Frequently Asked Questions About HDTV
What is Digital Television?
Digital television (DTV) is a huge leap forward in television technology compared to analog television that has been widely available since the 1940s. DTV is delivered and displayed using digital encoding, similar to the way a PC operates. By using digital technology, there is no variation in picture and sound quality from the origination point until it is displayed on your television. You always receive a high-quality picture without the wavy lines or static you might sometimes get from a weak analog signal.
Because DTV receives and displays digital images that contain many times more picture elements (pixels - the small dots that make up the color image on your screen) than standard analog television, you can get a sharper on-screen image than with analog. Additionally, DTV supports CD-quality sound. DTV includes SDTV (Standard Definition Television), EDTV (Enhanced Definition Television), and HDTV (High-Definition Television). That means that all HDTV is digital, but not all digital TV is high-definition. A high-definition program must originate in HD format and be broadcast in HD format. Having an HDTV system does not mean that everything you watch will be in high-definition. Getting the signal from digital cable also does not mean it is high-definition.
What is Standard-Definition Television?
Standard-definition television (SDTV) is basic digital television programming delivered by cable. Typically, the SDTV screen is the same, nearly square shape as an analog television screen. Digital images on an SDTV set are crisp and clear—noticeably better than on a standard analog television set using an antenna to receive over-the-air signals.
What is High-Definition Television?
High-definition television (HDTV) is a completely new way to send and receive television broadcast signals. HDTV images are made up of pixels that are much smaller and closer together than those used in standard analog television, and there are millions of them. Thus, HDTV can display five to six times the detail of analog television to deliver picture quality that is much more realistic, dimensional, and precise. SDTV programs can be viewed on an HDTV. Another feature of HDTV is digital surround sound using Dolby® Digital, which is the same technology used to produce the sound you hear in movie theaters.
Are Local TV Stations Broadcasting in HDTV?
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, once they begin broadcasting in digital, are offering HD content from their parent network (for example, CBS, ABC, NBC, Fox, WB, UPN, and PBS).
What is a CableCard?
A CableCard is a multi-stream card that allows the set-top box to decrypt subscription digital channels. The card fits into the CableCard slot on the back of the 8300HDC (see page 3 for the location of the slot). You can obtain a CableCard from your cable service provider.
Where Are the Connection Diagrams?
The diagrams at the end of this guide show examples of common ways to connect the 8300HDC to your HDTV, DVD, and home theater receiver. However, these diagrams do not show every possible combination of devices. Refer to the user’s guides that came with your other electronic devices for further information.
What Cables Do I Need?
Some of the cables and adaptors shown in the diagrams may not be included with the 8300HDC. Some of the required cables are shown in the connection diagrams and on page 2 of this guide.