High-Definition TV (HDTV)

High-definition TV (HDTV) is a digital television broadcasting system that provides a better picture than standard definition television.

What is HDTV?

• HDTV—is a digital television broadcasting system that provides a better picture than traditional (standard definition) television. The two major differences between HDTV and standard definition TV is aspect ratio and resolution.
• Aspect ratio—is the width and height of a video image. HDTV uses a widescreen 16:9 aspect ratio as compared to the standard 4:3 ratio. This creates a wider, deeper image easier seen by the human eye.
• Resolution—is the sharpness of a video image, measured by the number of pixels across and down on a screen. Standard definition resolution is 480p, while HDTV is available is three different resolutions: 720p, 1080i, and 1080p.
• Standard definition TV programming—is broadcast in the 4:3 ratio. When displayed on an HDTV monitor, this aspect ratio will have empty areas on the left and right of the image. Many people don’t like this unused display area and choose to distort their standard definition shows by stretching them horizontally to fill the screen. This can give everything the appearance of being too wide or not tall enough. You can also zoom the image, but that removes content that was on the top and bottom of the original TV show.
• But I’m watching in HD, right?—HD channels are just like regular channels, but they carry HDTV programming. If you’re watching an HDTV that’s plugged into your new HDTV set-top box and tuned to an HDTV channel, then you're watching high-def, right? Not necessarily.
• What is simulcast?—Some networks have separate lineups, one in HD and one in standard definition. They may broadcast HD-produced programming only on the HD channel. But most networks simulcast, meaning they broadcast the same shows on both the HD and standard-definition channels. Non-HD shows on HD channels won’t look nearly as sharp as the HD shows do and usually don’t fill the wide screen properly..
• How do I get HDTV?—HD programming requires a great deal of bandwidth to transmit. Some cable companies are trying to squeeze three HD channels into a space normally occupied by two, which leads to fuzzy images and poor picture quality. TDS TV’s fiber-optic technology allows us to compress information and deliver HD programming with crystal clear pictures, fabulous colors, and stunning detail.
• Why do I need HD programming?—HD programming is a great way to watch movies, concerts, and live sports. Everything looks better in HD!

Here’s what TDS TV^® has to offer:

• For Movie Lovers—Discover HD Theater, HDNET Movies, Universal HD, and many HD channels for all the major Premium Movie Packages.
• For Families—Great kid-friendly programming including ABC Family, Animal Planet, Discovery, Disney, and the Science Channel.
• For Sports Fans—Live HD programs for major sporting events and HD channels like ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNU, Golf Channel, TBS, and TNT.