Digital television (DTV) is an entirely new technology that will ultimately replace today’s analog television system. Digital signals are transmitted using computer code – ones and zeroes - which means they are less susceptible to interference and provide a higher quality picture and sound than analog.

High-definition TV (HDTV) is the best quality DTV. HDTV’s sound and picture quality are many times better than today’s analog TV. DTV also can be standard definition (SD) [good] or enhanced definition (ED) [better].

DTV (including HDTV) is available over-the-air using a standard antenna or via digital cable or satellite. No matter how you receive your TV signal (cable, satellite or over-the-air), you will need DTV equipment to watch the DTV programming.

DTV equipment may be purchased as an all-in-one >or component solution.

“Integrated” DTV sets with built-in tuners are an all-in-one solution for DTV – they include a digital tuner to receive over-the-air DTV broadcasts and a monitor to display the programming.

A “component” solution includes a DTV monitor (screen) without a DTV tuner (these monitors are sometimes labeled “HD Ready”). Monitors must be paired with a cable or satellite set-top box, or stand-alone DTV tuner.

“Digital cable ready” (or ”plug-and-play”) televisions are also available that can be used to receive digital cable TV without a separate set-top box. A CableCARD that can be plugged into the set is needed for certain cable programming.

Analog TVs will need additional equipment to receive over-the-air television when the DTV transition ends.

Today most people have analog televisions. All broadcast TV stations in the country have temporary use of a second, separate channel so that they can transition from analog broadcasting to digital. The current target for ending analog broadcasting is December 31, 2006, but this date is likely to be extended, possibly for another 2 years. When analog broadcasting ends, consumers with analog sets will need to obtain a separate converter box to watch over-the-air TV. Analog sets equipped with a converter box will display the digital broadcasts, but not in full digital quality.

4 X 3:

Traditional TV “aspect ratio,” that is, the screen’s width as compared to its height. For example, a “32 inch TV screen” would be 25 ½ inches wide and 19 inches tall.

16 X 9:

Widescreen TV “aspect ratio” that is more like a movie screen than a traditional TV. For example, a “32 inch TV screen” would be 28 inches wide and 16 inches tall.