DTV is Coming

 

What is digital television (DTV)?

Digital television (DTV) is a new type of broadcasting technology that will transform television as we now know it.  By transmitting the information used to make a TV picture and sound as "data bits" (like a computer), a digital broadcaster can carry more information than is currently possible with analog broadcast technology. 

For example, the technology allows the transmission of pictures with higher resolution for dramatically better picture and sound quality than currently available – called High Definition Television (HDTV) -   or the transmission of several "standard definition" TV programs at once – called “multicasting.”  "Standard definition" digital TV pictures would be similar in clarity and detail to the best TV pictures being received and displayed today using the current analog broadcast system and TV receivers. 

DTV technology can also be used to provide interactive video and data services that are not possible with “analog” technology.   

 

What is the digital TV transition?

The switch from analog TV (the traditional TV system using magnetic waves to transmit and display TV pictures and sound) to digital television (the new TV system using information transmitted as "data bits" -- like a computer -- to display movie-quality pictures and sound), is referred to at the digital TV (DTV) transition.

In 1996, the U.S. Congress authorized the distribution of an additional broadcast channel to each TV broadcaster so that they could introduce DTV service while simultaneously continuing their analog TV broadcasts. In addition to improved picture and sound quality, an important benefit of DTV is that it will free up parts of the broadcast spectrum for public safety as well as other valuable uses. This is possible because the modern technology of DTV is more efficient than analog TV technology.

DTV allows the same number of stations to broadcast using fewer total channels (less of the broadcast spectrum) which will free up scarce and valuable spectrum for public safety and new wireless services

Why are we switching to DTV?

 

DTV is a more flexible and efficient technology than the current analog system.  For example, rather than being limited to providing one “analog” programming channel, a broadcaster will be able to provide a super sharp “high definition” (HDTV) program or multiple “standard definition” DTV programs simultaneously.  Providing several program streams on one broadcast channel is called “multicasting.”  The number of programs a station can send on one digital channel depends on the level of picture detail, also known as “resolution,” desired in each programming stream.  DTV can provide interactive video and data services that are not possible with “analog” technology.

Converting to DTV will also free up parts of the scarce and valuable broadcast airwaves.  Those portions of the airwaves can then be used for other important services, such as advanced wireless and public safety services (for example, police, fire departments, and rescue squads).

Will I need a new TV?

Your current television will work as it does now until analog broadcasting stops. Even after the transition is over, your current TV will not become obsolete.  A converter box can be used to receive broadcast DTV signals and change them into the format of your current television.  In addition, if you use your analog set with a multichannel pay service like cable or satellite, it will continue to work as it always has.  Even with a converter box, however, your current analog television will not be capable of displaying the full picture quality of DTV.  To enjoy the full picture quality, you must have a DTV set. Subscribers to cable and DBS services should contact their providers regarding converter boxes for those services.

How do I get DTV or HDTV?

Receiving the DTV and HDTV signals over-the-air requires an antenna and a new DTV receiver that can decode the digital signals.  In general, an antenna that provides quality reception of over-the-air analog TV signals will work for DTV reception.

If you are a cable or satellite customer, you may need a set-top 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 box also may 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 box. A listing of the operational DTV stations is available at http://www.fcc.gov/mb/video/files/dtvonair.html.  Satellite TV providers and most cable systems are currently offering DTV programming.  Subscribers should check with their service providers to see what programming is available in their area.

What is the February 17th, 2009 DTV deadline date?

Congress passed a law on February 1, 2006, setting a final deadline for the DTV transition of February 17, 2009. Most television stations will continue broadcasting both analog and digital programming until February 17, 2009, when all analog broadcasting will stop. Analog TVs receiving over-the-air programming will still work after that date, but owners of these TVs will need to buy converter boxes to change digital broadcasts into analog format. Converter boxes will be available from consumer electronic products retailers at that time. Cable and satellite subscribers with analog TVs should contact their service providers about obtaining converter boxes for the DTV transition.

Is HDTV the same thing as DTV?

No. HDTV is the highest quality of DTV, but it is only one of many formats.  In addition to HDTV, the most common formats are Standard Definition Television (SDTV) and Enhanced Definition Television (EDTV).

SDTV is the baseline display and resolution for both analog and digital.  Transmission of SDTV may be in either the traditional (4:3) or wide-screen (16:9) format. 

EDTV is a step up from Analog Television.   EDTV   comes in widescreen (16:9) or traditional (4:3) format and provides better picture quality than SDTV, but not as high as HDTV.

Once broadcasters transition from analog to digital, will analog televisions will be obsolete?

No. Set-top boxes which convert digital signals to analog signals are available now and will continue to be available at lower prices to consumers as the transition progresses. However, to enjoy the full benefits of Digital TV, including superior sound and clarity, you must own a Digital TV set. An analog television, with the addition of a set-top box, will still allow viewers to enjoy all of the programming they have always enjoyed.

Will I be able to use my VCR, DVD player and camcorder with an HDTV set?

HDTV sets are “backward compatible,” meaning existing analog equipment (VCRs, DVD players, camcorders, video games, etc.) will work on digital TV sets, but not in high definition.  Their video will be displayed in the maximum resolution that is available with each product.

Do I already have DTV via digital cable or satellite?

You may have DTV if you subscribe to the digital package and get digital programming, often described as HDTV. But the digital cable tier and satellite service are not necessarily DTV. Your cable or satellite system may be using digital technology as a more efficient way of delivering analog programming to you. If you have an analog television set, then you are probably not getting DTV, even though the reception may be somewhat improved. Check with your cable or satellite provider to find out for sure.

Source:  http://www.dtv.gov