Welcome to the HDTV FAQ. Its purpose is to answer questions you may have about HDTV.
Like any FAQ, it focuses on the most common questions. Our intention is to make it the most comprehensive HDTV FAQ on the Web. To do that we need your help. If you have a question that’s not answered here, please contact us via our Feedback page and let us know. If it’s of broad interest, we’ll add it to the FAQ and let you know when it’s done.
1. What is HDTV?
HDTV stands for High Definition Television. It is an all-digital, widescreen, high resolution television broadcast system that produces crystal clear images and surround sound. You can read more on our What is HDTV? feature.
2. Is HDTV the same as digital TV?
Yes and no. HDTV is digital, but all digital TV is not HDTV. Most forms of digital TV are only digital between the point at which they leave the content provider and the point at which they arrive at your set-top box. Either side of that they are analogue. HDTV is digital the whole way. HDTV is also higher resolution that other forms of digital TV.
3. What is the difference between EDTV and HDTV?
EDTV, which stands for Enhanced Definition Digital TV, has a lower resolution and picture quality than HDTV. You can read more about EDTV vs HDTV in this article.
4. What do I need to view HDTV?
You’ll need either a TV with a built-in HDTV tuner, or an HDTV-ready TV (ie one with the ability to display high definition pictures and which has either a DVI or HDMI connector) and separate tuner. If you want to receive HDTV signals via cable or satellite, you’ll need to sign up for an account with a provider in your area, such as Voom or Dish Network.
5. I live in Europe, can I get HDTV?
HDTV in Europe is a long way behind the USA, Japan and Australia. Currently there is only one company, Euro 1080, broadcasting HDTV in Europe and it only broadcasts one channel to homes. The channel, HD1, is a showcase for HDTV and features mainly sports, opera, rock music, and lifestyle programs. Both Sky and the BBC have said they will support HDTV in the future, with Sky promising high definition services in 2006.
6. What do interlaced and progressive mean?
Interlaced and progressive refer to the way TV signals are displayed on screen. An interlaced system broadcasts each frame as two separate fields, each show alternate horizontal lines. Your brain puts these fields together to make a complete picture. Progressive systems display each frame as a complete image. This makes for higher quality images and is particularly noticeable when viewing scenes in slow motion or pausing the action.
7. What is 16:9?
16:9 is the aspect ratio of HDTV signals. The numbers refer to the proportional difference between the length and height of the picture. ie 16 parts long to 9 parts high.
8. What is ATSC?
ATSC stands for American Television Standards Committee. It’s the body which defines the specification for television signals in the USA and was responsible for agreeing to two specifications, 720p and 1080i, for HDTV.
9. What is HDMI?
HDMI stands for High Definition Multimedia Interface. It is one of two methods for connecting HDTV equipment and carries both digital audio and high definition video signals.
10. Is there an HD version of DVD?
There are currently two competing versions of high definition DVD, Blu-ray and HD-DVD. You can read more about HD-DVD vs Blu-ray here.
