THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN DIGITAL, HD-READY AND HI-DEFINITION TV


DIGITAL TELEVISION

Your old TVs were analogs. That meant the picture was created by a succession of images rapid enough for the human eye to perceive them as a continuous still or motion picture.

DTV or Digital Television refers to the method of broadcasting using a digital code of numbers. You are already experiencing this technology on your computer. Many countries have decided to cease analog broadcasting in favor of digital broadcasting.

In the United States, Congress has passed legislation mandating the change to begin February 17th, 2009. This will free more airwaves, many of which will be used for public safety by emergency responders such as the police and fire department.

You can still receive a picture on your old television by adding a digital converter or buying a new digital television, but this alone does not mean that you will receive a high definition picture.


HDTV or HIGH DEFINITION TELEVISION

As we just mentioned, not all digital television is High Definition. High Definition refers to the number of pixels or picture elements the television receives. The higher the resolution, the clearer the picture.

Some sets are labeled High Definition Ready, or HD Monitors. This refers to a digital television that is ready to be upgraded to high definition. They require the addition of a digital TV decoder to see high def, but this is often the more affordable way to go.

For the real thing -- high definition right out of the box -- you will need a TV with built-in tuner and high-def antenna. The three main types are LCD, PLASMA, and DLP. Also, not all of your viewing programs will be offered in high definition like the display in the showroom. You will need to view a high definition source such as many programs offered by cable or satellite providers. Some local stations also offer a selection of programs in high definition, and more are being added all the time. Check your cable, satellite, or local programming for high definition broadcasts in your area.