HDTV… What are we talking about? /

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Oppo DV-980H Upscaling DVD Player
OPPO’s DV-980H fills out a line of upscaling DVD players that represent outstanding value and performance.

How to Contact the FCC: Do you still have questions about the DTV Transition? If so, please contact the FCC.

Federal Communications Commission:

Phone: 1-888-CALL-FCC (1-888-225-5322)
TTY: 1-888-TELL-FCC (1-888-835-5322)
Fax: 1-866-418-0232
E-mail: DTVinfo@fcc.gov

HDTV… What are we talking about?

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Posted: 8:37 AM Jul 3, 2006
Last Updated: 11:10 AM Sep 5, 2007
Reporter: Andrew Felix

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High Definition Television (HDTV) is a bigger and better way to present Television. It is often described as “looking through a window” because the picture and sound is so realistic, it’s as if your actually there. Presently TV sets use an analog signal; However, HD is presented with a digital signal. Converting to HDTV from your present analog TV brings; higher picture resolution, better aspect ratio, crystal clear picture, and surround sound.

To experience the full effects of High Definition you would have to purchase a newer HDTV set. Choosing the right HDTV can be a somewhat difficult task. There are several different types of HDTV’s; Plasma, DLP, Projection, CRT, LCD and so on. Besides deciding the size and type of your TV, you will also have to research what other add-ons (like receivers and surround sound) you will need and want.

Every two weeks I’ll post a new article pertaining to HDTV. I’ll discuss more details on what equipment is needed, what is offered as far as programming, and what the broadcasters (like WEAU) have been doing to prepare for HDTV.

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February 17, 2009 (in ) the era of analog broadcast television in the United States will end as the nation completes its transition to an all-digital system. While this change will mark the end of the traditional analog method of broadcasting over-the-air television, it won’t signal the end of free broadcast television, and your favorite broadcast programs and local television stations will still be available.

Consumers that subscribe to a "pay" television service such as cable and satellite aren’t likely to be affected by the switch, but if you currently receive analog television over the air or via an antenna, you’ll need to take action to continue watching your favorite stations.

TV sets that currently receive programming through cable or satellite are not likely to be affected by the transition to digital.

However, TV sets that rely on "over the air" broadcasting with an antenna (set-top or rooftop) to receive a signal will be affected by the cutoff of analog broadcasts in 2009. You will need to consider one of the following options:

Purchase a digital-to-analog converter box that plugs into an existing television. The boxes, which are expected to cost between $50 - 70 will be available for purchase in 2008. Beginning on January 1, 2008, U.S. households can request up to two coupons valued at $40 each. Each coupon can go toward the purchase of a single set-top converter box that will allow you to continue watching FREE "over-the-air" television on an analog set.
Subscribe to a cable, satellite or telecommunications service provider if all desired local broadcast stations are carried by that service.
Purchase a new television set with a built in digital tuner.

Any of these steps will ensure that "over-the-air" television consumers will continue to receive programming.