What is HDTV broadcasting?
It is the new method of high-definition digital TV broadcasts, compared to current standard-definition analog broadcasts.
What's better about HDTV compared to standard broadcast or digital cable?
The HDTV and digital cable signals are both digital, resulting in crystal clear, noise-free pictures. However, HDTV broadcasts are free and offer many additional benefits:
HDTV Benefit: Higher Picture Resolution
HDTV offers at least twice the fine picture detail of standard TV or digital cable. You'll see 35mm-quality razor-sharp images and crisp fine detail from HDTV signals.
HDTV Benefit: Wide-Screen Pictures
HDTV wide screen pictures make for a more immersive and intense viewing experience.
HDTV Benefit: Digital Surround Sound
Many HDTV programs contain Dolby Digital 5.1 surround sound that creates a "you are there" three-dimensional sound field in your living room.
Will I need a new TV set to watch HDTV?
Not necessarily. With an HDTV-ready TV, you can view HDTV signals in full HD quality. With a standard TV, you can view DVD-quality pictures from all HDTV broadcasts.
Is HDTV replacing standard television?
Not immediately. However, the next few years will be a transition period to only HDTV digital broadcasts.
What if I can't put up an outdoor antenna in my neighborhood or on my apartment?
Depending on your location, you may be able to receive good HDTV broadcast signals with an indoor antenna. By law, however, homeowner association covenents and apartment landlords cannot prevent you from installing outdoor TV antennas and/or satellite reception dishes. The United States Congress directs this through Section 207 of the Telecommunications Act of 1996.
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Isn't digital cable the same as Digital Television?
No, digital cable is not Digital TV (DTV). DTV is received via free over-the-air digital broadcast signals. Digital TV has the capability to offer consumers HDTV pictures with up to five times the resolution of the current analog signal. Digital cable does not.