HDTV: The World's New Broadcasting | The Communication Blog

Tuesday, May 4, 2010

HDTV: The World's New Broadcasting

By Mel Loewe

HDTV, or high-definition television, is a system of digital television broadcasting that offers higher resolution than standard-definition TV. It is broadcast digitally, as opposed to analog broadcasting.

Throughout the world's television's history, industry giants and the Federal Communications Commission have worked to incorporate technological advances and higher definition options. These options have been made easier as bandwidth standards have improved over time.

Initially, economic and technological barriers made standardization of the new digital programming very difficult; however, Japan was able to successfully make the complete switch from analog broadcasting in the year 2007.

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HDTV came to the United States in the 1990s and was first introduced by the Digital HDTV Grand Alliance, a conglomeration of television companies. The first high definition broadcast occurred in 1996 in Raleigh, North Carolina and later launches followed. The TV system was first broadcast in 2004 with the launch of the HD1 channel and broadcasting of its Vienna New Year's concert.

The three main aspects of high-def TV are frame size, scanning system and frame rate, all of which are specific to this type of broadcast. This influences resolution, which is twice that of standard-def TV, allowing for greater detail.

HD television requires specific equipment, including a HD-ready television, tuner and cable box with cable card slot. Because equipment specifications vary by location, it is best to consult with cable professionals before purchase or installation.

The newer, more advanced high-definition system allows for video storage and recording of live broadcasts. TiVo is one of the most widely known cable boxes allowing for such recording, as well as the ability to view more than one program at the same time.

In the United States, the Federal Communications Commission requires that cable companies provide customers with a set-top box for HD customers as a means of recording and storing.

While online purchases of televisions and cable boxes is growing in popularity, many U. S.-based customers are continuing with the traditional method of in-store purchase for their equipment. This typically comes with in-home installation as well, allowing experts to come into a customers home to provide services.

Although with growing popularity prices have dropped, HG television sets can vary greatly in price. Some sell for as low as four hundred dollars, while some have gone for more than fifteen thousand dollars. With varying prices and qualities, televisions and equipment are available to almost any consumer.

Although the major disadvantage of HD is its inability to work with preexisting analog equipment, the better picture quality and ease of recording has made it popular. Signals and decoding are impossible between the two systems without converters and buying more equipment. HDTV is characterized by the ability of broadcasters to produce several signals simultaneously and with the same bandwidth. It also has better picture quality, even on smaller displays, which is appealing to many viewers. As a result, more and more households and businesses are beginning to adopt this new digital system

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