What Is HDTV? > Frequently Asked Questions
What is High Definition TV (HDTV)?
HDTV is a type of DTV service. HDTV provides high resolution programming in a widescreen format.
A current analog TV picture provides resolution of up to 480 horizontal lines. An HDTV picture can have up to 1080 lines, allowing for stunning picture detail.
Widescreen format refers to an image's aspect ratio, which is a comparison of screen width to screen height. Analog television has an aspect ratio of 4 by 3, which means the screen is 4 units wide by 3 units high. The aspect ratio of HDTV is 16 by 9, the same as the wide scope of a movie theater screen.
HDTV programs can include Dolby digital surround sound, the same digital sound system used in movie theaters and on DVDs.
(Courtesy of www.fcc.gov)
(Courtesy of www.fcc.gov)
What makes HDTV better than today's television?
HDTV offers incredibly detailed, life-like picture quality with up to 5 times the sharpness of today's television along with digital surround sound capability and a widescreen format.
(Consumer Electronics Association)
(Consumer Electronics Association)
Why are we switching to DTV?
- DTV is more flexible and efficient technology than the current broadcast system, which is an "analog" system
- For example, rather than being limited to providing one analog programming channel, a broadcaster will be able to provide a super sharp "high definition" (HDTV) program or multiple "standard definition" DTV programs simultaneously. Providing several program streams on one broadcast channel is called "multicasting." The number of programs a station can send on one digital channel depends on the level of picture detail, also known as "resolution," desired in each programming stream. DTV can provide interactive video and data services that are not possible with "analog" technology.
- Converting to DTV will also free up parts of the scarce and valuable broadcast airwaves. Those portions of the airwaves can then be used for other important services, such as advanced wireless and public safety services (police, fire departments, rescue squads, etc.).
(Courtesy of www.fcc.gov)
When will the DTV transition be complete?
Television stations serving all markets in the United States are airing digital television programming, although they still must provide analog programming until the target date set by Congress for the completion of the transition to DTV - February 17, 2009. At that point, broadcasting on the current (analog) channels will end and that spectrum will be put to other uses.
Until the transition to DTV is complete, television stations will continue broadcasting on both their digital and analog channels.
(Courtesy of www.fcc.gov)
(Courtesy of www.fcc.gov)
What kinds of TVs are HDTVs?
High-definition TVs can be standard direct-view tubes, slim LCDs and plasma monitors, rear-projection units or front projectors that require separate screens. HD refers to resolution-the horizontal lines that can be displayed on the screen-not the technology upon which the TV is based.
Is My Current TV Obsolete?
No, Analog televisions will continue to receive analog broadcasts at least through February 17, 2009. After that, consumers will be able to connect an inexpensive receiver to their existing TV to decode TV broadcast signals, just not in high-definition. Of course, current
televisions will continue to work with cable, satellite, VCRs, DVD players, camcorders, video game consoles and other devices for many years.
(Consumer Electronics Association)
(Consumer Electronics Association)
How Do I Get DTV?
- Receiving DTV signals over the air requires an antenna and a new DTV receiver that can decode the digital signals. In general, an antenna that provides quality reception of over-the-air analog TV signals will work for DTV reception.
- Cable and direct broadcast satellite (DBS) subscribers will need a new DTV receiver and other special equipment to receive DTV programming. A "Plug-and-Play" or "Digital Cable Ready" DTV or other device for digital cable customers plugs directly into the cable jack and does not require a separate set-top box. You must obtain a CableCARD from your cable company to receive high definition scrambled programming and premium one-way services.
- A listing of the operational DTV stations is available at http://www.fcc.gov/mb/video/files/dtvonair.html. Satellite TV providers and most cable systems are currently offering DTV programming. Subscribers should check with their service providers to see what programming is available in their area.
