TYPES OF DIGITAL TELEVISIONS

Inside Scoop on HDTV

DTV (Digital Television) – Don’t be fooled; DTV is not HDTV. DTV simply means a television that can pick up and project one of several digital signal types (SDTV, EDTV, and HDTV), as opposed to the static-y analog signals of our past. And, because the signal is digital, the picture is sharper and the sound is CD-quality. Viva la digital revolution.

SDTV (Standard-Definition Television) – Your basic digital TV set. The picture is clearer than the now-defunct analog sets of yesteryear, but not even close to HDTV.

EDTV (Enhanced Definition Television) – The picture quality is better than SDTV, but not quite up to par with HDTV.

HDTV (High-Definition Television) – The cre`me de la cre`me of digital televisions. HDTV offers five times the picture quality and sharpness of analog television, a wider screen (more like the movies), and surround-sound audio.

TYPES OF HDTVs

Integrated HD – Think of these as HDTVs with built-in rabbit ears. Allowing you to watch broadcast HD programming right out of the box – if you can get reception. Much like old rabbit ears, reception is dependent on where you live.

HD-Ready – This type of HDTV isn’t produced anymore, but you still may find some lingering on shelves. Unlike an integrated HD set, HD-ready TVs don’t have a built-in HD tuner. And no tuner means you can’t pick up any HD channels broadcast over the airwaves. Which is essentially the only reason why they don’t make them anymore.