Video Asylum

Posted by Boo on April 12, 2000 at 15:13:19:

In Reply to: Can Analog TV be converted to Digital? posted by Bernie on April 10, 2000 at 10:06:32:

DTV and HDTV are terms that are often tossed around but are largely misunderstood.

Digital Television(DTV) is simply broadcasting Television signals in digital rather than analog. So if you currently have DBS, essentially you have DTV. Much of the debate on DTV is how(which format VSB vs COFDM), and when the switch from analog to digital signals will happen for the broadcast stations ABC, CBS, FOX, NBC, PBS.

Now HDTV describes several picture formats beyond the current Standard Definition Television(SDTV). SDTV is 525 interlaced lines(525i) in 4x3 aspect ratio. HDTV formats range from 480p, 720p, 1080i etc in possibly a 16x9 ratio. The 'p' stands for progressive scan. And these new formats will be available in DTV.

Some Manufacturers, Media, Organizations describe a display device as being DTV compatible or capable. This is a cause for confusion since there is no format standard defined for DTV. So when you see a display device claiming DTV compatability, don't be suprised if it is just SDTV.

Yes, you can buy a DTV receiver now, but there are very few programs to see. And yes the output of a DTV receiver is still analog. And your current TV should be able to connect via S-Video to a DTV receiver. Obviously if you want to get HDTV then you'll need a display device that supports VGA or Component Video to view the new formats.

There is still a lot of issues with Broadcast DTV. I would suggest a wait and see approach. If you must upgrade to an HDTV set, I would suggest getting one without the DTV receiver since it's still not clear which transmission format they will be using.

Hope this clears this up. If not check the link.....more info than you'll ever want on this subject.