What is Digital Television (DTV)?
Digital Television (DTV) is a new type of broadcasting technology that will transform television. Because DTV is delivered digitally, it allows for the delivery of a signal virtually free of interference. DTV broadcasters will be able to offer television with movie-quality pictures and Dolby digital surround sound, along with a variety of other enhancements.
Why is WZZM 13 Switching to DTV?
DTV is a more flexible and efficient technology than the current analog system. In the same bandwidth in which WZZM 13 provides one analog programming channel, we may provide a super sharp "high definition" (HDTV) program or multiple "standard definition" DTV programs simultaneously. Providing several program streams at one time is called "multicasting." The number of programs WZZM 13 can send on our digital channel depends on the level of picture detail, also known as "resolution," desired in each programming stream.
In the future WZZM 13 may also use DTV to provide interactivity and data services that were not possible with analog technology.
This national conversion to DTV will also free up parts of the scarce and valuable broadcast airwaves, allowing those portions of the airwaves to be used for other important services, such as advanced wireless and public safety services (police, fire departments, rescue squads, etc.).
Will I need to do anything to continue to watch television?
There are only two simple questions that you need to answer to determine if you will have to get a converter box to receive digital television service:
How do I receive my television signal now? (cable, satellite dish or antenna)
What kind of TV do I have?
If you have cable or satellite service, you will not have to do anything to upgrade your system. If you use an antenna, whether on your rooftop or "rabbit ears" on your TV, you will need to take action.
What Is High Definition TV (HDTV)?
HDTV is a type of DTV service. HDTV provides high resolution programming in a widescreen format. A current analog TV picture is made up of 480 horizontal lines. An HDTV picture can have up to 1080 lines, allowing for stunning picture detail. Widescreen format refers to an image's aspect ratio, which is a comparison of screen width to screen height. Analog television has an aspect ratio of 4 by 3, which means the screen is 4 units wide by 3 units high. The aspect ratio of HDTV is 16 by 9, the same as the wide scope of a movie theater screen. HDTV programs can include Dolby Digital surround sound, the same digital sound system used in movie theaters and DVDs.
Additional links:
An FCC Fact Sheet on Digital Television: http://www.fcc.gov/cgb/consumerfacts/digitaltv.html
Internet discussion forums on just about everything to do with DTV and HDTV http://www.avsforum.com/
ABC FAQ on Digital Television and HDTV http://abc.go.com/site/hdtvfaq.html
TV Listings (You will need to register with site to customize your local listings).http://www.titantv.com
Digital Television Transition Coalition www.dtvtransition.org
AntennaWeb.org, will help you determine the proper outdoor* antenna to usewww.antennaweb.org
DTV Answers : What you need to know about the February 17, 2009 switch to DTVwww.dtvanswers.com
DTV Transition from Federal Communications Commissionwww.dtv.gov
National Telecommunications and Information Administration, U.S. Department of Commerce www.ntia.doc.gov
