As of February 17 2009, all broadcasts will be digital. Digital channels have the ability to broadcast High Definition programming. However, if the program is not broadcast in High Def (it’s still digital, just not High Definition), you won’t receive it in High Def even if you have a High Def TV.
TO ME, IT IS ALL WORTH IT; YOU WILL BE AMAZED AT THE HIGH DEFINITION EXPERIENCE.
Viewers who currently get their signals “over the air,” using a rooftop antenna or rabbit ears, will have to make some adjustments. Either they will have to buy digital television sets, or they will have to obtain converter boxes to change the digital signals to analog.If you are a cable or satellite customer, you may need a set-top converter box to receive DTV signals and convert them into the format of your current analog television, even after the DTV transition is complete. A DTV set-top converter box may also receive multicast channels** and high definition programming and display them in analog picture quality. Check with your cable or satellite provider to determine if and when you will need a set-top converter box.
Ask what connectors you need to make sure your new DTV set works with your other electronic equipment (DVD player, digital video recorder (DVR), camcorder, VCR, computer, video games, and other equipment). The electronic equipment you have now should work with your new DTV, but you may need new connectors. Make a list of what you have now and ask your retailer what you need to connect the components.Why are we converting the U.S. television infrastructure? Digital technology delivers a much improved television picture and sound. Less obvious, but just as important, is that converting to DTV will free up parts (bands) of the scarce and valuable broadcast spectrum. The Analog spectrum will be returned to the government (FCC) by television stations. This spectrum will go to public safety services so our police, fire and first responders can communicate more efficiently; and to companies offering advanced wireless services.
The spectrum going to advanced wireless services will be auctioned, with the proceeds going to the U.S. Treasury.** Multicast channels - each digital TV channel is actually made up of four sub channels so you may see them referenced in a few different ways. For example if you receive channel 8, you may see it referred to a 8.1 or 8-1 meaning the first sub channel. The second would be 8.2 or 8-2. However, if a broadcast is in full High Definition (including wide-screen) there is less room left for other programming since HD uses up a lot of the available “room”. DTV comes in several levels of picture quality. The most common are:High Definition Television (HDTV) - this uses up the most amount of space on a 4-sub channel signalEnhanced Definition Television (EDTV) - This is bit lower quality than full HD and uses up less space on a 4-sub channel signalStandard Definition Television (SDTV). This is the basic display and will probably look like what you are watching right now on regular cable TV.If a broadcaster user SDTV they can probably broadcast 4 separate programs at the same time. With EDTV probably 3, and with HDTV probably 1 or 2 at most.Overall -Your current TV will work once the DTV transition is complete but you must have a digital set-top converter box to receive broadcast signals or be connected to a cable or satellite service. This converter box, much like your cable box, will allow you to receive a picture, but it won’t be able to show high-definition pictures or give you access to other digital services. To experience the full benefits of digital television, you will need a digital (preferably HDTV) television set.
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