CBS 2: Making Television Better

Digital Television: Frequently Asked Questions

(CBS) What is digital television (DTV)?

Digital television is a type of broadcasting technology that allows for clearer pictures, better sound quality, and more programming options. Current televisions use analog technology.


What is high-definition television (HDTV)?

High Definition Television provides far superior picture quality to traditional television. It features more visible visual detail and a widescreen format with an aspect ration of 16:9. It may also have digital surround-sound.


Are high-definition television and digital television the same thing?

No, they are not. HDTV is the highest-quality feature made possible with digital television. DTV can also broadcast EDTV (enhanced definition television), which is higher quality than analog TV, but not as high-quality as HDTV; and SDTV (standard definition television), which is equivalent to the best analog broadcasts.


How will television change with the transition to digital?

Current broadcast television has several over-the-air channels which provide one program at a time in analog format. With digital television, broadcasters may offer HDTV television with enhanced sound and pictures, or simulcast many programs at once – not in high definition, but still with better sound and picture quality than analog television. In the future, DTV will also likely support interactive video and data services.


Why are broadcasters converting to digital television?

Broadcasters are required to convert to DTV under the Telecommunications Act of 1996, although the deadline for the switch has been pushed back about three years since the law was originally passed. Under another law passed in 2005, broadcast stations must cease using their current analog channels by Feb. 17, 2009. As noted above, broadcasters have options for high-definition programming and multiple channels with DTV that they do not have with analog television.


Can I get digital television with my old TV?

Your current television is not obsolete, but you will likely need special equipment. If you have a set you watch over the air and does not have a digital tuner built in, a converter box will be required to decode digital signal. The converter box will make digital signals available in analog format. They will be available for purchase early next year for $50 to $70. But to help with the cost, the federal government will offer two converter box coupons valued at $40 each beginning in early 2008, each for the purchase of one converter box. An over-the-air antenna will still be required with the converter box. To learn more, go to ntia.doc.gov.


Will I need a new antenna?

No, your old TV antenna should still work for digital television. In many cases, an indoor rabbit-ear type antenna will work, but in some cases, an outdoor antenna may be necessary, particularly if you already need one now to watch analog TV. The Consumer Electronics Association has more information about this subject at http://www.antennaweb.org.


What are the options for new TVs?

DTV sets have been around for quite a few years. Most of them are flat and have wide screens, and they often hang on the wall. Prices have been falling since they were first introduced and the cost will vary depending on screen size, special features and other factors. A TV with a tuner built in, called an "integrated DTV," does not require a converter box or any other special equipment except antennas or a cable jack. But DTV monitors and tuners are also sold separately.

There are also digital cable ready or "plug-and-play" TVs, on which you can receive digital cable by plugging directly into the cable jack. But you may need a special device called a CableCARD from your cable company to view scrambled programming.


How do I know if my current TV has a digital tuner?

If you're planning on buying a new TV, you should be sure you don't already have a built-in digital tuner. Most sets sold over the last few years that are larger than 27 inches will likely already have one. Check your owner's manual to find out, or go to the manufacturer's Web site and find out the capabilities of the set by typing in the manufacturer model number.


TV stations are giving up their current broadcast channels. Does that mean I'll have to memorize all new channel numbers (i.e., you won't be Channel 2 anymore?)

No. While WBBM-TV is vacating broadcast channel 2, we will still be called CBS 2, and we will still be on Channel 2 on DTV. Under the digital system, there are "DTV virtual channels" that are the same as the old analog channel numbers, and if multiple broadcasts are showing at once, they will be listed on channel 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, etc. DTV stations can have as many as six virtual channels, although not all will necessarily broadcast at the same time. Also, while we will be keeping Channel 2 for our virtual channels, some other stations may choose not to keep their traditional channel number.


Will my VCR, DVD player, video camera or video game system work with a DTV set?

Yes, they will, but they will not show video in high definition. The video will instead be displayed with the playback device's maximum resolution, which may be of lower quality than your TV's maximum resolution. You should also find out if you need new connectors.


Why can't we have digital television and keep analog television too?

When Congress passed the Telecommunications Act of 1996, they decided it would not be efficient to continue using both systems. Digital technology allows broadcasters to transmit more content using less of the broadcast system. The federal government intends to keep the old analog channels free for public safety communications and new services.


Can DTV do more than just show TV programs?

Yes. DTV has the power to transmit programs in several languages and captions, and also has potential interactive features. For example, during a sports game, a viewer may be able to call up player statistics or game scores rather than waiting for them to appear. Broadcasters could also transmit computer software, business updates, telephone directories, and even an edition of a whole newspaper. Any other information that can be digitally encoded can be transmitted over the DTV system.

Sources: the FCC, the National Association of Broadcasters, and the Advanced Television Systems Committee.

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