Understanding HDTV
HDTVs first appeared in 1998, since then, high-definition television
has been on the list for almost every TV buyer. For most the question
was, do I need it yet, and is it worth the extra cost? This article
will help to answer that question.
The key to understanding HDTV is to understand the difference between
the various television formats, in particular, analog, digital,
and HDTV.
Analog
An analog TV can only display standard-definition programs such
as those found on regular TV, cable, or satellite--including digital
cable and DirecTV or Dish Network. They cannot display progressive-scan
DVD or HDTV. Search
for Analog TV's
Digital TV
Digital TV is synonymous with terms such as SDTV, EDTV, or HDTV,
but each of these terms represent a slightly different television
format. Search
for Digital TV's
SDTV
Standard-definition television is an analog television equipped
with a built-in ATSC tuner to allow it to receive digital TV broadcasts.
Although the picture will display, the detail is not as good as
on an HDTV set. Search
for SDTV's
EDTV
Enhanced-Definition television, is a TV that can display HDTV signals
but does not have the same level of resolution as an HDTV, such
that the picture quality is lesser quality. Most plasma TVs fit
this category, with 852x480 pixels. Search
for EDTV's
HDTV
High-definition televisions are the most common type of digital
television. HDTVs can display standard TV, progressive-scan DVD,
and HDTV signals. Search
for HDTV's
EDTV Monitor or HDTV Monitor
EDTV monitor or HDTV monitor is a television without a built-in
tuner. They use external tuners, such as HD-compatible satellite
and cable boxes. Search
for EDTV HDTV Monitors
Safegarding Your TV Future
Over the air: as of March 1, 2007, FCC mandates that all imported
or distributed televisions should include a built-in tuner [HDTV,
Digital, or ATSC tuners]. This means they can receive high-definition
programs over the air by simply connecting an antenna. You don’t
need an additional set-top box [STB]. If your HDTV doesn't have
a tuner, you need an external tuner [cable or satellite box] to
watch high-definition programming. External OTA HDTV tuners cost
around $150.
FCC exception: if the product contains no TV
tuner, in other words, it is just a TV monitor, then the mandate
does not apply.
Digital Cable Ready [DCR]
DCR means the television can tune digital cable channels, including
HDTV, without needing an external cable box. This requires a CableCard
[access card] from your cable provider. Current DCR TVs cannot do
video-on-demand, and to order pay-per-view programs, you need to
use your phone. Search
for DCR TV's
NOTE: Using the card with some sets prevents access the
electronic program guide (EPG), although many new DCR HDTVs include
a substitute third-party EPG, such as the TV Guide system.
So to answer your question: If you buy an HDTV
today, you can feel confident it will not become obsolete anytime
soon. There is still a possibility that Hollywood studios will enforce
some sort of copy protection on analog HDTV connections, so your
best bet is to get an HDTV with a DVI/HDCP or HDMI connection.
These the most future-proof HDTV connectors currently available.
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