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Understanding HDTV
High-definition television combines high-resolution digital
television with digital sound. It is bigger, sharper, and better than
anything you have previously experienced in home entertainment.
If you’re new to the world of HDTV, here are a few basic terms and
concepts to help you get the most out of the experience.
HDTV Receiver. An HDTV receiver decodes high-definition
video signals for display on your TV. The TiVo DVR combines
an HDTV receiver with a digital video recorder. It also receives
ATSC (digital) and NTSC (standard) antenna signals.
High-Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI). HDMI is an
uncompressed, all-digital audio/video interface for electronic
devices. HDMI improves on DVI in that it sends both high-
definition video and digital audio signals through a single cable.
Digital Visual Interface (DVI). DVI describes a type of video
connection found on many HDTVs. DVI allows a true digital
connection for video signals and other digital information. To
connect the TiVo DVR to a TV’s DVI jack, you’ll need an
HDMI-to-DVI adapter or HDMI-to-DVI cable (sold separately).
Dolby® Digital Audio. Programs broadcast with Dolby Digital
audio have six audio channels, each of which can be heard on
one of six separate speakers. To hear Dolby Digital audio, use an
optical digital audio cable (sold separately) or the HDMI cable
(supplied) to connect your TiVo DVR to an A/V receiver or
home theater system that supports Dolby Digital audio.
Aspect Ratio. A TV’s aspect ratio is the comparison of the
screen’s width to its height: either the standard 4:3 screen or
16:9 widescreen. For more about this setting, see page 57.
Aspect Correction. Aspect correction is required when the aspect
ratio of the broadcast picture and the screen size of the TV don’t
match. The ASPECT button on the DVR remote lets you
quickly change how a picture is displayed while watching TV.
Aspect correction offers three modes to fit the broadcast picture
to your TV screen: Full stretches the picture, Panel adds letterbox
or side bars to the picture, and Zoom expands and crops the
picture, eliminating bars that may be in the broadcast. For tips on
using Aspect Correction, see page page 56.
Video Formats
TV programs are broadcast in a variety of video formats. The TiVo
DVR can display video on your TV in exactly the same format as
it’s broadcast, or it can convert the video format to suit your TV.
Video Output Format. Choose the Video Output Format you
want the TiVo DVR to use based on the formats your TV can
display. Check your TV’s owner’s manual to be sure. Then go to
the TiVo Central® screen and select Messages & Settings, then
Settings, then Video, then Video Output Format.