Frequently Asked Questions About HDTV

Are Local TV

Stations

Broadcasting in

HDTV?

Why Are Some HDTVs 4:3 Aspect Ratio and Others 16:9?

Many local TV stations are transmitting digital signals. However, transmitting a digital signal does not mean transmitting an HDTV signal. Some stations are using the new bandwidth to broadcast several standard-definition channels. Most stations however, once they begin broadcasting in digital, are offering HD content from their parent network (for example, CBS, ABC, NBC, Fox, WB, UPN, PBS).

The aspect ratios differ because the television industry manufactures both standard and wide-screen HDTVs to appeal to consumer viewing preferences.

•On wide-screen HDTVs, the programming is displayed on the full screen.

•On standard HDTVs, the programming is displayed in letterbox format in the middle of the screen. (There are bars surrounding the picture.)

A standard-screen HDTV has

A wide-screen HDTV is one-third

a 4:3 aspect ratio. The screen

wider than a standard-screen

is 4 units wide for every 3 units

HDTV. The screen is 16 units

tall.

wide for every 9 units tall.

——— 4 ———

———— 16 ————

3

9

Aspect Ratio: 4:3

Aspect Ratio: 16:9

Screen Resolution:

Screen Resolution:

480p or 480i

720p or 1080i

fills the screen

fills the screen

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