What does HDTV mean for WDSU NewsChannel 6 viewers?

HDTV gives you higher quality video, images and audio. HDTV means you'll get a much higher resolution picture on your television. Instead of looking at a TV screen, it may feel like you're looking through a window. The audio offered is CD-quality sound. As a result, WDSU NewsChannel 6 viewers will get the highest quality entertainment available. With top NBC shows being broadcast in HD, it will not disappoint. Even if you don’t have an HDTV set, when you are watching WDSU-DT on your standard analog set, you will notice a crisper and clearer picture.

Will I need a new TV?

Your current television will work as it does now until analog broadcasting stops. After the transmission is over in February 2009, your analog TV will still work. A set-top box can be used to receive broadcast DTV signals and allow you to use your analog television. If you use your analog set with cable or satellite, it will work as it always has. Your current analog television will not be able to display the full quality of DTV. You must have a DTV or HDTV set to enjoy the full quality.

How is DTV different than current TV?

The digital signal provides improved audio and video quality, the possibility of multiple channels, improved program guides and, in the future, interactive features.

What is the Feb. 17, 2009, DTV deadline date?

It is the last day of analog broadcasting by full power television stations. On Feb. 18, 2009, these stations will stop analog broadcasting and move to digital broadcasting. Households that do not subscribe to cable or satellite services will need either a TV set capable of receiving DTV programming or a digital-to-analog converter box.

What is digital television (DTV)?

Digital television (DTV) is the latest mode of broadcasting. The signal now being transmitted to DTV set-top boxes and DTV televisions are acquired and delivered to you digitally. The digital signal provides improved audio and video quality, the possibility of multiple channels, improved program guides and, in the future, interactive features.

What is high-definition TV (HDTV)?

High-definition television, or HDTV, is the highest resolution of the 18 standards that are available in DTV. HD formats allow sharper, clearer and brighter pictures. You need a DTV ready television with built-in ATSC Tuner or a DTV set-top box to receive the DTV signals. DTV Programs can come in SD, ED, or HD quality. Televisions are considered HD-ready if the screen has enough pixels to display a high definition picture and must be capable of displaying with either 720 or 1080 horizontal lines. Finally, the programs themselves must be made and transmitted in HD for your HDTV to get the full quality of HD.

How do I get DTV or HDTV?

You need a DTV-ready television with built in ATSC tuner or a DTV set-top box to receive the DTV signals. DTV programs can come in SD, ED or HD quality. To receive high-definition TV (HDTV), you need a DTV ready television with the ATSC Tuner or set-top box and a television that is capable of displaying pictures with either 720 or 1080 horizontal lines.

Can I use DTV or HDTV with my DVD player or VCR?

Yes! HDTV sets are able to use existing analog equipment -- VCRs, DVD players, video cameras, video game systems, etc. -- but will not display or record in high definition.

Do I already have DTV via digital cable or satellite?

You may have DTV if you already subscribe to the digital package and get digital programming. But digital cable and satellite service are not necessarily DTV. Your provider may be using digital technology to more effectively deliver analog programming to you. Check with your cable or satellite provider to find out for sure.

Do I need a special antenna to receive KETV-DT over-the-air?

You will not need a special antenna, but you will eventually need a way to receive DTV. On Feb. 18, 2009, major stations will switch to a purely digital signal. This will require you to buy a DTV ready television with built in ATSC tuner or a DTV set-top box to receive the DTV signals. If you currently receive WDSU-DT today, there will be no change for you in February '09. If you're not receiving WDSU-DT today, you may need to purchase a UHF antenna to view the DTV signal. Your cable or satellite provider set-top box may be able to meet your DTV needs. Check with your cable or satellite provider to find out for sure.

Why are some of your pictures in 16 inches by 9 inches and some in 4 inches by 3 inches?

During the transition, some video will still be produced in 4 inches by 3 inches for some time. The 4 inches by 3 inches aspect ratio has been around for a long time in television and will take some time to be completely upgraded to the new standard.

Can I see HDTV better than DTV?

To get HDTV you must have an HDTV set. On your analog TV, you will definitely see a better picture, but will not be as detailed as HDTV. You will also not be able to see the full aspect ratio of 16x9.

Why is HDTV better than DTV?

High-definition television, or HDTV, is the highest resolution of the 18 standards that are available in DTV. HD formats allow sharper, clearer, and bright pictures. Televisions are considered HD-ready if the screen has enough pixels to display a high definition picture and must be capable of displaying pictures with either 720 or 1080 horizontal lines.