Have you ever been to an electronics store in search for your next television and this sales associate comes up to you wanting to help? After you acknowledge what you are looking for this person goes on their own little tangent about HDTV and Digital TV that makes your head spin. Maybe you've even come across a Direct TV commercial that talks 90mph with all the letters and mixture that you wind up getting confused. Don't worry, you’re not the only one, in fact there are many people who have no idea what the difference is between them. Let's get it sorted out for you.
HDTV Digital: Standard Digital TV or HDTV? What's the difference?
HDTV Digital - What's The Difference?
Should you choose HDTV digital or stick with what you've already got when replacing your TV?
What is Digital TV?
Digital television has taken over the broadcasting reign (taken the place of the old Analog broadcasting) and as of June 12th, 2009 each household must own either a Digital TV (also known as SDTV or Standard TV) or a digital converter box which runs around $40 in order for you to continue viewing your favorite shows. That's it. There is nothing saying you have to purchase a specific television to make this work - just the converter box. So long as your old analog TV has a SCART connection you can view Digital TV (SDTV) using this box.
Now here is where it get's interesting and where many get confused. SDTV is a basic form of Digital TV whereas HDTV Digitalis a superior type of Digital TV. Read on...
What is HDTV?
Which brings us to the High Definition Television or heard by many as simply HDTV. Yes, this is a "digital" type of television, but it has nothing to do with the broadcasting change. It simply allows you to view a crisper picture watching your favorite television shows, sports, or anything else. However with a HDTV you will need to purchase additional equipment to get the High Definition resolution everyone is talking about.
In conclusion . . .
"Please tell me which is best....Digital or HD for television?"
This is a question we get asked regularly, yet is very important. So here is our concise reply:
Popular confusion over Digital TV
Both "Digital" and "HD" Television are digital
Digital is the general term that refers to the technology of how the picture signal is both generated and received.
Where pep ole in general get confused is there are two different qualities of digital transmissions.
There are the standard broadcasts (standard quality) and high definition (HD) which is by far a superior and detailed picture. Think of it in terms of photos from a cheap camera and those from a professional high-end camera.
If you want the best quality picture then at present the TV to buy is a HDTV, but like all things great, it comes at a higher price.
A word of warning, you get what you pay for, so even within the HDTV classification there are quality differences. It is best to go to a store where you can see working TVs to help you decide.
Before you buy your HDTV ask yourself:
- Do I want free over-the-air TV? If so there are limited HD broadcasts on this service
- Am I after Cable TV or Satellite? Remember that the HD packages are offered, but at extra cost and in addition to standard packages.
- Do I want to watch DVD Films? Then to benefit fully and see them in High Definition you will need to buy a HD DVD or BluRay player (or recorder if you want to record off the TV)
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