DTV Glossary
DTV (Digital Television)
Uses digital pulses to transmit pictures and sound. The signal is still transmitted off of a tower and is subject to the changes in the topography. Broadcasters have been required to transmit a digital signal since 2005.
Analog TV
Uses radio waves to transmit pictures and sound. These signals are more susceptible to interference than a digital signal. The waves also take up more spectrum space than a comparable digital signal.
TV Converter Box
Converts digital signals for viewing on an analog TV.
LCD
Image created from a light source, electrical current and liquid crystal solution.
Plasma
Image created from glowing ionized gas.
CRT
Image created using a Cathode Ray Tube. Some of these models have digital capability! Check your manual or manufacturer's website for more information.
ATSC
The Advanced Television Systems Committee, Inc. An international, non-profit organization developing voluntary standards for digital television. www.atsc.org
HDTV
High Definition Television. For a history and more information about HDTV, please visit Wikipedia.
HDMI
High-Definition Multimedia Interface. A compact audio/video connector interface for transmitting
uncompressed digital streams. It represents a digital alternative to
consumer analog standards such as Radio Frequency (RF) coaxial cable, composite video, S-Video, SCART, component video, D-Terminal, and VGA.
