HDTV is a type of digital television broadcasting. Digital
signals(ones and zeros like a computer reads) provides sound and
picture quality much better than traditional television.
Traditionally, analog signals were sent over the air or through
cables to tell your television what to display. It generally did
that in 525 tiny lines across a screen. With digital signals you
can get 1080 lines, providing for a much clearer picture. HDTV also
comes in a "aspect ratio" that is wider and more rectangular - more
like a movie theater (traditional TV uses a 4:3 ratio; HDTV usually
uses 16:9) It usually has 10 times the resolution of traditional
TV. Current sets have about 300,000 pixels, while the HDTV screen
is composed of more than 2 million pixels.
Complimenting the lifelike pictures are 5.1 channels of CD-quality
digital surround sound.
Strong signal always: The days of static and ghosts on your TV
set are over. With a qualityTV
antenna and pre-amp, the
signals you receive from 75 miles away will be as brilliantly clear
as signals just 10 miles away.
Thanks to digital broadcasting, we can also broadcast data which
will revolutionize the way you communicate, entertain yourself and
live your life. we will be able to marry the convenience of
television with the freedom and power of the internet. Datacasting
will make truly interactive TV possible, empowering the viewer to
make television viewing an incredible experience.
Compressing digital signals allow broadcasters to send up to six
"channels" compared to analogs one. So one broadcaster can send
multiple programs, or other data -- perhaps information services or
emergency information -- over the airwaves they are allowed to use.
This is called multicasting. For example, a TV station can
constantly broadcast your local weather, along with several
different programs.
Most broadcaster are currently sending both analog and digital
signals. On Feb. 17, 2009 all broadcaster must stop sending analog
signals. After the switch, analog televisions will need a converter
box though they will provide an inferior picture. You can buy an
HDTV converter for your analog television. You'll get all of the
additional channels, a better picture than usual, but not as good
as an HDTV.
An integrated digital television will include a receiver that
can handle DTV signals, and a DTV monitor that will be able to
display HDTV, but will need an antenna to receive broadcast HDTV.
Is digital cable/sat. the same as HDTV ? No, digital cable just
tells how the signal from the cable company or satellite provider
comes to your home, where it is converted to an analog signal. Some
cable/sat. companies are providing a limited amount of HDTV
programming for an additional fee for digital cable subscribers.
The best way to recieve all of your local HDTV
channels, is with an over the air TV antenna. Best of all it's free.
Go to All about HDTV
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