Definition
Digital Television (DTV) is a more technologically advanced form of broadcasting that allows the viewers better options. DTV makes it possible for broadcasters to offer television with higher picture and sound quality through multiple channels.
DTV will replace analog television systems, providing better picture quality and eliminating the "ghost" and "snow" pictures that are sometimes experienced with the analog systems.
Picture Quality
There are three levels of picture quality used by digital television. There is the standard-definition TV or SDTV, which is the standard or basic digital television format which is similar in quality to that of traditional analog TV. The SDTV can be transmitted in traditional format (4:3) or wide-screen format (16:9).
The second one is called, enhanced-definition Television (EDTV) which is also known as datacasting. It provides digital on-air programming, including added resources that are downloadable. EDTV allows viewers to simultaneously watch an enhanced TV production and be able to receive additional video, audio, text and images related to the program, which are stored in the set-up box and can be accessed by the viewers at anytime, even while watching the broadcast.
The third one is high-definition TV (HDTV), which provides the highest quality of sound and picture and is also known as high-def. This format is viewable in wide-screen with the 16:9 aspect ratio of picture as opposed to 4:3. HDTV also provides surround-sound capability.
How DTV Works
Digital television (DTV) transmits the information used to make a TV picture and sound in "data bits" form, similar to that of a computer. The broadcast signals are transmitted by encoding them into 0's and 1's, which is the digital code used in computers. This process allows for better quality of sounds and pictures, enhancing the viewing experience.
Interactive video and data services are also made possible by DTV technology. An example of this is enhanced closed-captioning, something that is not possible with traditional analog technology. DTV also makes it possible to broadcast multiple channels simultaneously though its multicasting capability, instead of broadcasting one channel at a time. DTV can provide multiple channels by compressing the signals using the same bandwidth that is required for one channel on a standard television.
DTV also enables the broadcasting companies to provide high-definition television (HDTV) for those with HDTV sets; this is an over-the-air transmission that is provided for free. This does not mean that all DTVs are high-definition but that that capability or option is available with DTV but not with analog TVs.
Get a DTV Service
If you are still using an analog TV, you will need to get a new DTV equipment to view digital programming through your cable service provider. Ask your cable provider to find out what you will need to do to be able to view DTV.
Buy a digital cable receiver (DCR) or plug-and-play television that you can plug in directly to the cable jack without the need for a set-top box. A cable card maybe required in order to get scrambled programming and premium one-way services, which can be obtained through your cable service provider.
Some cable subscribers may opt to buy or lease a separate set-top box. Your cable service providers should be able to lease out one for you, or you can purchase from a retail store carrying that product.
If you are a satellite subscriber, you may need a new DTV equipment to receive high-definition transmissions and be able to view digital programs. Ask your satellite service provider for more information on how you can avail of this system.
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