Broadcast Digital TV (DTV) is turbo-charged television, yielding clearer pictures, better sound, more programming and more viewing excitement than traditional analog television. Broadcast Digital TV offers a picture free of “ghosts,” “snow” or interference. The crisper, shaper image is due to the increased number of pixels the digital signal puts on the screen – the higher the number, the sharper the picture – and High-definition Television (HDTV) has the highest resolution available.
Furthermore, HDTV provides 5.1 channels of Dolby Digital CD-quality surround sound, adding to the ultimate home theatre experience. Broadcast Digital TV also enables broadcasters to multicast, bringing viewers multiple channels of over-the-air programming simultaneously in a Standard-definition Television (SDTV) format.
Why is Digital TV better than “regular” analog TV?
Broadcast Digital TV brings viewers five times the picture resolution and clarity of analog TV, making viewers feel like they are right in the middle of the action on their screens. Broadcast Digital TV uses binary code, the same system of ones and zeroes that runs on computers and digitally recorded compact discs. Switching TV broadcasts to digital is like switching from cassette tapes to compact disc or from VHS tape to DVD – the pictures are clearer, and sound is improved, giving viewers their favorite programs on a whole new level. In addition, with a 16:9 aspect ratio compared to today’s 4:3 aspect ratio of analog television, Broadcast Digital TV lets viewers see "the big picture" with much wider images.
Will consumers have to pay to receive Digital TV broadcasts?
No. Unlike digital cable and digital satellite where consumers pay monthly fees for services, Broadcast Digital TV provides high quality programming and more content via FREE, OVER-THE-AIR broadcasts.
What about my existing analog TV?
Until the total conversion to Broadcast Digital TV is made (Feb. 17, 2009), broadcasters will generally simulcast the same programs on two different channels – one in a digital format and one in analog. Viewers with analog sets will be able to adapt a digital tuner decoder box to their sets. They will be able to receive sharp, crisp and vivid digital based programming, however, they will not be able to experience the stunning visual clarity and sound quality that an HDTV display provides.
