High-Definition TV FAQs
Wave Broadband provides over 80 channels of high-definition networks in our main service areas, with even more HD offerings through our On Demand selections. To access Wave’s HD channels, you will need your choice of HD equipment and a subscription to Expanded Content or a higher tier of cable TV service.
What is HDTV?+
High-definition television is a type of digital television that combines extremely high resolution with Dolby Digital Surround Sound and provides a crisp, detailed image. A high-definition TV signal has five times the resolution than what can be displayed by a traditional analog TV set.
All HDTV screens are wider than they are tall, providing a wide screen view that allows you to see programming as it was filmed, without reformatting.
What is the difference between HDTV and digital cable?+
Digital cable is a type of television signal. HDTV is the highest quality in digital signals, offering better resolution and sound than a standard digital signal. Digital cable can be watched on your existing standard television if you have a Wave digital cable box.
HDTV requires a high-definition television, a Wave HD receiver or DVR, and a digital cable package with Wave.
What do I need in order to receive Wave high-definition service?+
In order to receive Wave high-definition service, a high-definition television and a Wave HD receiver or HD-DVR with HDMI or component cable connection are required.
I already have a high-definition television. Do I still need a Wave HD receiver?+
Yes. In order to receive any HD channels included with your subscription, beyond the local broadcast channels, you must have a high-definition television and a Wave HD receiver or DVR.
How will high-definition service look on my standard definition television?+
HD Signals will not display on standard definition TV sets, because those TVs don’t include the advanced technology required to display HD.
What is Aspect Ratio?+
“Aspect Ratio” refers to the ratio between the horizontal (width) measurement and the vertical (height) measurement of the screen. The two aspect ratios used are 4:3 and 16:9. That is, (4) units wide by (3) units high, and (16) units wide by (9) units high respectively.
The 16:9 aspect ratio is the standard for HDTVs because significantly more information can be displayed on the screen.
I connected my Wave HD receiver and my high-definition television, and I still cannot get any picture when tuned to HD channels.+
1. Make sure you have tuned to an HD channel that you subscribe to.
2. Ensure that the connections are correct.
3. Make sure that your high-definition television is using HDMI or component inputs.
I am tuned to an HD channel, however the picture is not displayed in full screen.+
Not all programs are broadcast in high-definition and therefore programs will not always be full screen. Not every show currently broadcast by an HD network is in HD format. If you are getting a picture on the HD channel, you can assume that your equipment is functioning properly. You may want to check the settings on your HDTV set (consult your HDTV user manual).
I connected my Wave HD cable box to my high-definition television, and although I am getting a clear picture, the colors are not right.+
If using a component video cable, ensure that the cables are connected correctly (i.e. Y is connected to Y, Pb is connected to Pb, and Pr is connected to Pr). Crossing these cables will mix up the picture colors. If using an HDMI connection, check your TV settings.
