|
Click on the question to read
our answer.
back
to the previous page | FAQs
main page
Why do
I need a Digital TV or HDTV? The
United States is in the process of transitioning to a Digital TV
system. This is a significant improvement over the analog (NTSC) TV
format. To learn more about the Digital TV and HDTV formats, read
our Digital TV & HDTV
Tutorial. A Digital TV or HDTV allows you to view these new,
higher resolution TV pictures with surround sound capability.
Digital TV reception is crystal clear, as it is free of analog
degradations such as snow, ghosting, and sparkles.
Your TV viewing experience greatly enhanced. However, you will need
a Digital TV or HDTV to realize the full benefits of Digital TV
broadcasting. A Digital TV or HDTV will enhance your DVD-Video
viewing experience as well. For details, read our Digital
TV & HDTV Tutorial.
back
to the previous page | FAQs
main page | top
of page
Can I
watch regular analog TV programs, VHS video tapes, and DVD-Video movies on
Digital TVs and HDTVs?
Yes. With a Digital TV or HDTV, you
can watch analog TV broadcast and programming for as long as they remain
on the air. You can still watch your VHS video tapes, and DVD-Video
movies. Digital TVs and HDTVs are fully backwards compatible with
existing broadcasts, programming, video tapes, and DVD-Video movies.
back
to the previous page | FAQs
main page | top
of page
What
features do I look for in a Digital TV or HDTV? We
are still working our Digital TV & HDTV Buying Guide.
Until we have it ready, be sure to read our Digital
TV & HDTV Tutorial.
back
to the previous page | FAQs
main page | top
of page
Should I buy
a 4:3 or 16:9 (widescreen) aspect ratio Digital TV? This
depends on what kind of programming you expect to be watching over the
life of your Digital TV. If you plan to watch a lot of existing
analog programming with a 4:3 aspect ratio, then a 4:3 aspect ratio screen
is more suitable. However, if you watch a lot of widescreen
DVD-Video movies and plan to enjoy HDTV programming in its native
widescreen mode, then a 16:9 aspect ratio (widescreen) Digital TV/HDTV is
the better choice. For more information, read this
section of our Digital
TV & HDTV Tutorial.
back
to the previous page | FAQs
main page | top
of page
What
HDTV programming is available now? In
terms of what shows are available in HDTV, read this
section of our Digital
TV & HDTV Tutorial. Every year, the major networks are
increasing their HDTV broadcasts of prime time shows, featured movies, and
major sporting events.
back
to the previous page | FAQs
main page | top
of page
How can I receive HDTV programming?
You can watch HDTV programming
with over-the-air broadcasts in major cities and metropolitan areas
throughout the United States. Check
here for a list of all Digital TV stations. Read this
section of our Digital
TV & HDTV Tutorial for more information. Another source of HDTV programming is via broadcast satellite networks
such as DirecTV and Dish Network. Read this
section of our Digital
TV & HDTV Tutorial for more information.
A third source of HDTV
programming is via D-Theater D-VHS pre-recorded video tapes. Read
our D-VHS & D-Theater
Overview for more information.
back
to the previous page | FAQs
main page | top
of page
Can I
record Digital TV & HDTV programming with my VCR?
You can not record Digital TV or
HDTV programming with your VHS or Super-VHS VCR. Those video tape
formats are designed for analog TV signals only. To record Digital TV
or HDTV programming, you will need to use the Digital-VHS
format. Read our D-VHS
& D-Theater Overview for more information. Also read the
answer to our next FAQ.
back
to the previous page | FAQs
main page | top
of page
How I
can record HDTV programming?
To read Digital TV or HDTV programming, you
will need to use the Digital-VHS
format. Read our D-VHS
& D-Theater Overview for more information. Also worth
noting is the forthcoming High
Definition DVD formats, including the Blu-Ray
Disc format. Read our High
Definition DVD Tutorial for more information.
back
to the previous page | FAQs
main page | top
of page
Will my
analog TV sets become obsolete?
No. Analog TV broadcasts will not
stop until 2006 at the earliest. And it would only happen then if
85% of the United States had Digital TVs. A highly unlikely
scenario. Even when the FCC decides to shut down analog TV
broadcasts, you can extend the useful life of your analog TVs by buying
set-top Digital TV receiver boxes that will receive Digital TV broadcasts
and convert them to analog TV signals, which can be used to drive your
analog TV sets. You will be able to watch Digital TV programming,
but the picture will be down-converted to a lower resolution that your
analog TV sets can display. The set-top boxes will be inexpensive by
the time this transition finally happens. The Digital TV receiver
and converter will likely be part of future DVD players. For more
information, read this
section of our Digital
TV & HDTV Tutorial.
back
to the previous page | FAQs
main page | top
of page
| 
