DTV stands for Digital Television. It is the umbrella term used to describe the new Digital Television System. This system allows stations to broadcast programs and data with higher resolution and clarity than is possible with standard analog television. There are two levels of DTV:
(1) HDTV (High Definition Television) This is the highest quality DTV, with resolution of 720p to 1080I or higher and being produced in a 16:9 (widescreen) aspect ratio with Dolby Digital audio.
(2) SDTV (Standard Definition Television) This refers to a system that provides a display resolution that is lower than that of HDTV but higher than the analog signal that is being used today. The picture quality of SDTV is comparable to today's digital satellite and DVD (Digital Video Disc) picture quality.
The National Television Standards Committee (NTSC) broadcast system we currently use has been around for more than 50 years. In December 1996, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) approved a new U.S. standard called the Advanced Television Systems Committee (ATSC).
The NTSC standard we use today determines the highest picture quality possible using analog signals. The ATSC standard defines the FCC approved guidelines for digital television broadcasting.
Over the next 10 years a transition from analog to digital television will take place, bringing into the consumer's home an unbeleivable picture, digital surround sound and many new features.
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