The HDTV Specification
- Resolution: Minimum of 720 lines progressively scanned; or a minimum of 1080 lines interlaced
- Aspect Ratio: Capable of displaying a 16:9 aspect ratio at minimum resolution
- Audio: Dolby Digital 5.1, which calls for 5 full range digital channels, 1 limited range channel (bass effects)
- Tuner: Capable of receiving all HDTV transmitting schemes approved by the American Television Standards Committee (ATSC).
High-Definition Glossary
Analog TV: A system which captures picture information by varying signal amplitiude and frequency.
Aspect ratio: The screen’s width as compared to its height. Traditional analog TVs have a 4:3 aspect ratio; most digital TVs have a widescreen 16:9 ratio.
Digital TV (DTV): A system which converts picture information into a stream of binary data (ones and zeros).
Enhanced Definition TV (EDTV): Better digital television transmission that may be displayed with at least 480p, in a 16 x 9 or 4 x 3 display and Dolby Digital surround sound.
Full 1080, 1080p: The maximum resolution currently possible with HDTV, it denotes 1080 lines scanned progresively.
High Definition TV (HDTV): The best digital television widescreen (16 x 9) display, with at least 720 progressive scanning lines, or 1080 interlaced lines, and Dolby Digital surround sound.
HDTV Monitor: Any monitor (display) with the inputs and capability to become HDTV with the addition of an HDTV tuner.
HDTV-Ready TV: Term used by manufacturers to indicate an analog TV with the display capabilities and inputs to be transformed into an HDTV with the addition of an HDTV tuner.
HDTV Tuner (also known as decoder, receiver, set-top box): A stand-alone device capable of receiving and outputting HDTV signals.
Integrated HDTV: An HDTV that has the tuner built into the set. It does not need a separate set-top box.
Interlace Scan: A way to scan horizontal lines onto a TV picture by scanning all the odd lines first, then filling in the even lines (this happens in the blink of an eye).
Progressive Scan: A way to scan horizontal lines onto a TV picture by scanning all the lines consecutively (progressively). |
