HDTV Explained

An analog TV signal in the U.S. has 525 scan lines for the image, and each image is refreshed every 30th of a second (half of the scan lines are painted every sixtieth of a second in what is called an interlaced display). The horizontal resolution is something like 500 dots for a color set. This level of resolution was amazing 50 years ago, but today it is rather passe. The lowest resolution computer monitor that anyone uses today has 640x480 pixels, and most people use a resolution like 800x600 or 1024x768. We have grown comfortable with the great clarity and solidity of a computer display, and analog TV technology pales by comparison. Many of the new satellite systems, as well as DVDs, use a digital encoding scheme that provides a much clearer picture. In these systems, the digital information is converted to the analog format to display it on your analog TV. The image looks great compared to a VHS tape, but it would be twice as good if the conversion to analog didn't happen. There is now a big push underway to convert all TV sets from analog to digital, so that digital signals drive your TV set directly. HDTV and standard definition television (SDTV) are the two categories of display formats for digital television (DTV) transmissions, which are becoming the standard. HDTV provides a higher quality display with a vertical resolution display from 720p to 1080i. The p stands for progressive scanning, which means that each scan includes every line for a complete picture, and the i stands for interlaced scanning which means that each scan includes alternate lines for half a picture. These rates translate into a frame rate of up to 60 frames per second, twice that of conventional television. One of HDTV's most prominent features is its wider aspect ratio (the width to height ratio of the screen) of 16:9, a development based on research showing that the viewer's experience is enhanced by screens that are wider. HDTV pixel numbers range from one to two million, compared to SDTV's range of 300,000 to one million. New television sets will be either HDTV-capable or SDTV-capable, with receivers that can convert the signal to their native display format. Some television stations have begun transmitting HDTV broadcasts to users on a limited number of channels. HDTV generally uses digital rather than analog signal transmission. However, in Japan, the first analog HDTV program was broadcast on June 3, 1989. The first image to appear was the Statue of Liberty and the New York Harbor. It required a 20 MHz channel, which is why analog HDTV broadcasting is not feasible in most countries. HDTV is high-resolution digital television (DTV) combined with Dolby Digital surround sound (AC-3). HDTV is the highest DTV resolution in the new set of standards. This combination creates a stunning image with stunning sound. HDTV requires new production and transmission equipment at the HDTV stations, as well as new equipment for reception by the consumer. The higher resolution picture is the main selling point for HDTV. Imagine 720 or 1080 lines of resolution compared to the 525 lines people are used to in the United States (or the 625 lines in Europe) -- it's a huge difference!

HDTV Pros & Cons

Pros

1. Wider images
2. Much more detailed pictures
3. 5.1 channel CD-quality Dolby Digital (AC-3) surround sound
4. The ability to send data directly to a screen or to a PC as a download (The actual HDTV transmission is based on a 19.3-Mbps digital data stream.)

Cons

1. To really take advantage of HDTV today, front or rear projection HDTV sets or plasma sets are recommended, which can go as high as 5000$.
2. Not all service providers support digital television
3. HDTV sets require room
4. Bandwidth limitations

HDTV In Your Area

To really take advantage of HDTV today, front or rear projection HDTV sets or plasma sets are recommended Be sure any television receiver you purchase has input jacks that match the connectors on the VCR, cable box, DVD player and video game console you currently own. For many years, you will have to straddle the digital/analog fence, using, for example, an analog VCR on your digital TV. At the moment, there are no "standards" for what connections will appear on the back of an HDTV set. Therefore you should look for composite, S-video and component video as a minimum set of analog jacks so you can use your existing analog equipment with the new set. Many early purchasers will have to "go back" to a traditional outside UHF television antenna to receive the over-the-air (OTA) HDTV signal. The HDTV transmission system is an eight-level vestigial sideband (VSB) technique that uses UHF channels. Your antenna rotor setting for reception of HDTV signals will be easy to adjust. You either have a picture or you do not -- there cannot be a snowy image with digital technology. There also will not be any "fringe area" reception. The least expensive way to see HDTV shows right now is to buy an HDTV converter for your current analog TV. However, the HDTV shows you see will look no better than DVD on your analog TV -- you will get none of the resolution and format benefits of a real HDTV set. HDTV conversion will be a process that unfolds over several years. For example, major networks still have to agree on what resolutions they will use. There is no FCC mandate on resolutions for the networks to follow. We are witnessing a merging of three huge industries: personal computers, entertainment, and consumer electronics. Many companies have turf to protect, and a lot of money will be spent on the conversion. That means that the process will be slow and sometimes uncomfortable. However, the ultimate destination is a significant advance -- remarkably better pictures and sound for both your TV and your computer! Consumers have to buy new equipment, either a set-top box (to convert digital signals to analog signals) or a whole new TV set. Broadcasters have to spend a considerable amount of money to switch to HDTV. They have to buy new cameras, new titling and editing equipment, new tape machines, new rigs for their news vans -- its a big investment. Cable operators have to convert all of their equipment and all of their set-top boxes. Communities need to agree to have new towers built for broadcast channels.

We hope this information helped!