A standard definition analog television format gives you a reasonably clear picture and okay sound. It doesn't have a very crisp image and is not the most exciting format to view television in, but it does okay. Standard definition digital television is a huge step up. It clears up all the blurriness within the pictures, increases the sound quality to sound more like a CD, and can even clean up interference caused by weather and other problems before it reaches your screen. Digital standard definition television is definitely the way to go over analog standard definition. However, an even better format is now available: high definition television. This format is a digital format that has a much better resolution and better sound than standard definition. It has all the benefits of digital television and combines them with advanced technology for the best viewing experience.

A standard definition television picture is comprised of 480 lines of resolution. These lines combined are what bring you the pictures that you watch. As you would imagine, if you increase the number of lines of resolution, the picture becomes clearer. This is much like taking pictures with a 5 megapixel digital camera versus one with only 2 megapixels. The one with more megapixels will have a much clearer, more focused image. This is the idea behind high definition television- the more lines of resolution that appear on a screen, the better the picture will be. Though new technologies, it is now possible to get 720 or even 1080 lines of resolution. These two formats, both known as high definition, are the basis of the exciting technology of HDTV.

Just as a five year old computer does not have enough hardware to run an intense program like Microsoft Vista, older television equipment cannot support high definition television. That is why it it necessary to get a new television and a new Dish Network receiver when you upgrade to high def. Only the equipment specifically meant to support the more demanding format can give you the performance you need.

When it comes to Dish Network high definition receivers, you actually get benefits beyond just being able to watch high definition television with them. Of course, they also support standard definition television, which makes it possible to watch every viewing format currently available. But these receivers also give a lot of features that aren't available on regular receivers. For example, Dish Comm compatibility lets you listen to satellite audio from any room in your house that has either phone or power wiring. This lets you listen to the satellite radio channels or any other audio, even if you don't have a television or receiver in the room with you. These receivers also have features like Ethernet ports and USB 2.0 ports. Both of these ports expand your option by letting you hook your receiver (and therefore your television) up to a lot of different devices. As the lines between different media devices have become blurred, this feature is really important.

By upgrading your Dish Network receiver and your television to models that can support HDTV, you get a lot more viewing options and can take advantage of much better viewing quality.