HDTV defines certain minimum performance attributes that deliver
approximately twice the resolution of current TVs. SDTV refers to a
system that provides a display resolution lower than that of HDTV.
Do consumers want HDTV?
Absolutely. From black-and-white TV to color, from phonographs to CDs,
from videotapes to DVD, the American consumer has never passed up the
opportunity to take advantage of improved video and audio performance.
HDTV is no different. Surveys of consumers who have seen the technology
indicate an overwhelming interest in its revolutionary picture and sound
quality improvements and its potential for interactivity (see CEMA/Verity
HDTV consumer focus group research).
Why would I buy a regular analog TV set with DTV coming?
These sets will work for decades. For broadcast signals they will work
until at least 2006 and then low cost set-top converter boxes will be
available. Even if the broadcast analog signal is ended in 2006, a $1,000
set bought in 1997 would cost about three cents a minute of average use
for the next ten years.
Today's TV sets are a tremendous bargain. Large screen prices are the
lowest in history. Prices have dropped an average of $100 per year.
When the analog signal shuts off, will people throw out obsolete sets?
Sets won't be obsolete. First, the TV sets will work for decades with
cable and home satellite, and forever with current VCRs, DVD and other
products. Second, for broadcast television, we expect low cost (under
$150) converters to be available when digital signals replace analog
signals.
As soon as the transition to digital begins, current sets can receive both
the analog and digital broadcasts with the addition of a set-top box.
What does the 2006 termination really mean?
2006 is a "target." In Washington, Democrats and Republicans want to
balance the federal budget by the year 2004. Auctioning the analog
spectrum has become a mantra for politicians as one method to help offset
a portion of the budget deficits. In reality, few people really believe
that DTV penetration by 2005 will allow the shutting-down of the analog
signals by 2006. Federal legislation approved in 1997 allows for a
continuation of the analog signal in markets where penetration of digital
sets is less than 85 percent.
Even though the budget is a politically explosive issue, broadcasters are
committed to making huge investments to protect their existing franchises.
How many television sets are there in use today?
There are 250 million TV sets in use in the United States today.
How soon will consumers be buying DTV?
Conservatively, about 30% of U.S. households are projected to own a
digital set by the year 2006.
How are TV screen sizes measured on HDTV?
As with today's analog sets, HDTV screen sizes are measured diagonally.
But, because the aspect ratio on HDTV is 16:9 instead of 4:3 like analog
sets, an HDTV set with a comparable height measurement to an analog set
will have a larger screen. For example, today's 35" sets have a 28" X 21"
screen measurement. An HDTV set with an equal screen height of 21" will
have a 42" screen size measurement.
(Source: Consumer Electronics Manufacturers Association)
Return to: Digital Television Guide
