HDTV Myths and Questions Answered

With more and more high definition content becoming available every day, is it time to invest in HDTV? Let's define HDTV -- the acronym for High Definition Television. In it's simplest explanation it is lifelike picture and sound that surpasses DVD quality. Most people are amazed when they see HDTV for the first time. Common reactions include: I want that. How much is it? Is it available now? Yes, HDTV is here! Unfortunately it's not as simple as it needs to be yet.

Yes, HDTV is available now! HDTV programming is available via three broadcast formats -- over the air via antenna for local channels, cable, and satellite. Digital broadcasting is just one hurdle being overcome. First a show must be recorded in HD format using HD cameras and equipment. Then it must be distributed digitally over the air, cable, or satellite. Now we are half way there. You need an antenna or satellite dish to receive HDTV signals in your home. Upgraded cable systems will eventually provide HDTV signals to your home. Finally you need a HDTV-compatible TV with a HDTV tuner/receiver which decodes the digital signal. Now you can sit back and enjoy HDTV!

There is still much consumer confusion about HDTV. You can find the answers to many common questions, rumors and myths about HDTV below.

What about 2009?
The FCC has mandated all local stations be digitally broadcast by 2009.

I heard rumors my TV could stop working?
Very doubtful. Your TV will still play all of the DVDs, VHS movies and games you own. Second, a new device or box could convert HDTV to standard TV. Backward compatibility will likely exist for many years.

Do I need to be concerned about HDTV resolution?
Yes and No. Just remember HDTV is either 720 or 1080 lines of resolution.

What does 720p and 1080i mean? Does it matter?
Both formats are considered HDTV standards. 720p (720 progressive) displays 720 lines 60 times a second. 1080i (1080 interlaced) displays every other line 30 times a second.

Is HDTV recordable?
Yes. HDTV recording is currently only available with a D-VHS High Definition VCR.

Is TiVo, ReplayTV compatible with HDTV?
Not yet, but newer models are expected to be able to record and time shift HDTV later this year.

What is a broadcast flag?
The broadcast flag is a code embedded in a HDTV program that prevents unauthorized redistribution and piracy.

Is HDTV being broadcast now?
Yes. Most of the CBS prime time line-up is being broadcast in HDTV. ABC also has many prime time shows in HDTV. NBC has a handful of HDTV shows. HBO and Showtime have one HD channel each. HDNet shows HDTV all day. Discovery Channel has a new HD channel, and ESPN is launching ESPN-HD on March 30, 2003 . Also special sporting events and shows are in HDTV. There is a lot to see in high definition now, with more shows and channels being announced often.

How do I find what local HDTV stations are available in my area?
Enter your zip code at http://www.antennaweb.org/aw/Address.asp

Can I use any antenna to receive HDTV?
Any UHF antenna can receive HDTV signals. Most HD stations are broadcast in the UHF range, channels 14-83.

Can I just connect an antenna to my regular TV to receive HDTV?
No. It will not work. A regular TV does not have the resolution to display a HDTV picture. A digital signal is not understood by analog TVs.

Can I just connect an antenna to my HDTV-compatible Television to receive HDTV?
No. It will not work. A HDTV tuner is required to be connected between the TV and the antenna.

Can I just connect an antenna to my Integrated HDTV Television to receive HDTV?
Yes! The HDTV tuner is built into these HDTVs. A simple antenna connection will work.

Is HDTV quality better with satellite, cable or an antenna?
HDTV quality is the same using cable, satellite, or over the air with an antenna.

What is 16:9?
16:9 means widescreen. 16 by 9 is the aspect ratio of HDTV, which provides a movie-like wide picture. Standard TV is called 4:3 which shows an almost square picture.

What is Analog TV?
Analog TV's are the standard definition televisions we have used for 50 years.

What is a Digital TV?
A digital TV is a very broad term. It usually means improved picture quality and sound over analog TVs. It may also mean a TV is compatible with digital broadcasts from satellite or cable.

Does Digital TV mean HDTV-compatible?
No.

What is SDTV?
The acronym for Standard Definition Television. It is the old standard broadcast of a 4:3 picture, and has the lowest display resolution.

What is EDTV?
The acronym for Enhanced Definition Television. It is better than standard TV, but not as good as HDTV. It can be widescreen 16:9 or 4:3.

Is DTV the same as HDTV?
No. DTV is a general term for digital TV. It can mean a signal is broadcast or received digitally. HDTV is one type of DTV transmission. Satellite signals are all digital. Cable TV can be digital or analog. DTV improves picture and sound over analog signals. HDTV offers the highest resolution picture and sound.

Does Cable-ready mean the same as HDTV-ready?
No. Cable-ready just means a TV has the necessary inputs to be connected to most cable or satellite systems.

Is digital cable the same as HDTV?
No. Digital cable is an improvement of picture and sound quality over regular (analog) cable, but it is not high definition.

What other terms mean HDTV quality?
HDTV is also called HD, High-Def, or high definition TV. 720p or 1080i are the display resolutions which correspond to HDTV.

Are all HDTV programs in widescreen?
Yes.

Are all HDTV sets widescreen?
Not yet, but most are.

Can I view non-HDTV programs on a HDTV?
Yes. Picture quality will not be as good. Black or gray bars may appear on the left and right side of your picture to frame the image to a 4:3 size.

Can I view VHS movies on a HDTV?
Yes. Since most VHS movies are not widescreen, black or gray bars will appear around the 4:3 picture.

Can I view DVDs on a HDTV?
Yes. DVDs look best when viewed on a HDTV-compatible TV.

Are there any high definition DVDs?
Not yet. But the technology is rapidly advancing.

Can I view HDTV content on a regular SDTV?
Yes, but why would you? All HDTV tuners to my knowledge have analog video outputs to connect to regular TVs. Your picture will not be HDTV quality and is limited to display resolution of your TV set. Also black bars may appear above and below the picture, or the picture may appear squeezed.

I have noticed people look extra fat on widescreen TVs. Why is that?
The TV aspect ratio is improperly set. Every widescreen TV has an aspect ratio control, which can digitally stretch a 4:3 image to fill a 16:9 screen. A 4:3 image is properly viewed on a 16:9 widescreen TV with black or gray bars on the sides.

Do I have to fiddle with a switch or wires when changing from satellite to antenna signals?
No. The HDTV tuner will automatically detect a HDTV station as being received via antenna or satellite. Once it's hooked up properly you can seamlessly use the remote to change channels.

Where can I find HDTV channel listings?
Follow this link: http://www.titantv.com/ttv/home/HDTVUpdate.aspx

What is the difference between HD-ready, HD-compatible, HDTV Display, or HDTV Monitor?
Each term means the exact the same thing! All mean a TV can display HDTV pictures, but an external HDTV tuner is required to decode over the air, satellite or cable signals.

What does HDTV Integrated or Integrated HDTV mean?
Each term means a HDTV tuner is built into the TV. It does not specify what type of HDTV tuner, but most are capable of receiving over the air HD signals, and some can receive DirecTV signals. It basically means an additional set-top HDTV tuner is not needed. This type of TV is usually more expensive, but it is easier to hook up.

How much does a HDTV tuner cost?
Prices currently range from $300 for an over the air only tuner, to $1000 for satellite/OTA combo receiver.

What is a HDTV set-top box?
A HDTV set-top box is another name for a HDTV tuner. A HDTV tuner can also be referred to as a HDTV receiver or HDTV converter. A HDTV tuner is required to receive and decode HDTV (digital) signals.

What is OTA?
It is an acronym for Over The Air, which refers to over the air antenna reception.

Does HDTV programming cost more?
Currently there are no additional charges to receive HDTV programming via cable or satellite. Standard subscription and premium channels prices include HDTV channels at this time. Over the air HDTV is free.


Can I get HDTV on my cable system?
You must check with your local cable provider. A new HDTV set-top cable box will most likely be required or supplied by your cable company. Costs vary.

How do I connect my HDTV tuner to my TV to get a HDTV picture?
Use ONE of these connection methods.

Can I use a yellow composite video RCA cable or S-video cable to get a HDTV picture?
NO! These video cables may still work, but they are not capable of transmitting optimal HDTV signals.

Is HDTV broadcast in 5.1 surround sound?
Some programs are, but not all. The HDTV standard can include a 5.1 audio signal. Additional speakers and a surround sound decoder/receiver are required.

Are HDTVs expensive?
Prices currently start around $1000 and go up. Prices are dropping every year.

Can the government make my HDTV stop working?
It is highly unlikely in my opinion, but remotely possible if new government laws are suddenly adopted.

Where can I find US government information on HDTV?
http://www.fcc.gov/mb/policy/dtv/

Where can I find more information and articles on HDTV?
http://www.ecoustics.com/Home/Home_Video/TV/TV_Articles/

Brian Mitchell
Founder & CEO
eCoustics.com

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