High definition television or HDTV, is a digital television solution with a much higher video and sound quality than standard definition television. You might be thinking that you already have digital cable so why would I need this upgrade? In short, it is digital television on steroids. For example. The picture resolution is about five times higher than that of standard digital cable, and in some newer models is even higher.

There are many benefits to upgrading to a High Definition. The three I feel are most important are:

Picture Clarity and Sharpness.

If you've ever viewed a high definition television, even on a showroom floor, then you know what this is referring to. Watching a program being broadcast in in this manner is like nothing else. You will see every blade of grass move in the wind when watching your favorite football team. It's that clear. In addition a it from a high quality digital broascast your reception will also be free of the noise that always plagued older analogue systems.

Digital Sound.

The sound portion of the new digital broadcast is also vastly improved on its previous version. Digital sound is much clearer than its analogue counterpart. Many new televisions will offer Dolby Digital 5.1 surround sound. 5.1 means that you will have five speakers, left/right front speaks, left/right rear speakers and a center speak. The .1 refers to the subwoofer. Arranging these speakers as advised leads to sound coming from all around the listener. Watching a movie with 5.1 is an experience akin to being in the theater. Which brings me to the next benefit.

Wider Screen.

We are not just talking physical size here. HDTV uses a 16:9 aspect ratio compared to the 4:3 ratio used in older televisions. What does this mean? When programs and especially movies are shown through a 4:3 aspect ratio there is not enough room for the entire frame on the screen. This means that the sides of the frame are cut off and permanently hidden from the viewer. If you put the 4:3 frame next to the 16:9 frame and you will see what you've been missing immediately. Watching a movie in 4:3 will be feel like looking through a straw once you've seen the difference. If you watch a lot of movies then you owe it yourself to see the difference. There is so much you've been forced to miss!

Besides these main benefits, you will also enjoy some smaller benefits from upgrading to a HDTV. For example, it will allow for a wider viewing angle meaning that you can see the picture clearly from more of an angle than older televisions. This provides greater flexibility in arranging your room and seating options. This is especially important if you are say, hosting movie night, and you are entertaining several guests.

In years passed, one of the main drawbacks of upgrading to high definition television was the price tag. However, as the technology ages it is getting less and less expensive. If you have not looked at the prices in local store in a couple years you are going to be pleasantly surprised at just how far your pound can go. If you are a person that enjoys watching television and especially movies, there is no reason not to get a HDTV. Once you get that beautiful wide screen HDTV set up you will not know how you ever watched anything without one.