High-definition television (HDTV) became popular at the end of the 1900's. They were in essence super TV's boasting digital surround sound, hi-tech resolution, widescreen-compatible for old-time movie formats. But amid the different types that have popped up, there can be confusion for consumers, so let's take a look at what's out there today.
Analog
An analog television receives signals via satellite, over the air or through a cable; whereas older (standard) televisions accepted signals from radio waves transformed into sounds and screen images.
Digital
Digital television (DTV) converts signals for DVD players to analog. However, limited pixels limit resolution for viewers, affecting quality imaging on the television screen.
Reportedly U.S. broadcasts are moving in the direction of DTV transmission, transmitting video and sound data zeros and ones over wave transmissions, basically using the UHF spectrum over the air with a 6 MHz bandwidth, similar to analog transmitting.
Features and benefits of DTV include:
• Better quality image.
• Better resolution with big screen TVs
• Better video graphic imaging.
• Multicasting.
• Interactive content can be transmitted.
• High-definition (HDTV) compatibility.
Bad news: older standard analog televisions cannot show DTV productions. So you may still need two TVs at this time, depending upon cable and how late you stay up and want good content, etc.
HD
HDTV is part of DTV. It carries the highest standards for DTV, as set forth by the Advanced Television Standards Committee (ATSC) for digital television.
Of the18 digital broadcast formats for video, the top tier for HDTV needs to reflect the following over analog and other lower standards with respect to:
Aspect ratio – HDTV must have a 16:9 aspect ratio; standard TV only needs a 4:3.
Resolution – HDTV needs high resolution, like up to 1920×1080 pixels; standard TV only needs 704×480 pixels.
Frame rate - HDTV needs the highest frame rate (like screen speed), at least 60 frames per second. Standard TV is under 24.
The mains things to note with high-definition visual and sound are twofold. Number one, the television station needs to be transmitting high-definition signals. Without that much, no need to continue. And number two, you need to have the right television equipment to receive and view the high-definition transmissions.
So get informed and check out your systems and equipment! It'll make upgrading to HDTV that much easier - and enjoyable for your family.
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Frequently Asked Questions
DVD Player/VCR Combo vs. DTV Set-Top Converter Box -- Problem
By: Katie | 25-06-2008
I connected my digital conversion set-top box to the tv, executed the setup sequence, and the tv is working fine. Now, though, the combination DVD player/VCR I have always used with the same tv (with an RF modulator) displays video, but the audio is not working. Anyone know what I did wrong with the setup? My instinct is that it 's something very simple that I overlooked. I tried shutting the set-top converter box off and operating the tv and peripheral the "old" way, but the DVD player/VCR is still not "talking." Thank you for any help you can provide.
Would I be able to connect my laptop which has a ...
By: JoeJohnson | 24-06-2008
Would I be able to connect my laptop which has a HDMI output to my LCD monitor which only has a DVI input using a HDMI-to-DVI cable? (I don't think my monitor is HDCP)
Deep scratch lcd fix?
By: cstevens | 12-05-2008
I have deep scratches on the screen of my Westinghouse LCD HDTV. They will not fix it. I am trying to find a product to buff and remove them, or a cost-effective way to have the LCD screen replaced?
Recording PC video on PVR via DV or HDMI?
By: pubspubs | 30-03-2008
Hello, I've got an HP DV9000 series laptop with DV and HDMI and svideo sockets, and a Samsung DVD HR750 PVD with DVD and HDD recording, and AV, DV, and RF connections. Can I use this setup to record films or programs on my PC onto the DVD or HDD of my PVR, using the DV link for example? I imagine it would have to be in real time. Would it be a digital quality recording? Would I be able to record DRM time limited recordings to keep a hard copy? Many thanks for any help or advice.
10 Stars Who Look Bad on HDTV
By: MusicMovieLovers | 15-03-2008
I recently read an article about celebrities entitled 10 Stars Who Look Bad on HDTV. The list includes: 1. Cameron Diaz2. Britney Spears3. Rosie O'Donnell4. Brad Pitt5. David Letterman/Dr. Phil6. Diane Sawyer/Katie Couric7. Steven Tyler8. John Madden9. Joan Rivers10. Kate WinsletDo you agree with this list? Do you think it is accurate? Do you think anyone else should be added to the list or deleted from it?
TV picture is getting darker and darker, gradually. Fix?
By: Dr. Dave | 12-01-2008
I have a Panasonic rear-projection HDTV (model unknown). Lately, the picture has gradually been getting darker and darker. In night scenes the action is virtually invisible; it's all black. Daylight scenes are dark, too. Manipulation of the picture and contrast and brightness of the TV makes little to no difference.Is this a sign of the projection bulb burning out? I thought when that goes, it was a sudden failure. Or, is there something wrong with the set, which needs to be seen by a serviceman? (The set is about 4-5 years old.) Or, is it time for a new TV? (I secretly hope it is the latter; I would like to upgrade, and need an excuse.)
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