High-definition television may not be breaking news in the United States, where the technology was officially launched over ten years ago-the first HD broadcast in the U.S. covered astronaut John Glenn's 1998 return mission to space aboard the Space Shuttle Discovery-and is becoming increasingly commonplace, but in many less technologically-advanced countries it is still viewed as an emerging luxury. TV viewers in some Latin American countries, for example, are ringing in the 2010 new year by getting up close and personal with their favorite stars for the first time through the high-resolution images that HD delivers.

In Argentina, high-definition has been an option for just over a year, since transmission began in November, 2008. Some FOX-owned channels have been available in HD since then, including some breathtaking National Geographic shows and many movies. Additionally, through satellite TV, sports fans can now have exciting, crystal-clear access to events ranging from the NFL Sunday ticket to the more locally relevant World Cup qualifiers, such as the recent Argentinian national futbol selection's matchup with rival Brazil. TIBA, a Buenos Aires-based telecommunications company that provides up-link services for broadcasters in countries throughout the region, such as Argentina, Brazil, Chile, and Uruguay, made the transition to HD bandwidth for Disney channels in December, extending the enhanced picture quality available to many kid favorites like Hannah Montana and Ben 10.

However, there's still a long way to go in reshaping the way Latin Americans watch TV. There are certain obstacles that can get in the way of welcoming HD to someone's home. Having the wrong TV, to name just one. Addressable resolution is the highest resolution signal that a TV or monitor can accept. Although a particular TV is able to receive a given resolution, it may incapable of displaying it. This means that, in order to enjoy this new technology, not only do the satellite TV and cable providers have to be transmitting HD frequencies in a given region, but also viewers must own a compatible TV in addition to a set-top-box that is capable of decoding high-definition channels. And if you consider the high cost of electronics in a place like Buenos Aires, where a new TV can cost you as much as two, or even three, month's rent, it follows that many people may be slow to uprgrade. Furthermore, in a place like Argentina, high-definition is currently only available through satellite TV. Thus cable users are stuck watching everything in standard definition. So, not only do people have to buy a new TV in order to jump on the HD bandwagon, but they also have to buy a satellite dish.

Despite these obstacles, Latin America is nonetheless fighting to get out of the analog dark ages, and with globalization, these processes quicken at almost expontential rates. Prices often go down as a new technology becomes more commonplace, and it surely won't be long now before local cable companies start delivering signals so that more and more viewers can welcome HD into their homes.