What is HDTV?
HDTV, an acronym for High Definition Television, is an entirely new way of transmitting and receiving a television broadcast signal.

HDTV uses the same amount of bandwidth (six megahertz) as used in the older analog system. HDTV, however, can transmit more than six times the information as the old system: this translates to higher quality in both picture and sound. In terms of picture quality, it is the 1,080 line HDTV image that will drive consumer demand for these sets along with an unbelievable Dolby Digital surround sound system. The current analog televisions sets produces a resolution of 525 lines that are scanned horizontally.

This new resolution adds more pixels to your screen. Current analog sets contain about 300,000 pixels, while the HDTV screen is composed of more than 2 million pixels. Almost all the new digital television sets will be front and rear projection systems ranging in size from 55 up to 73 inches. Sony will have a 32 inch glass direct-view tube set, but it will not be able to display full HDTV images. Sony is trying this marketing strategy to establish a consumer friendly price point.

HDTVs will also look dramatically different from existing television sets because their screens are rectangular, not square. While today's TV sets are shaped with an aspect ratio of 4 wide by 3 high (4:3), HDTVs are 16 wide by 9 high (16:9). The rectangular screen allows HDTV images to look more like the ones you see in a movie theater.

HDTV Programming
Click here for programs that are available in HDTV format.