hdtv

[ChipsChips]

Just what is hdtv? When is it changing so that everyone has to have a hdtv?

[fo3nix]

Right now us in the UK, and much of Europe, have PAL television. Basically it means that your TV picture is made up of a number of horizontal lines. The more lines you have, the better quality the picture is (try making a picture with just one single line -- not exactly much detail).

HDTV just adds more lines, so you have a higher resolution picture, which is thus better.

It's linked with digital TV, but it's not the same. Digital TV is just the way that your television signal is sent to you, and digital TV happens to be better compressed so that the broadcasters can send you more stuff -- pressing your red button to get extra content, for example. I think the changeover for this is 2012 time.

[Buenchico]

HDTV stands for high-definition television. As the name implies, it's a method of transmitting and receiving signals which gives a much clearer picture.

HDTV signals can only be broadcast over a digital network but digital televisions don't have to be able to receive HDTV.

Between 2008 and 2012, the older analogue television transmitters will gradually be switched off. This means that viewers without satellite or cable services will have to use a Freeview box or purchase a digital TV which incorporates a Freeview tuner.

Viewers who wish to be able to get the highest quality picture (whether via terrestrial or satellite transmissions or through cable services) will have the option to buy a digital set which is compatible with HDTV but, unlike the actual switch to digital services, this will not be compulsory.

If you're old enough to remember it (or you know enough about TV history to understand it), I'll give you an analogy.

Many years ago, everyone owned black-and-white TV sets which worked on a 405-line VHF system. Then along came the switchover to the 625-line UHF system (which offered the option of colour). People didn't have a choice about switching to 625 line TVs. After a changeover period, the 405-line transmitters were turned off, so everyone had to get a new TV. They did have a choice, however, about whether to get a colour set. Initially, many people just switched to a 625-line b-&-w set. Colour was (and indeed remains) an option but, over the years, it's become standard in most homes

The same thing is happening with digital TV and HDTV. Eventually, viewers will have to switch to digital TV but HDTV will be an option. Just like colour, however, it's likely that the optional service will eventually become standard in most homes.

Chris

[bloodycheap]

High Definition (HD) is presently available through Sky (�299 for the box and �10 per month additional subscription) or through various cable tv providers i.e. Telewest, NTL. You don't need to go to HD if you don't want to. You will still get a good picture on your old set when Digital is introduced (2008 to 2012) but you will need either a Freeview,Satellite or cable box.

[pjm007]

Sadly, NTL are not broadcasting HD yet (Telewest are though), should be some time next year.....we live in hope!