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COUNTDOWN TO DIGITAL TV
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until February 17, 2009, the official transition from analog to digital television.
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Cable or satellite subscriptions are not required for consumers to enjoy the benefits of digital television. With the proper antenna, you can receive free, over-the-air digital broadcasts with higher picture and sound quality and access to multiple channels of free programming. Broadcast viewers can also access interactive video and data services that are not possible with traditional analog technology, including enhanced closed-captioning.
To do so you need a digital television “receiver,” that is, a television set with a digital tuner, and depending where you live, an indoor or outdoor antenna. All televisions manufactured after March 1, 2007 have a digital tuner.
6/22/08 UPDATE Consumer Reports Names 4 Best DTV Converters:.
Washington, D.C. (June 23, 2008) -- In its latest issue, Consumer Reports Magazine has given top scores to four Digital TV converters now on the market.
The four top-rated converters, which the magazine says delivers the 'Best Picture Quality,' are the Tivax STB-T9 ($50); the Lasonic LTA-260 ($55); the Sansonic FT300A ($60); and the Microgem MG2000 ($65).
Consumer Reports says the four converters are "capable of picture quality that comes close to a good quality DVD."
On February 17, 2009, all full-powered local stations must switch their analog signals to digital which means viewers will need a Digital TV, a digital converter box or a pay TV subscription to watch television.
The feds are offering two $40 coupons for consumers to buy the converter boxes, which generally cost around $50-$60. The boxes will enable an analog TV to display the new digital signals. However, consumers must use the coupons within 90 days after receiving them.
Consumer Reports says the four top-rated converters can be purchased at solidsignal.com and freeDTVshop.com.
The magazine gives 'Better' ratings to six other DTV converters, saying they offer a picture better than most current analog broadcasts.
The six 'Better' converters are: the Philco TB100HH9 ($50); the Magnavox TB100MW9 ($50); the Artec T3A Pro ($55); the Insignia NS-DXA1 ($60); the Zenith DTT900 ($60); and the RCA DTA800B ($65).
Four converters were rated 'Acceptable.' meaning they offer a picture comparable to an analog broadcast but with some flaws. Those four converters are: the Digital Stream DTX9900 ($60); the Digital Stream DSP7500T ($70); the GE 22730 ($70); and the GE 22729 ($80).
There are approximately two dozen Digital TV converter boxes now on the market..
Consumers who need a converter box (those who do not have cable or satellite connected to their television) should act right away and apply for converter box coupons by visiting: www.DTV2009.gov, or may call the Toll-Free Consumer Support Hotline at 1-888-DTV-2009 (1-888-388-2009), 1-877-530-2634 (TTY), or write to: TV Converter Box Coupon Program, PO Box 2000, Portland, OR 97208-2000 to request the coupons, which expire 90 days from the date they are issued. Major consumer electronics retailers have agreed to start redeeming the coupons February 15. 2008. For more information you can link to: National Telecommunications and Information Administration.
Digital Television (DTV) is a new type of broadcasting that will transform your television viewing experience. Images and sound are captured using digital technology, delivering a “movie-quality” experience when broadcast in high definition, multi-casting and interactive capabilities. That means better quality, more choices and more control over your television.
WSAZ offers two full time digital channels of programming. On channel 3.1 you will receive the WSAZ local and NBC High Definition programming. On channel 3.2 you will receive MY Z and the MyNetworkTV programming.
What this means is with a Digital/HD TV receiver you will continue to receive all the programming you have enjoyed on WSAZ NewsChannel 3 plus NBC high definition prime time, sports and news programming on channel 3.1, plus on channel 3.2 you will receive a full line up of programming including the My Z Ten O’clock News anchored by Jessica Ralston and “Your Day on MyZ” our 7:00AM – 8:00AM news anchored by Melanie Shafer and Chris Olsen. Click here for the My Z website www.myztv.tv and complete programming listings.
There are lots of often confusing terms and jargon and there are many quality levels of digital television programming. Here are some frequently asked questions, answers and links to more information.
Q1. What’s the difference between an analog TV set (the type of TV I have now) and new digital TV’s?
- A1. Analog television service is the traditional TV system, the type of television you have today. Digital TV (DTV) is turbo-charged television: yielding clearer pictures, better sound, more programming and more viewing excitement than traditional analog television. Digital TV offers a picture free of "ghosts," "snow" or interference. The crisper, sharper image is due to the increased number of pixels the digital signal puts on the screen: the higher the number, the sharper the picture and High-definition Television (HDTV) has the highest resolution available.
Furthermore, HDTV provides CD-quality sound adding to the ultimate home theater experience. Digital TV also enables broadcasters to multi-cast, bringing viewers multiple channels of over-the-air programming simultaneously in Standard-definition Television. Analog broadcasting will continue until February 17, 2009. All television sets manufactured after March 1, 2007 contain a digital tuner. That’s everything from small 12” standard definition sets for your kitchen or work bench all the way up to the big 50+” high definition sets. If you want to view HDTV, then you must purchase a digital television that will display HDTV. New digital receivers will still display the current analog signal as well.
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Q2. How is Digital TV better than analog?
- A2. Digital TV brings viewers five times the picture resolution and clarity of analog TV, making viewers feel like they are right in the middle of the action on their screens. Digital TV uses binary code, the same system of ones and zeroes that runs on computers and digitally recorded compact discs.
Switching TV broadcasts to digital is like switching from cassette tape to compact disc or from a VHS tape to a DVD; the pictures are clearer, and sound is improved, giving viewers the opportunity to experience their favorite programs on a whole new level. In addition, with a 16:9 aspect ratio (think of a movie screen) compared to today's 4:3 aspect ratio (traditional “square” TV screen) of analog television, Digital TV lets viewers see much wider images.
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Q3. What is digital television (DTV)?
- A3. These are the three types of DTV signals:
- 1. Standard Definition TV (SDTV) - SDTV is the basic level of quality display and resolution for both analog and digital. Transmission of SDTV may be in either the traditional (4:3) or wide screen (16:9) format.
- 2. Enhanced Definition TV (EDTV) - EDTV is a step up from Analog Television. EDTV comes in 480p (pixels) wide screen (16:9) or traditional (4:3) format and provides better picture quality than SDTV, but not as high as HDTV.
- 3. High Definition TV (HDTV) - HDTV in wide screen format (16:9) provides the highest resolution and picture quality of all digital broadcast formats. Combined with digitally enhanced sound technology, HDTV sets new standards for sound and picture quality in television.
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Q4. Will I have to pay to receive local DTV Broadcasts?
- A4. No. Unlike digital cable or satellite service where consumers pay monthly fees for services, WSAZ Digital TV provides high quality programming and more content via free, over-the-air broadcasts. Until the total conversion to Digital TV is made, broadcasters will generally simulcast the same programs on two different channels. One in a digital format and one in analog. Viewers with analog sets will be able to convert a digital signal to an analog signal by hooking up a digital tuner decoder box to their sets; however, they will not be able to experience the crystal clear pictures and sound quality that an HDTV set provides, nor will they experience the advantages of data-casting or interactive television.
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Q5. Wait, do I have to spend thousands for a new TV set?
- A5. No, Digital TV sets are available at both retail stores nationwide as well as online. All televisions manufactured after March 1, 2007 have a digital tuner built in.
Here are some things to take into consideration: An integrated Digital TV set — this option allows viewers to receive analog and digital signals. An integrated set can project high-definition (HD), enhanced-definition (ED) or standard-definition (SD) signals. An HDTV set has the highest resolution available and provides the ultimate home theater experience. An integrated Digital TV set provides consumers the most convenient, hassle-free way to experience Digital TV. You will need an outdoor antenna to receive the free over-the-air Digital and HDTV signal.
A Digital TV monitor and a separate digital tuner - This option allows consumers to upgrade to Digital TV when ready. If consumers choose to purchase only a Digital TV monitor, they will get a wide-screen format and improved picture. In order to receive an over-the-air signal with a Digital TV monitor, consumers must purchase a set-top decoder box and outside antenna. When shopping for a new TV set, consumers today have choices. Please visit Consumer Electronics Association for more information.
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Q6. Will my current TV be able to receive the new DTV signals?
- A6. After February 17, 2009, all full-power TV stations are required to cease analog broadcasts. After that date, consumers who rely on antennas (including outside antennas or inside antennas) to receive broadcast signals on TV sets having only analog tuners, will need to obtain separate digital-to-analog converter boxes to watch over-the-air TV. Analog sets connected to such converter boxes will display digital broadcasts, but not necessarily in the full, original digital quality. Beginning in 2008, U.S. households may be able to obtain up to two coupons worth $40 each toward the purchase of converter boxes. The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) has responsibility for administering the coupon program and will issue rules regarding the coupons in the future. Additional information can be found at National Telecommunications and Information Administration.
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Q7. If I already have cable and/or satellite service, why do I need an outdoor antenna?
- A7. The FCC in August 2007 mandated that cable services must still provide the local television stations to subscribers at no additional charge after the digital deadline. That means if you are a cable subscriber you don’t have to do anything, your current TV set will continue to work after the DTV transition date. If you subscribe to a satellite service your service will continue, but you will not be able to receive local HDTV programming. You can add an outdoor antenna and route it through your satellite receiver and receive the free over-the-air local DTV and HDTV programming right now.
An outdoor antenna is a good thing; get one. They make FREE television. FREE! and FREE is good! Free is the way television is supposed to be. And why not? 30 million people went to the trouble of installing an 18 inch satellite dish antenna for the right to pay satellite companies $80 - $100 per month for television. Why not install a UHF outdoor antenna and never pay satellite or cable for local and network television again? It's FREE TV. It's perfect TV. Don't pay anyone to watch NBC Prime programming, NFL Sunday Night Football. It's all FREE and in High Definition on WSAZ DT!
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Q8. OK, so I need an outdoor antenna, is it a special kind?
- A8. To receive the WSAZ-DT signal you need an “UHF antenna.” Here is a link to Antennas Direct, the professionals choice for high quality DTV/HDTV antennas. You will be surprised that it is the absolutely the best way to watch HDTV. Good quality UHF antennas are also available at area stores like Lowes, and Radio Shack stores just to name two.
NBC currently broadcasts certain primetime series and movies in the 1080i High Definition format, providing the highest resolution possible. They plan to continue to increase HDTV programming, plus special events, movies and sports. Shows like: “Hero’s,” “ER,” “Las Vegas,” “Late Night with Conan O'Brien,” “Law & Order,” “My Name is Earl,” “The Office,” “Saturday Night Live,” “The Tonight Show with Jay Leno,” the “Today Show” and “NBC Nightly News” are some of the shows currently broadcast in HDTV. “Sunday Night Football,” and the 2008 Olympic Games and many other major sports programs are also broadcast in high definition.
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Q9. Aren't there two different HDTV formats (720p and the 1080i)? Which will a new HDTV receive?
- A9. The Digital Television (DTV) standard allows broadcasters to choose among several different formats that they can transmit. There are two high definition formats: 720p and 1080i. NBC broadcasts HDTV in the 1080i format, which provides the highest possible resolution to our audience. But you don't have to worry - any HDTV receiver will receive both formats.
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Q10. Why are there two HD formats? What are the technical details of 720p and 1080i?
- A10. Having two HD formats allows broadcasters to choose the format that provides the best technical quality for their particular mix of programming.
The 720p format makes a picture with 720 vertical lines, each with 1280 pixels horizontally -- so in computer display terms, it has a resolution of "1280 x 720". 720p uses progressive scanning, like computers, which sends a complete picture 60 times per second. 720p provides the smoothest possible motion rendition, but it does not have as much resolution as 1080i.
The 1080i format makes a picture with 1080 vertical lines, each with 1920 pixels horizontally -- so in computer display terms, it has a resolution of "1920 x 1080". 1080i uses interlaced scanning, like traditional TV, which alternates sending odd lines and even lines and thus sends a complete picture 30 times per second. 1080i provides the highest possible resolution, but has the same motion rendition as traditional TV.
For those of you are really technically inclined, think about this: movies and many primetime shows that are produced on film are made with only 24 pictures per second, so 1080i actually becomes progressive scan when film-based material is being broadcast!
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Q 11. What about my VCR, DVD player and camcorder? Will I be able to use them with an HDTV set?
- A11. HDTV sets are “backward compatible,” meaning existing analog equipment (VCRs, DVD players, camcorders, video games, etc.) will work on digital TV sets, but not in high definition. Their video will be displayed in the maximum resolution that is available with each product.
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Q12. What else does the digital future have in store?
- A12. Digital technology creates the possibility of new programming forms, utilizing accompanying data, graphics and different camera angles to make television a far more interactive and informative experience than it is today. This is similar to the capability that can be found today on some DVDs.
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Want to know more about DTV? Click on this link: DTV Answers
Still have questions or need some help? Contact the WSAZ-DT Engineering Department
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