My Victoria Online - HDTV

HDTV - FAQ

You’ve probably seen advertisements touting the superior picture resolution and sound quality found in a high definition television signal, but you might not realize that HDTV is already being broadcast here in Victoria. What’s more, with the Federal Communications Commission mandating that analog TV transmissions cease on February 17th, 2009, now is the time to get ready for the impending digital TV revolution.
Don’t be frightened.
We’re here to answer all your questions about getting the television of tomorrow set up in your home today. We’ve compiled some of the most frequently asked questions as well as a list of internet reference pages. If you can’t find the answers to your questions in the following pages, feel free to call or email the engineers at the Victoria Television Group. Questions about specific television sets might be best directed to our corporate partner, Lacks Home Furnishings.

What is DTV?
What is analog TV?
Why is Digital TV better than regular, analog TV?
Is there really a difference between analog TV and HDTV?
What’s the difference between DTV and HDTV?
Is HDTV the same thing as DTV?
Why are we switching to DTV?
Are you turning off TV in 2009?
How can I get HDTV in my home?
Can my old TV receive digital TV signals?
Do I need to buy a new TV?
What’s the best type of HDTV Set? How much do they cost?
What’s the difference between Integrated DTVs and Digital Monitors?
Will Integrated DTVs and Digital Monitors Display HDTV?
Can I get your HDTV signal with my rooftop antenna?
How do I know what style of antenna is best for HDTV?
Can I get your HDTV signal on cable?
I already subscribe to digital Cable. Does that mean that I have HDTV?
Can I get your HDTV signal on satellite?
Can I get your HDTV programs online?
How much does it cost to receive your HDTV signal?
What programs are currently available in HDTV?
What are the new channel numbers?
What is a sub-channel? What’s on the sub-channel?
Will the new DTV signal still have closed captioning and SAP?
Can I still play back from my VCR, DVD Player or Camcorder?
When will the DTV transition be complete?
What is the Digital-to-Analog Converter Box Assistance Program?
Our favorite HDTV Websites.
Glossary

What is DTV? top
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 analog TV? top
Analog television service is the traditional TV system. Analog television has been the standard broadcast technology since the inception of television using magnetic waves to transmit and display pictures and sound. The best obtainable picture using analog television is of SDTV quality. Analog broadcasting will continue until the end of the transition period, which currently is set for February 17, 2009. Most television stations will continue broadcasting both analog and digital programming until then.

Why is Digital TV better than regular, analog TV? top
DTV allows a number of new and better services. With HDTV, broadcasters can offer far higher resolution and picture quality than exists with Analog technology. Or, they can offer several different TV programs at the same time, with pictures and sound quality equal to or better than is generally available today. In addition, broadcasters can simultaneously transmit a variety of other information through a data bitstream to both enhance the TV programming and to provide entirely new services.

Is there really a difference between analog TV and HDTV? top
Yes. Viewers cannot ignore the dramatic improvements offered by the DTV conversion. Visually, HDTV captures viewers with crystal clear resolution and razor sharp detail. Individual hairs, labels on footballs and the subtle effect of wind blowing through grass are all clearly visible through HDTV. Also, the detailed resolution and color provides an image akin to movie-theater screens. Combined with the capacity to deliver enhanced Dolby Digital surround sound, HDTV produces an advanced home theater effect. DTV provides viewers with sharper images, better sound, and more viewing options than have ever been available over the air. Currently, television pictures are made up of lines that are scanned horizontally. HDTV pictures are created by scanning up to twice as many lines. This resolution and other technical factors improve the sharpness of the pictures, allowing you to read on your television screen small text commonly seen on your computer. HDTV sets have wider, movie-theater like screens that more closely resemble human peripheral vision, making it more natural to watch.

What’s the difference between DTV and HDTV? top
HDTV is a name given to two of the digital television (DTV) formats. HDTV provides high resolution programming. A current analog TV picture is made up of horizontal lines on the picture screen; an HDTV picture can have more than twice as many lines, allowing for stunning picture detail. HDTV uses a “widescreen format.” “Widescreen format” refers to an image's aspect ratio, which is a comparison of screen width to screen height. Analog television has an aspect ratio of 4 by 3, which means the screen is 4 units wide by 3 units high. The aspect ratio of HDTV is 16 by 9, similar to a movie theater screen. HDTV programs can include Dolby Digital surround sound, the same digital sound system used in many movie theaters and DVDs. HDTV uses the same amount of bandwidth (the size of the communications channel) as the current analog system, but with HDTV, about six times more information is transmitted. This capability translates to much better quality in picture and sound.

Is HDTV the same thing as DTV? top
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. HDTV is a type of DTV service. HDTV provides high resolution programming in a widescreen format. A current analog TV picture can provide resolution of up to 480 horizontal lines. An HDTV picture can provide resolution of up to 1080 lines, providing improved picture detail. Aspect ratio is a comparison of screen width to screen height. Analog TV has an aspect ratio of 4 by 3, which means the screen is 4 inches wide for every 3 inches high. Widescreen HDTV format has an aspect ratio of 16 by 9. HDTV programs include Dolby digital surround sound, similar to the sound used in movie theaters and on DVDs.

Why are we switching to DTV? top
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).

Are you turning off TV in 2009? top
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.

How can I get HDTV in my home? top
Receiving the DTV and HDTV signals over-the-air requires an antenna and a new DTV receiver that can decode the digital signals. Receiving DTV signals over the air requires an antenna and a receiver that can decode the digital signals. In general, an antenna that provides quality reception of over-the-air analog TV signals (VHF and UHF) 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 list of 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.

Can my old TV receive digital TV signals? top
When full-power broadcast stations stop analog service, you still will be able to use your analog TV with a set-top converter box. Converter boxes for analog TVs receiving over-the-air broadcasts will be available in retail stores at that time. These boxes receive digital signals and convert them into analog format for display on your analog TV. Beginning in 2008, your household may be able to obtain up to two coupons worth $40 each toward the purchase of converter boxes. The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) has responsibility for administering the coupon program, and will issue rules regarding the coupons in the future. Additional information can be found at www.ntia.doc.gov. If you are a cable or satellite subscriber, contact your provider about whether you will need a converter box for your analog TV.

Do I need to buy a new TV? top
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.

What’s the best type of HDTV Set? How much do they cost? top
Most DTV sets have wider screens than current analog TVs. The wider screens allow for wider images that are similar to those you see in a movie theater. DTV sets come in a range of sizes. As with most new consumer electronics technologies, DTV sets have become less expensive since their introduction a few years ago. Prices are expected to continue to fall over time and will vary depending on screen size, display technology, and other features.

What’s the difference between Integrated DTVs and Digital Monitors? top
An Integrated DTV set is a digital television with a built-in digital receiver and decoder. If you have an Integrated DTV and live in an area served by a DTV broadcast station, you only need an antenna (preferably an outdoor antenna) to receive over-the-air DTV broadcast programming. Integrated TVs also can receive and display current analog signals. In contrast, a digital monitor is not capable of receiving and tuning DTV programming without additional equipment. A DTV set-top box must be connected between the antenna and the monitor to receive and display broadcast over-the-air DTV programming. Also, if you are a cable or satellite subscriber, you may need a new set-top box to receive digital broadcast content. Confirm with your retailer that the DTV receiver or set-top box is compatible and has the proper connectors to interface with the DTV monitor that you are purchasing. Many monitors have a built-in analog receiver and can display analog TV programming. They also can display video from DVD players and VCRs through their connectors.

Will Integrated DTVs and Digital Monitors Display HDTV? top
Integrated DTV sets and digital monitors do not necessarily display programming in full HDTV format. Some integrated sets and monitors will display DTV in lower-resolution “enhanced definition” or "standard definition” format. So although sets may be marketed with labels or descriptions that imply HDTV resolution, check with your retailer before purchasing if you want HDTV quality.

Can I get your HDTV signal with my rooftop antenna? top
In general, dependable reception of DTV will require the same type of signal reception equipment that currently works to provide good quality reception of analog TV signals. If you now need a roof-top antenna to receive television, the same antenna generally will be needed to receive DTV.

How do I know what style of antenna is best for HDTV? top
Just about any “normal” television antenna will pick up a digital (HDTV) signal. There is nothing magical about HDTV that requires a special antenna. The further you are from my transmitter, the larger the antenna needs to be. If you are far enough away from my transmitter, you may need to put the antenna on a pole. You may also need an antenna amplifier. If you absolutely refuse to install an antenna, you do not need a digital tuner. You will have to wait until cable or satellite decides to provide our signal on their system. A DirecTV HDTV satellite receiver is available at Best Buy, Circuit City, and several other retailers for $299 or less. These satellite receivers are designed to pick up broadcast HDTV signals as well as satellite HDTV. There is a federal law (OTARD: Over-The-Air Reception Devices [47 C.F.R. Section 1.4000]) which prevents homeowner associations and apartment complexes from prohibiting the installation of reasonable TV antennas. A copy of the rule is available at http://www.fcc.gov/mb/facts/otard.html. This law also applies to small satellite dishes (DirecTV, DishNetwork).

Can I get your HDTV signal on cable? top
KAVU, KMOL and KVCT are available in HDTV on Suddenlink Cable in the digital tier.

I already subscribe to digital Cable. Does that mean that I have HDTV? top
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.

Can I get your HDTV signal on satellite? top
We do not currently pass our HDTV signal via satellite.

Can I get your HDTV programs online? top
Most online television viewing is done on a computer monitor, so HDTV online programming is not really an issue due to monitor size and quality. HDTV programming is available online, and with the advent of Apple TV, it is widely expected that online providers such as iTunes and Amazon will soon provide HDTV which can be streamed to you DTV set.

How much does it cost to receive your HDTV signal? top
As in the case of traditional TV, the broadcast version of our HDTV signal is free to anybody in our area with an antenna and an digital TV set. Cable and satellite subscribers may need to pay additional fees to access HDTV content.

What programs are currently available in HDTV? top
The national TV networks broadcast their primetime, news and sports programming in HDTV. Most syndicated shows like “Oprah” or “Dr. Phil” are still broadcast in standard definition, which we up-convert for our HDTV viewers. We will broadcast these shows in HDTV as they become available. The Victoria Television Group does not currently originate any HDTV news or community programming.

What are the new channel numbers? top
KAVU-TV (ABC, Channel 25) is currently digital 15 KVCT-TV (Fox, Channel 19) is currently digital 11 KMOL-TV (NBC, Channel 17) is currently available in HD only on Suddenlink Cable

What is a sub-channel? What’s on the sub-channel? top
Digital technology allows local television stations to deliver more programming to it's viewers on a single channel. KAVU DT currently offers three additional standard definition channels on its digital signal. KAVU High Definition is 25.1, KMOL NBC Victoria is SD channel 25.2, KXTS TV My41 is SD channel 25.3 and Telemundo 45 is SD channel 25.4 KVCT High Definition is 19.1 and the local DeTar Doppler 2500 and the National Weather Service radio is available on SD 19.2

Will the new DTV signal still have closed captioning and SAP? top
Digital-to-analog set-top boxes will be able to convert over-the-air digital closed captioning for display on analog TV sets.

Can I still play back from my VCR, DVD Player or Camcorder? top
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.

When will the DTV transition be complete? top
The final transition is February 2009. At that point, broadcasting the current “analog” channels will end and that spectrum will be put to other uses. Until the transition to DTV is complete, television stations will continue broadcasting on both their digital and analog channels.

What is the Digital-to-Analog Converter Box Assistance Program? top
Digital-to-analog converter boxes will make DTV signals viewable on analog TV sets. These converter boxes will be available in retail stores during the transition. The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) of the U.S. Department of Commerce has been directed by Congress to set up a program that will allow households to obtain coupons that can be applied toward the purchase of digital-to-analog converter boxes.

Our favorite HDTV Websites. top
FCC DTV Website www.dtv.gov.

Digital TV- What Every Consumer Should Know. – http://www.dtv.gov/DTV_booklet.pdf

Digital TV Shoppers Guide – http://www.fcc.gov/cgb/consumerfacts/DTVShoppersGuide.pdf http://www.fcc.gov/cgb/consumerfacts/spanish/DTVShoppersGuide_sp.pdf

How to find the Best HDTV Sets – http://www.lacks.com/ www.ConsumerReports.org http://www.gizmodo.com/

Digital TV Tip Sheet
http://www.dtv.gov/dtvtipsheet.pdf http://www.dtv.gov/dtvtipsheet_Spanish.pdf

Digital TV answers http://www.dtvanswers.com/

HDTV Primer http://www.hdtvprimer.com/

How HDTV works http://www.howstuffworks.com/hdtv.htm

HDTV Magazine http://www.hdtvmagazine.com/

Home Theater Magazine http://www.hometheatermag.com/

HDTV Galaxy http://www.hdtvgalaxy.com/index.php

Antenna Information www.antennaweb.org, http://www.hdtvantennalabs.com/index.php http://www.antennasdirect.com/ http://www.radioshack.com

To find HDTV Programming – http://www.tvguide.com?? http://www.titantv.com/

Network Programming/HDTV Sites – ABC - http://abc.go.com/site/hdtvfaq.html ABC News - http://abcnews.go.com/abcnewsnow/ Fox - http://www.fox.com/home.htm NBC - http://www.nbc.com/ Suddenlink Cable – www.suddenlink.com Dish Network - www.dishnetwork.com Direct Tv – www.directtv.com

Glossary top
Analog TV:
Analog technology has been in use for the past 50 years to transmit conventional TV signals to consumers. Most current television transmissions are received through analog television sets. Analog signals vary continuously, creating fluctuations in color and brightness.

Aspect Ratio:
A numerical expression of the relationship of width to height of a TV screen. 4:3: This numerical sequence refers to the aspect ratio of the National Television Systems Committee (NTSC) TV screen, with "4" unit width corresponding to "3" unit height, proportionally, regardless of the actual size of the screen. 16:9: This numerical sequence refers to the aspect ratio of wide screen DTV formats for all HDTV and some SDTV (Standard Definition) video. A "16" unit width corresponds to "9" unit height proportionally, regardless of the actual size of the screen. The widescreen 16:9 numerical sequence provides a viewing experience very similar to that of 35 mm movies.

ATSC:
An acronym for Advanced Television Systems Committee, and the name of the DTV system used by broadcasters in the U.S.

Barn Doors:
A term used in television production to describe the effect that occurs when a 4:3 image is viewed on a 16:9 screen. When this happens, viewers see black bars on the sides of the screen or "barn doors."

The ABCs of LCDs
New York Times: Which is better? LCD or Plasma?
Chicago Tribune: AV Guy

Codec:
This term is short for "Coder-decoder." A codec is a device that converts analog video and audio signals into a digital format for transmission. It also converts received digital signals back into an analog format.

Compression:
Compression refers to the reduction of the size of digital data files by removing redundant and/or non-critical information ("data" being the elements of video, audio and other "information"). Digital TV in the U.S. would not be possible without compression.

Computer Input:
Some HDTV sets have an input like SVGA or VGA that allows the TV sets to be connected to computers.

Datacasting:
Also known as "enhanced TV." Datacasting is the act of providing enhanced options offered with some digital programming to provide additional program material or non-program related resources. This allows viewers the ability to download data (video, audio, text, graphics, maps, services, etc.) to specially equipped computers, cache boxes, set-top boxes, or DTV receivers.

Decoder:
See "codec." A device or program that translates encoded data into its original format (i.e., it decodes the data.)

Digital:
Digital refers to the circuitry in which data-carrying signals are restricted to one of two voltage levels, corresponding to logic 1 or 0.

Digital Cable:
A service provided by many cable providers, digital cable offers viewers more channels. Contrary to many consumers' beliefs, digital cable is not the same as High- Definition Television or digital television; rather digital cable simply offers cable subscribers the options of paying for more services. Digital Monitor: DTV monitors are televisions that can display a digital signal but lack an integrated tuner (unlike an integrated digital set), and thus cannot receive a digital broadcast signal without an additional set-top box.

Digital Monitor:
DTV monitors are televisions that can display a digital signal but lack an integrated tuner (unlike an integrated digital set), and thus cannot receive a digital broadcast signal without an additional set-top box.

Digital Television (DTV):
Digital TV is the umbrella term encompassing High-definition Television and several other applications, including Standard Definition Televison, datacasting, multicasting and interactivity.

Digital Tuner:
A digital tuner serves as the decoder required to receive and display digital broadcasts. It can be included inside TV sets or via a set-top box.

Dolby Digital:
This is a digital surround sound technology used in movie theaters and upscale home theater systems that enhances audio. Home theater components with this technology work in conjunction with a "5.1-speaker" system (five speakers plus a low-frequency subwoofer) to produce true-to-life audio that draws the listener into the onscreen action

Interlaced Scanning:
This process divides and presents each video frame as two fields. Imagine a video frame being divided by the odd and even horizontal lines that make up the picture. The first field presents the odd lines; the second field represents the even lines. The fields are aligned and timed so that, with a still image, the human eye blends the two fields together and sees them as one. Motion in the image makes the fields noticeable. Interlace scanning allows only half the lines to be transmitted and presented at any given moment.

Letterbox:
Letterbox refers to the image of a wide-screen picture on a standard 4:3 aspect ratio television screen, typically with black bars above and below. It is used to maintain the original aspect ratio of the original source (usually a theatrical motion picture of 16:9 aspect ratio or wider).

Multicasting:
The option to multicast was made possible by digital technology to allow each digital broadcast station to split its bit stream into 2, 3, 4 or more individual channels of programming and/or data services. (For example, on channel 7, you could watch 7-1, 7-2, 7-3 or 7-4.)

Must-carry:
This refers to the legal obligation of cable companies to carry analog or digital signals of over-the-air local broadcasters.

NTSC:
NTSC is the acronym that stands for National Television Systems Committee" and the name of the current analog transmission standard used in the U.S., which the committee created in 1953.

Pixel:
Pixel is actually two words jammed together: Picture and Element. A pixel is a tiny sample of video information, the "little squares" that make up an overall picture.

Standard Definition TV Format (SDTV):
There are two main digital formats - HDTV and SDTV. SDTV typically does produce better quality images than that of traditional analog TV and pictures somewhat akin to digital cable. However, its images are not nearly as sharp as the images from the ultimate form of digital television: High-definition TV (HDTV)

Set-top Converter Box:
This unit sits on top of the viewer's analog TV, receives the Digital TV signal, converts it to an analog signal, and then sends that signal on to the analog TV.

Super Video Graphics Array (SVGA):
This acronym is short for the "Super Video Graphics Array" display mode. SVGA resolution is 800 x 600 pixels.

Terrestrial Broadcasting:
This is a broadcast signal transmitted "over-the-air" to an antenna. Upconverting: Process by which a standard definition picture is changed to a simulated high-definition picture.

Upconverting:
Process by which a standard definition picture is changed to a simulated high-definition picture.

Video Graphics Array (VGA):
This acronym is short for the "Video Graphics Array" display mode. VGA resolution is 640 x 480 pixels.

Wide screen:
A term given to picture displays with a wider aspect ratio than NTSC 4:3. Digital HDTV or SDTV is referred to as "16:9 wide screen." Most motion pictures also have a 16:9 wide screen aspect ratio. Most Digital TVs have a screen that is wider than it is tall (if a Digital TV screen is nine inches high, it's 16 inches wide.) When watching a show recorded in the wide screen format on a Digital TV, viewers see more of the movie, while when viewing wide screen format on an analog TV, cropped edges are evident.