want the best.

Secondly, there is no such thing as having too many inputs. Four major types (and these should be detailed on any TV) are Component video, DVI, HDMI and IEEE 1394. A standard computer input wouldn't be the worst thing in the world to have as well. Some coach owners like to have their GPS signal displayed on the overhead monitor (when possible) so that's worth a check out before choosing a unit.

Calibration DVD: The Avia disc is considered to be one of the best calibration DVD's out there. Most TVs are set at the factor with brightness and contrast too high for use, and for plasma sets, will diminsh the life of your new investment. Get your set calibrated and extend both your viewing pleasure and use of the instrument.

High Quality Video Cabling: If you get cables with your equipment, throw them away. They're cheap and don't transfer signal at the rate that higher quality custom cabling does. Get the good stuff up front and you won't be sorry later.

Line Conditioner: All TV receivers produce cleaner images when they're fed with cleaner power, especially non-tube displays. Lamp-based projection sets should have both a line conditioner with battery back up.

For many of us, the old idea of 'adjusting the rabbit ears' is a thing of the way distant past. It won't be long before we all have to upgrade, modify or rethink what our AV systems are like in coaches; what coaches are offering when we look at a new one. This article (written October 2005) is just another marker in the continuing trend toward better and more lifelike reception of the signals floating around in the air. There will come a day, if we don't make the needed changes, that we turn on the old set and we get DARK. The time's are coming to make changes if we haven't done so already to keep up with the technology that's running hard and fast.