HDTV AND DIGITAL TELEVISION
Overview
Images. No other media compels us, keeps us informed or connects us to the world like images. In today’s home, we need access to media not only from satellite or cable television, but from the internet, podcasts, DVD and other sources. As media transitions to digital, and HDTV becomes common, the quality and quantity of visual media expands, as does the complexity. Add the advent of flat panel technologies like LCD, Plasma and projection DLP, and you deliver more information than ever in smaller and better packages. Our comprehensive digital television services assures you access to all the latest media, delivered with state-of-the-art image quality, at the simple touch of a button.
How It Works
Digital Television and HDTV: Since high-definition television (HDTV) designates the highest-quality display formats defined in the Digital Television (DTV) standard, it's important to first understand the implications of digital TV broadcasting. DTV is a new, more advanced way of delivering television signals to your home. Whether over the airwaves or via satellite or cable-based systems, DTV will eventually replace analog TV broadcasting altogether, and the change over to digital TVs and digital source components is already well under way throughout the world.
The Modern Digital Display: HDTVs are available in many different forms - CRT direct-view sets (like your old analog tube TV, but better); high-tech rear-projection TVs powered by DLP, LCD and LCOS microdisplay technology; plasma and LCD flat-panel; and front-projection systems. The flexibility of mounting and the sleek look of LCD and Plasma TVs has made them our leader in digital televisions.
TiVo (PVR or DVR): In terms of hardware, you can think of a TiVo digital video recorder (DVR) as an intelligent, 21st-century VCR without the hassles of videotape. At the heart of each TiVo is a massive hard drive capable of storing hours and hours of the programming you want to see. In addition to storing far more programming than a VCR videotape, TiVo gives you a degree of control over your TV viewing that was unimaginable just a few years ago. For one thing, it allows you to pause, rewind and replay live TV. You can also record one program while watching another; record two programs at once; or begin watching a show that's already in progress, from the beginning, while recording the end.
Internet and PC Content in the Living Room: Digital displays can often be used as computer monitors as well as TVs. This allows you to use the display as a TV; and, for example, show your digital photos, blog or other internet pages and computer-based videos on the same display using a wireless keyboard and mouse without leaving your seat.
Technical Details
Resolution: A TV picture is made up of lots of tiny horizontal rows (called scan lines) of individual pixels, or picture elements. The more rows — and the more picture elements — a screen can reproduce, the clearer and sharper the picture. Your old analog TV's picture is made up of 480 visible horizontal lines, each comprising a maximum of 720 pixels. By contrast, HDTVs can reproduce up to 1080 horizontal lines of 1920 pixels - resulting in a picture that's a jaw-dropping 6 times as dense.
Aspect Ratios: Most newer HDTV models feature what's known as a 16:9 (widescreen) aspect ratio (the ratio refers to the relationship between horizontal and vertical dimensions), as compared to the 4:3 aspect ratio of older TVs. HDTV programming, by definition, is delivered in this wider aspect, which is better suited to the reproduction of most movies. In addition, HDTVs broader, more revealing perspective is dramatic for sports fans. You’ll see more of the football field, more of the basketball court, more of the action than you ever thought possible at home.
Digital Audio: Another huge advantage of HDTV is less obvious at a glance: the capability to broadcast programs in Dolby Digital 5.1-channel surround sound. If you're already enjoying DVD movies in surround (with the help of a 5.1-channel audio system), you're already familiar with the realism and excitement it brings to the experience. Imagine feeling just as immersed when you watch TV! HDTV can take you there, provided you're properly equipped.
Fast Facts
- Media libraries are accessible everywhere
- Choose from all leading brands
- Automatically record TV shows
- Flat, thin, powerful TVs
- Better picture quality than ever
- A single, simple remote control
- Display PC information on a TV
- No high altitude issues
- Many price points and options