HDTV Info

HDTV info is a broad subject.

To really do this justice, we need to narrow HDTV information down into specific topics.

What viewers are usually looking for are reviews, definitions, explanations, etc. 

This website was built (and is constantly being expanded) to provide information to its readers.  Let’s find the information you might be seeking. 

First, let’s define HDTV – Wikepedia defines it as “a digital television broadcasting system with greater resolution than traditional television systems.” This includes the three traditional TV systems used in the world today. The "traditional" systems are also called analog TV. 

So much hype surrounds high definition television (HDTV) that the term DTV (digital television) is missed by most.  

Second, let’s establish the dates for DTV (digital television) in the United States.  

• March 1, 2007 , all new TV sets sold in the U.S. had to have DTV tuners or be DTV ready.
• Feb. 17, 2009 is the proposed shutoff date for over-the-air analog broadcasts.  This is when you will have to have a digital to analog converter box to continue to use your old analog TV set.

So, on February 17, 2009 will your old analog TV become obsolete?  No, the US government will give each household two $40 coupons to purchase two digital to analog converter boxes so the DTV signals can be converted to analog and your old sets will still work. 

How do I get these coupons? Two choices here.  (A new window will open for these links.  Close the window to come back here and continue with HDTV info). 

• Read a the very informative US government site about the transition.  It has a great question and answer (Q & A) format.

 http://www.dtv.gov/consumercorner.html  

• If you don’t want the education, just the coupons, go to

https://www.dtv2009.gov  

Just as an aside, here is a paragraph from the dtv.gov/consumercorner site.  Note the highlighted sentence.

Why are we switching to DTV?

An important benefit of the switch to all-digital broadcasting is that it will free up parts of the valuable broadcast spectrum for public safety communications (such as police, fire departments, and rescue squads). Also, some of the spectrum will be auctioned to companies that will be able to provide consumers with more advanced wireless services (such as wireless broadband).

The public safety, the improved television experience, etc. are all great, but the Feds made $19.592 billion (with a “B”) from the auction of the spectrum.   That is pretty good incentive to switch the US to digital and give out $40 coupons.  

A key point from this – the switch is to DTV, not HDTV.  Digital television (DTV) has two formats, SD (standard digital) and HD (high definition).  You can still watch TV on a standard digital set that costs about the same as an analog set.  You are not being forced to buy the more expensive high-def televisions.  

However, where do you think TV manufacturers are funneling their marketing money?  Yes, into creating the concept that the only TV in the future will be HDTV.  HDTV sets will bring them more money than the standard digital sets and they are easier to sell since they appeal to the consumer.  

From this point on, there are so many great sources of HDTV information on the Net that I will point you to them rather than try to duplicate them.  

HDTV Info Sites 

• Amazon’s High-Def 101 has all the terms and definitions for HDTV so you will understand “HDTV speak”.

• Customer reviews tell the real truth about HDTV’s.  Read the review for the model you are researching at HDTV Reviews

More HDTV information will be added as appropriate.

HDTV Info