DTV-HDTV-16x9

Now that the government has begun handing out the $40 coupons towards digital tuners, the confusion is compounding for many people as to what exactly it is for. Here is a simple overview.

DTV-is what is coming next year (February 17, 2009). It is the transmission method by which television signals are sent out. It does not mean that the quality of the picture is better than what is now being sent. If you have cable or satellite, you automatically receive a digital signal. If you receive your television over the air (via an antenna) you will need a digital tuner (which is what the $40 coupons are for.) You do not need a different television to receive digital television. Digital does not mean that it is in 16x9 aspect ratio.

HDTV-is DTV at a higher resolution. That means that it has at least double the linear resolution of Standard Definition (SDTV). This results in a much clearer picture, with better definition. It is also traditionally formatted in the 16x9 aspect ratio. Not all 16x9 televised programs are currently HD. You do need a High Definition TV to receive HDTV.

16x9-is the aspect ratio by which 80% of all television sets built since 2005 (4x3 was the previous standard). This is where your LCD's and Plasma's come from. Just because you have a 16x9 television, doesn't mean it is HD. You can also watch 16x9 on an older 4x3 aspect ration television (you will have a black band at the top and bottom of the screen.)

So in summary-DTV starts next year and requires a new tuner for those who do not have service through a cable or satellite provider-HDTV is the picture quality, and requires a HDTV to view properly-16x9 is the size of the image and can be viewd by most all TVs.

This is very basic and not complete, but it is a good rule of thumb. Welcome to the ever changing world of technology.