Digital TV - What You Need To Know
A digital television receives information as a digital signalThis is an entirely new technology and will eventually replace the analog television system.
The digital signals are transmitted using computer code, which consist entirely of ones and zeroesThis is a difficult concept to perceive but it worksDigital signals are much more efficient, result in less interference and therefore it provides a better quality picture and sound than analog.
Another significant feature of digital television is that is uses a significantly smaller channel bandwidthThis means there is more 'space' for other digital channels which will allow other non-television services such as pay-multimedia services, multicasting (more than one program on the same channel), electronic program guides and interactivity to be used at the same time.
Whilst digital television often has superior audio quality, image, and reception than analog, it is still in the early stages of development and there are still many advances needed.
As with most things in today's modern society Digital Television comes in a couple of quality levels:-
Standard Definition TV (SDTV) - This is the basic level of digital television transmissionIt has a quality similar to today's analog TV;
Enhanced Definition TV (EDTV) - This gives a better level of quality and includes Dolby digital surround sound;
High Definition TV (HDTV) - This as the name suggests gives the best quality digital picture and Dolby digital surround sound.
Currently, most TV stations in America are broadcasting digital and analogThis means that you can view your favourite TV shows no matter what type of TV you haveHowever, after the 17th February 2009 the full-power TV stations will no longer be able to broadcast in analog.
And if you have an analog TV you will not be able to view the shows unless you obtain a separate digital-to-analog converter box or a new digital TV.
The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) will sometime at the start of 2008, issue qualifying households with $40 coupons towards the purchase of a converter boxFor more information on how to qualify go to www.ntia.doc.gov.
Bear in mind though, that an analog TV connected to a digital converter box will display the digital broadcasts but not in full digital quality.