On February 17, 2009, Americans will enter the age of digital television — ready or not.
On that date, all full-power broadcast television stations will begin broadcasting only in digital, improving sound and picture quality as well as allowing for stations to offer multiple programming choices, called multicasting.
The government-mandated change will free up needed frequencies for public safety and new wireless communication offerings.
What’s the difference between analog and digital?
Since television was invented, stations have broadcast analog signals, or continuously varying radio waves. The familiar “snow” or ghosting of images is one problem with this way of sending broadcast signals. Another issue is the limited bandwidth for an ever increasing number of television channels.
After the transition, broadcasts will be sent only via digital signals, which use a series of zeroes and ones to transmit data just as a computer does. The result is clearer, more reliable picture and sound as well as the opportunity for more programming options and interactive features.
Because of how a digital signal transmits information, it has more room for additional data. So now television stations that once broadcast on one channel, such as channel 3, can now broadcast on several segments of that channel, for example: 3-1, 3-2, 3-3, 3-4. Each channel could offer specialized programming for a particular audience.
HDTV is the highest level of digital television quality, but it is not the only one. SDTV, or standard definition television format, is the quality at which basic digital broadcasts will be provided. SDTV offers an enhancement over traditional analog broadcasts, but it is not as sharp as HDTV.
What do I need to do to be ready?
If you have an analog input television and currently receive your television service through cable or satellite, you will continue to receive your current stations without needing to purchase additional equipment. However, to receive the full, original quality digital signal, you may need to upgrade your set or get special equipment from your service provider. Simply check with your cable or satellite company for more details.
Note that if your service goes out due to weather or other circumstances, you will no longer be able to receive traditional television channels without a digital tuner or digital-to-analog converter box.
If you have an analog input television and receive your signal via an outside antenna or “rabbit ears,” then you will need to purchase a digital-to-analog converter box to be able to continue watch television. Your set will continue to work as before with gaming consoles, DVD players, VCRs and other similar systems.
The new converter boxes are expected to be available in early 2008 and run between $50 and $70. From January 1, 2008 through March 31, 2009, all U.S. households are eligible for a government coupon program to offset $40 of the cost for up to two boxes per household. A list of eligible boxes is available from the National Telecommunications and Information Administration, which manages the program.
Aside from buying a converter box or signing up for a cable or satellite service, you could also choose to buy a new digital-input ready television. After May 2007, all new televisions must be ready for receiving digital signals or be clearly marked that additional equipment will be needed.
These next generation television sets are the best way to experience all that digital television has to offer.
By: Digital Landing
Posts Tagged ‘Broadcast Signals’
How to Get Satellite and Digital TV
December 23rd, 2009A final and non-extendable deadling has been set by the FCC for broadcasters to change their signals to digital format from the analog system of the past. From February 17 2009, broadcast networks will no longer be airing analogue TV signals.
Satellite TV and digital cable TV subscribers will not be affected by the policy as they already receive digital broadcasts from their respective providers. Those who are currently receiving broadcast signals with the help of an off-air antenna or analog cable provider will definitely be affected by the transition.
In order to receive digital channels, a non-subscriber of Satellite TV and digital cable TV broadcasts may do any of the following:
* Replace an analog TV with one that has a digital tuner or one that can receive digital signals. There’s no need to rush out and buy an expensive HDTV in panic just yet. You current TV may have come equipped with a digital tuner.
* Obtain digital channels from a Satellite TV provider or from a digital cable provider. Satellite TV subscribers already own receivers which does the job of converting digital signals into a format that is recognized by the analog TV set.
* Install a digital converter box. One may still use an analog TV set by purchasing a digital converter box. The digital converter set-top box will process the digital signal it receives and convert it into analog format for a non-digital TV.
A digital converter may cost anywhere from $50 to $100. To lessen the costs of switching, the U. S. government has offered coupons for rebates of $40 to those who buy digital converters.
Interested TV owners may now buy their digital converters at their favorite electronic outlets.
The change from analog to digital TV will be beneficial to both government and private sectors. The conversion to digital transmission will free up frequencies in the broadcast environment for more crucial uses.
End users will, on the other hand, enjoy the renowned digital audio and picture quality. Some viewers may immediately assume that all channels will be transmitted in the much coveted High Definition format.
It will all depend on the TV set that receives the signal and the provider that delivers the signal. Digital TV may be in Standard Definition or in High Definition.
Regardless of the kind of definition one may eventually receive, what is certain is that digital TV will produce superior picture and audio quality that no analog broadcast can provide.
HDTV Converter – A Beginner’s Guide
November 27th, 20092009 marks a big year for television, particularly since many networks will be making the switch to digital broadcasting. Unfortunately, this means you’ll have to buy one of two things to keep on watching your favorite shows – an HD television or an HDTV converter.
Indeed, an HDTV converter will allow you to keep on watching TV like you used to by receiving the digital broadcast signals and converting them into the simpler analog signals – a language that your TV can understand. Keep in mind, though, that HDTV converters only convert broadcast signals and do NOT convert your analog TV into an HDTV. If you have been led to believe this, you have just fallen prey to a popular scam. In fact, it is NOT possible to convert an analog TV into an HDTV.
HDTV converters are not the same as HDTV tuners, although some high-end HDTV tuners also have converter capabilities. HDTV tuners receive HD signals in MPEG-2 encoded packets and decode them so that they can be displayed properly, in their optimal video quality, on the HDTV screen. They are used with HDTVs, although some already have their own built-in tuners, while HDTV converters are used with analog TVs.
Now that you know what HDTV converters do, you can go ahead and start looking for one to buy. You will be faced with several choices, and to find the best one, the most important factor to consider are the features. One such feature is the Analog (RF) Passthrough. This way, you can receive digital signals and still get analog signals from the networks that continue to use them. After all, while many networks will be making the switch to digital broadcasting, some will not, and unless you want to keep on plugging and unplugging your HD converter, getting one with an Analog Passthrough feature is recommended to get both types of broadcast signals.
Another important feature is the S-Video or Super Video Output, which is better than the standard composite video output. This allows you to have sharper and better images on your screen, although keep in mind that these are still nowhere near the excellent pictures displayed on an HDTV.
You can enjoy better audio quality if you choose the right HD converter, too. While your converter will need to convert the digital sounds to analog sounds, these will sound better if the converter has a Stereo Output, which also allows you to connect the converter to a surround sound system. Again, this is nowhere near the amazing audio quality of HDTVs but still better than what you would normally get.
It is also a good idea to get an HDTV converter with a Smart Antenna interface and an Electronic Program Guide (EPG) which allows you to easily flip through your programming options without paying a monthly fee or consulting a TV guide on paper. Different HDTV converters have different EPGs so you have to decide which type you want. Some allow you to make your own personalized program list while others provide comprehensive information about each show. Some HDTV converters have a universal remote control included, too, which can be a plus.
Aside from the features of HDTV converters, look at the brand and the cost, as well. If you have a coupon, your choices will be limited to average, relatively inexpensive ones but you can always save up for a high-end HDTV converter of your own. Afterwards, you might want to start saving up for your own HDTV, so you can truly reap the benefits of the best video and audio quality available today.
By: Chris Malone
