| Q: What’s the difference between Digital TV (DTV) and high definition TV (HDTV)? |
A: Digital TV, or DTV is an umbrella term that refers to the new broadcast format that offers broadcasters numerous choices when transmitting TV signals. One of the options the broadcaster can choose is to transmit a single, high definition signal with a widescreen aspect ratio and roughly five times greater picture detail than an existing analog channel. High definition broadcast signals have either a 1280 by 720 or 1920 by 1080 (horizontal to vertical) image resolution. Broadcasters can instead choose to transmit up to five different standard definition programs simultaneously. These programs may have 720 by 480 or 640 by 480 resolutions.
Televisions are classified (voluntarily, by each manufacturer) into various groups. If the TV has a vertical resolution of less than 480p, but can accept DTV signals (even though signals with higher resolutions will be downconverted to fit the display’s resolution), then it is considered a standard definition television (SDTV). If the vertical resolution is less than 720p, but equal to or greater than 480p, then the TV can be considered an enhanced definition television (EDTV). Only TVs with vertical resolutions greater than 720p can be considered HDTVs. All three categories are considered DTVs. |
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