Standard TV & Appliance

Are you ready for a new world of television entertainment? All remaining full-power television stations still broadcasting in analog will make the transition to all-digital between April 16 and June 12 – many in spectacular High Definition. Your old—or not so old—conventional analog television won't be able to tune into your favorite shows without additional components.

Standard TV and Appliance has written this guide to help you understand the benefits of this switch and how best to adapt. The result will be a fantastic improvement in your television experience though Digital Television.

Benefits to the Digital Switchover

Forget bad reception

Digital signals received through a digital tv provide a crisp, vivid picture. No more banging the TV to chase away snow and ghosts.

Surf the Net and Take a Call

Analog broadcasting ate up precious frequencies in the RF spectrum that are now in demand by cell phones and internet connections. Digital television signals make room for their brethren so that the quality of all services improves.

Great Sound, All the Time

All Digital TV signals offer dramatically better sound quality than the old analog signals. If your TV is connected to a quality home audio system, you'll hear the difference. Additionally, HDTV broadcasts feature 5.1 Dolby Digital Surround Sound, similar to most DVDs. Connect your HDTV to a full home theater system for a stunning listening experience.

 

HDTV, DTV, SDTV… I'm already mixed up.

Have no fear. We'll make it easy for you.

Digital television (DTV) is the signal transmitted by the broadcaster. It includes the following types of broadcast formats:

• Standard Definition (SDTV)
• High-Definition (HDTV)

 

 

Therefore, a digital signal will give you the best possible picture quality for your particular model of television. It accommodates everyone!

Getting Ready

There are two easy ways to enjoy Digital Television.

Welcome a Digital Television into your home

We know you've been thinking about it! Since 2006, all TVs over 20” are digital signal compliant - you can't accidentally purchase a non-compliant television. Standard TV and Appliance has a huge selection of Plasma, LCD, and DLP TVs at guaranteed low prices. And now is the best time to upgrade to an HDTV to get the full benefit of the digital switchover.

Purchase a converter box for your older TV

Not as exciting, sure, but eminently practical. The addition of a converter box will allow an analog TV to display on-air digital programming, but keep in mind that the programs will be viewed in standard-definition (SDTV), not High Definition. If you use an indoor or outdoor antenna, you will need a DTV converter box after the switchover. Until March 31, 2009, the federal government will offer coupons for $40 savings on converter boxes. Learn more at www.dtv2009.gov.

Cable or satellite TV subscribers will need a digital cable box or receiver to watch digital programming on an analog TV. While most receivers are now digital ready, you should ask your cable company whether you need to upgrade your equipment.

What Makes HDTV Better Than Just Digital TV?

A High Definition TV can display up to 1920 pixels by 1080 pixels, though formats of 720 pixels and 1080 pixels are the most popular. HDTV has five times the vertical and horizontal picture resolution of an older style television; therefore the picture can be up to five times as sharp. HDTV also features a wider screen ratio, 16:9 widescreen compared to the old standard of 4:3, roughly square screen. And with a fast processor, HDTV won't display as many annoying motion artifacts.

Standard Definition TV is 480i, which is the resolution of traditional, cathode ray tube TVs. Your converter box will permit you to watch programming at this resolution.

The Different Types of Televisions

DLP (Digital Light Processor)

Also known as DMD (Digital Micro-mirror Device), this technology is used mostly for video projection. It is a stamp size chip with millions of micro mirrors embedded on it. Each mirror can be tilted to vary the quantity of light reflected, thus creating an image.

LCD (Liquid Crystal Display)

Often used for computer monitors, LCD is expected to replace cathode ray tubes in small screen HDTVs. LCD screens are non-reflective, making them ideal for rooms with a lot of ambient light.

Plasma TV

Panels of glass embedded with wire enclose ionized gas. These displays are slim (as little as 1.5") and come in sizes up to 105"; therefore, they are a popular choice among the larger sized flat-panel TVs. Plasma TVs offer a deeper black as well. However, costs for larger LCDs are dropping to make them competitive with the plasma TVs.

 

Important Switchover Dates

Jan. 1, 2008	First day consumers can apply for coupons
March 31, 2008	Last day to complete Retailer Certification Application
February 17, 2009	Analog television broadcasts cease
March 31, 2009	Last day consumers can apply for coupons
July 9, 2009	Last day retailers can accept coupons

 

We're Here to Help You

Our sales staff is fully trained in all the technical details of digital television and the impending switchover. Stop by one of our five locations or call 800-398-7177 to talk with a sales representative about your upgrade path to incredible picture quality.

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