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INFORMATION
ON DIGITAL
TELEVISION
Information on Digital Television
Digital Television
In April 1997,
the Federal
Communications
Commission
(FCC)
announced
that by
2006,
all television
broadcasting
will be digital.
However,
television
stations
are
required
to continue
broadcasting
regular TV signals along side the digital signals until
2006.
Cable and satellite
TV are not affected
by the FCC ruling.
According
to the FCC, digital
broadcasting
must be available
from each of the four
major
networks
in each of the top ten markets,
covering
30% of households
by May
1999.
By the end of 1999, it must be available
in the top 30 markets,
covering
50% of
households.
The FCC has allocated
to each
of the broadcasters
a fixed
amount
of transmitting
"space"
for digital
programming.
At the highest
resolution,
High Definition
(HDTV),
one
(1) or two
(2) programs
can
be tl'ansmitted
within
this "space."
At lower
resolutions,
Standard
Definition
(SDTV),
several
programs
can be simultaneously
transmitted.
Broadcasters
will choose
their own broadcast
formats.
For example,
they may choose
to broadcast
day programs
in SDT_/and
night sports and movies
in
HDTV.
Digital
Television
(DTV)
broadcasting
will
deliver
crystal-clear
pictures,
approaching
the quality of 35mm movies, and compact
disc (CD) sound.
HDTV (High Definition
Television)
HDTV signal formats are 1080i (interlaced
scan) and 720p (progressive scan).
HDTV
provides
the highest
resolution picture and audio in either stereo or 5.1 channel
surround sound.
SDTV (Standard
Definition
Television)
SDTV
signal
formats
are 480p
and
480i.
SDTV
provides
lower resolution,
yet
presents a very sharp clear picture.
Lower resolution allows broadcasters to transmit
multiple programs per channel.
Digital Broadcasting
and
Cable
TV
The
FCC
has
not
mandated
any
standards
for
cable
operators
or satellite
broadcasters
at the
time this manual
is printed.
Some
cable
companies
have
announced
plans to introduce
digital cable
boxes into their markets.
They
may
choose,
however,
to use the digital capability
to increase
the number of channels
available or to provide data capability,
such as high speed modem
rather than transmit
HDTV programming.
Contact
your local cable
provider
to determine
if digital
cable
is available
and
whether
a cable box is needed
for converting
the signals,
Receiving
Digital Broadcasts
Most households
will be able to receive
a digital
broadcast
by regular
antenna with
VHF/UHF
reception
capability.
However,
like regular
TV signals,
it will depend
on
location,
terrain and environmental
factors.
Outdoor
or attic antennas
will generally
be
more effective
than a set-top
antenna.
For cable, check with your local cable provider
to find out if they will carry the DTV signal in your area.
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