Digital Television

Its Coming February 17, 2009. Do you know where your programs are?

Digital Television
What Is It?
A Totally New Television System

Digital Television
What was wrong with the old Analog system?

Digital Television
What was wrong with the old Analog system?
1930s Technology

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What was wrong with the old Analog system?
1930s Technology Black & White

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What was wrong with the old Analog system?
1930s Technology Black & White Monophonic Sound

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What was wrong with the old Analog system?
1930s Technology Black & White Monophonic Sound Maximum Screen Size: 19 inches

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What was wrong with the old Analog system?
1930s Technology Black & White Monophonic Sound Maximum Screen Size: 19 inches Kluged Retrofits: Still not close to photographic and larger-than-life quality of movies.

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Why Now? Actually it started in the 1980s

Digital Television
Why Now? Actually it started in the 1980s.
Japanese Developed Analogue High Definition TV & Began Marketing it in the US.

Digital Television
Why Now? Actually it started in the 1980s.
Japanese Developed Analogue High Definition TV & Began Marketing it in the US. Congress Feared Further Technology & Patent Drain

Digital Television
Why Now? Actually it started in the 1980s.
Congress asked American companies to develop a more/better American System Offered no government funding but instead enticed with
opportunities for patent royalties. Would conduct fly-off of all submitted systems. 4 teams of companies entered the competition.

Digital Television
Why Now? Then Why Did It Take So Long To Develop?
Broadcasters insisted on being included; i.e. the high definition system would have to fit within current licensed stations (6 MHz Bandwidth/Channel). The Japanese system had required higher bandwidth
cable and satellite distribution.

Digital Television
Why Now? Then Why Did It Take So Long To Develop?
Broadcasters insisted on being included; i.e. the high definition system would have to fit within current licensed stations (6 MHz Bandwidth/Channel). The Japanese system had required higher bandwidth
cable and satellite distribution.

FCC conducted not one, but three flyoffs over 10 years and found no system satisfactory.

Digital Television
Why Now? Then Why Did It Take So Long To Develop?
Broadcasters insisted on being included; i.e. the high definition system would have to fit within current licensed stations (6 MHz Bandwidth/Channel). The Japanese system had required higher bandwidth
cable and satellite distribution.

FCC conducted not one, but three flyoffs over 10 years and found no system satisfactory. During the third flyoff, one team proposed a digital system which showed promise.

Digital Television
Why Now? Then Why Did It Take So Long To Develop?
The four competing teams of companies and research institutions were about to drop out of the development: over 10 years of IR&D with no return in sight.

Digital Television
Why Now? Then Why Did It Take So Long To Develop?
The four competing teams of companies and research institutions were about to drop out of the development: over 10 years of IR&D with no return in sight. The FCC suggested that the four teams agree to share patent royalties and combine efforts to use the best of all proposed systems.

Digital Television
Why Now? Then Why Did It Take So Long To Develop?
The four competing teams of companies and research institutions were about to drop out of the development: over 10 years of IR&D with no return in sight. The FCC suggested that the four teams agree to share patent royalties and combine efforts to use the best of all proposed systems This Grand Alliance completed development of the current ATSC system in the mid 1990s and the FCC adopted it in 1997.

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What Is Better About Our New ATSC Television System?

Digital Television
What Is Better About Our New ATSC Television System?
Needs Fewer Channels

Digital Television
What Is Better About Our New ATSC Television System?
Needs Fewer Channels Versatile Content

Digital Television
What Is Better About Our New ATSC Television System?
Needs Fewer Channels Versatile Content HDTV Options: 1. Photographic Picture 2. Wide-Screen Like Movies 3. Discrete Surround Sound

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1. Picture Quality
Much Higher Resolution: 1 or 2 million pixels versus 230,000 for analogue broadcast or 345,000 for DVD

Digital Television
1. Picture Quality
Much Higher Resolution: 1 or 2 million pixels versus 230,000 for analogue broadcast or 345,000 for DVD Wider Color Gamut - More Saturated Colors

Digital Television
1. Picture Quality
Much Higher Resolution: 1 or 2 million pixels versus 230,000 for analogue broadcast or 345,000 for DVD Wider Color Gamut - More Saturated Colors Wider Color Gamut - Many More Hues

Digital Television
1. Picture Quality
Much Higher Resolution: 1 or 2 million pixels versus 230,000 for analogue broadcast or 345,000 for DVD Wider Color Gamut - More Saturated Colors Wider Color Gamut - Many More Hues Better Color Spatial Resolution - Patterned Versus Pastel Shirts

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2. Wide-Screen Aspect Ratio
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Resolution 4 Hor. X 4 Vert. = 16 Pixels Aspect Ratio 4:4 or 1.0 to 1.0

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2. Academy Aspect Ratio
* * * * * * * * * * * *

Resolution 4 Hor. X 3 Vert. = 12 Pixels Aspect Ratio 4:3 or 1.33:1.0 Analogue TV Has Theoretical 640 Hor. X 480 Vert. = Aspect Ratio 1.33:1.0

Digital Television
2. Wide Aspect Ratio
Typical Movie Aspect Ratios - 1.33:1.0 (Edison),1.66:1.0, 1.85:1.0, 2.05:1.0, 2.35:1.0 How can HDTV accommodate all these aspect ratios? Take the geometric mean - 1.78:1.0 Actual Pixel Counts 1280 X 720 = ~1 Megapixel; Refreshed 60 Times/Sec. 1920 X 1080 = ~2 Megapixels; Refreshed 30 Times/Sec.

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3.
5.1 Dolby Digital Surround
Left Front, Center Front, Right Front, Left Surround, Right Surround, Subwoofer Also Carries Regular Stereo For TV Speakers

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What Happens To My Old TVs When Analogue TV Is Turned Off on Feb 17, 2009? Will need a converter box
Satellite receiver Cable Box Over-The-Air Box

Picture will still be standard definition on old TV, and

will be letterboxed to accommodate wide-screen programs (or else 1. the sides of the picture will be cut off or 2. everyone will look really thin!)

Digital Television
The Coupon Progam Nielson estimates 14.3 million US households rely on

over-the-air TV. Thats 12% of the nations households. Each household can apply for up to 2 $40. coupons to spend on ATSC digital tuner boxes for analog TVs. Congress has allotted $1.5 B for the program to be administered via the National Telecommunications and Information Administration. = 33.5 Million Coupons. Boxes are expected to sell for $50. - $70. 250 major retailers have been approved to sell them. More than 1 million households have requested and received coupons so far. http://www.ntia.doc.gov/dtvcoupon/

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What do I need to know to buy a new HDTV? Must have:
ATSC Tuner

Digital Television
What do I need to know to buy a new HDTV? Must have:
ATSC Tuner QAM Tuner

Digital Television
What do I need to know to buy a new HDTV? Must have:
ATSC Tuner QAM Tuner Pixel Count At Least 1280 X 720 (720p)

Digital Television
What do I need to know to buy a new HDTV? Must have:
ATSC Tuner QAM Tuner (Basic Cable) Pixel Count At Least 1280 X 720 (720p) Diagonal Size = ~ 1/2 Viewing Distance

Digital Television
What do I need to know to buy a new HDTV? Nice to have:
HDMI Hookup (Still Has Bugs)

Digital Television
What do I need to know to buy a new HDTV? Nice to have:
HDMI Hookup (Still Has Bugs) Cable Card

Digital Television
What do I need to know to buy a new HDTV? Nice to have:
HDMI Hookup (Still Has Bugs) Cable Card Pixel Count: 1920 X 1080 (1080I or 1080P)

Digital Television
What do I need to know to buy a new HDTV? Nice to have:
HDMI Hookup (Still Has Bugs) Cable Card Pixel Count: 1920 X 1080 (1080I or 1080P) 120 Hz Refresh or 60/72 Hz Refresh

Digital Television
What do I need to know to buy a new HDTV? Nice to have:
HDMI Hookup (Still Has Bugs) Cable Card Pixel Count: 1920 X 1080 (1080I or 1080P) 120 Hz Refresh or 60/72 Hz Refresh 3D Ready

Digital Television
What do I need to know to buy a new HDTV? Nice to have:
HDMI Hookup (Still Has Bugs) Cable Card Pixel Count: 1920 X 1080 (1080I or 1080P) 120 Hz Refresh or 60/72 Hz Refresh 3D Ready More Color Ready Deep Color (10-14 bits/Primary) xvYCC Extended Color (LED, Laser Illumination)

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What Do I Need To Know To Buy A New TV? How Do I Judge Picture Performance?
Brightness (Red Herring - only relevant for very bright rooms)

Digital Television
What Do I Need To Know To Buy A New TV? How Do I Judge Picture Performance?
Brightness (Red Herring - only relevant for very bright rooms) Color Accuracy - Do they look natural?

Digital Television
What Do I Need To Know To Buy A New TV? How Do I Judge Picture Performance?
Brightness (Red Herring - only relevant for very bright rooms) Color Accuracy - Do they look natural? Shadow Detail

Digital Television
What Do I Need To Know To Buy A New TV? How Do I Judge Picture Performance?
Brightness (Red Herring - only relevant for very bright rooms) Color Accuracy - Do they look natural? Shadow Detail Instantaneous Contrast

Digital Television
What Do I Need To Know To Buy A New TV? How Do I Judge Picture Performance?
Brightness (Red Herring - only relevant for very bright rooms) Color Accuracy - Do they look natural? Shadow Detail Instantaneous Contrast Motion Persistence?

Digital Television
What Do I Need To Know To Buy A New TV? How Do I Judge Picture Performance?
Brightness (Red Herring - only relevant for very bright rooms) Color Accuracy - Do they look natural? Shadow Detail Instantaneous Contrast Motion Persistence? Contouring?

Digital Television
What Do I Need To Know To Buy A New TV? How Do I Judge Picture Performance?
Brightness (Red Herring - only relevant for very bright rooms) Color Accuracy - Do they look natural? Shadow Detail Instantaneous Contrast Motion Persistence? Contouring? Off Axis Viewing (Depends on seating). Brightness Diminishes Colors Change

Digital Television
What Type Of HDTV Format Should I Buy?
Rear Projection - Best Value. New models are no deeper than Flat Panels on their
stands.

Front Projection - Best to Suspend Disbelief Picture Tube Smaller Size & Heavy, But Extremely Good Picture In Many Ways Flat Panel Lifestyle Choice, Lifestyle Cost. Vary Greatly in Picture Quality.

Digital Television
What Type Of HDTV Technology Should I Buy? Alphabet Soup, But You Need to Know: CRT Front Projectors and Direct View Sets Analog Picture Resolution Superb Color Accuracy Superb Contrast Superb Blacks Superb Off Axis Viewing Limited In Brightness Lose Brightness With Age Susceptible to Burn-in Limited In Size for Direct View Very Heavy Hard To Find

Digital Television
What Type Of HDTV Technology Should I Buy? Alphabet Soup, But You Need to Know: 3LCD Front Projectors and Rear Projection Sets Digital Picture Resolution - many 1920 X 1080 Screen Door Effect - Acceptable Pixel Fill Mediocre Contrast - but gradually improving Mediocre Blacks - but gradually improving Mediocre Off Axis Viewing (Rear Projection) Good Brightness Brightness Ages Some, but Restores w. New Bulb Bulb Life 2000 - 4000 Hours. Cost $300. - $400. Cheapest Projectors and Projection Sets

Digital Television
What Type Of HDTV Technology Should I Buy? Alphabet Soup, But You Need to Know: DLP Front Projectors and Rear Projection Sets Digital Picture Resolution - many 1920 X 1080 Color Wheel Can Cause Fringing - hence multispeed. Extended Color Gamut with Optional 6 Primary Colors Screen Door Effect - Very Good Pixel Fill Good Contrast - and keeps improving Good Blacks - and keeps improving Mediocre Off Axis Viewing (Rear Projection) Good Brightness Brightness Ages Some, but Restores w. New Bulb Bulb Life 2000 - 4000 Hours. Cost $300. - $400. Wide Range Of Price Performance. 3 DLP the Best

Digital Television
What Type Of HDTV Technology Should I Buy? Alphabet Soup, But You Need to Know: LCOS (D-ILA & SXRD) Front Projectors and Rear Projection Sets Digital Picture Resolution - many 1920 X 1080 Screen Door Effect - Very Good Pixel Fill Good Contrast - and keeps improving Good Blacks - and keeps improving Mediocre Off Axis Viewing (Rear Projection) Good Brightness Brightness Ages Some, but Restores w. New Bulb Bulb Life 2000 - 4000 Hours. Cost $300. - $400. Price Competitive with DLP

Digital Television
What Type Of HDTV Technology Should I Buy? Alphabet Soup, But You Need to Know: Plasma Flat Panels Digital Picture Resolution - some 1920 X 1080, many 1340
X 768, Beware 1024 X 768 (43 inch) Screen Door Effect - Very Good Pixel Fill Good To Great Contrast - Rivals CRT Good to Great Blacks - Rivals CRT Superb Off Axis Viewing - Rivals CRT Good Brightness Rich Colors 40,000 Hour Predicted Life But Will Love Brightness w. Age Susceptible to Burn-In Expensive, But Cheaper Than Flat Panel LCD for Large Sizes

Digital Television
What Type Of HDTV Technology Should I Buy? Alphabet Soup, But You Need to Know: LCD Flat Panels Digital Picture Resolution - Many 1920 X 1080, Some
1280 X 720, Beware 1080 X 1080, Many SD (Smaller) Brightest Display Technology Least Refined Display Technology - Digital Grain Screen Door Effect - Acceptable Pixel Fill Mediocre Contrast - But Gradually improving Mediocre Blacks - But Gradually Improving Poor Off Axis Viewing - Brightness and Color Shifts Wide Range of Picture Quality & Prices, but Getting Ever Cheaper To Produce - Rivals CRT in Cost for Small Screen Sizes and Is Sexier Will Eventually Rule The Mass Market

Digital Television
What Happens When I Get The Set Home? Programming Sources:
Over-The-Air Free: All local stations now have digital channels. Needs a good antenna.

During set-up your set will scan for them and store.

Digital Television
What Happens When I Get The Set Home? Programming Sources:
Over-The-Air Free: All local stations now have digital channels. Needs a good antenna.

During set-up your set will scan for them and store.

Time-Warner Cable: Some local digital stations available but not NBC or WB. + Optional HD Cable Network Tier + HD Premium Channels Available

Digital Television
What Happens When I Get The Set Home? Programming Sources:
Over-The-Air Free: All local stations now have digital channels. Needs a good antenna.

During set-up your set will scan for them and store.

Time-Warner Cable: Some local digital stations available but not NBC or WB. + Optional HD Cable Network Tier + HD Premium Channels Available Satellite: No local digital channels available yet.

DirectTV: More HD Every Week As Cable Networks Convert. Rumored Reformatted to 1440 X 1080 Dish Network: More HD Every Week As Cable Networks Convert + 15 original HD networks from Voom. Better Picture Quality

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Cable Networks In HD
Basic Networks:
A&E ESPN2 National Geog. TNT Animal Planet Food Network Science Channel NFL Discovery Golf Channel TBS ESPN HGTV TLC

Premium Networks:
Big 10 Cinemax HBO Showtime Starz

HD Only Networks:
HDNet HDNet Movies HD News HD Theater Universal HD

Voom HD Only Networks (Dish Network Satellite Only):

Animania Gallery Monsters Ultra Equator Gameplay Rave World Cinema Family Room Kung Fu Rush WorldSport Film Fest MHD Treasure

Digital Television
Collecting HD Programs
Digital VHS


Use D-VHS or S-VHS Tape 2 1/2 Hrs HD/Tape - 3 hours of TV Minus Commercials Simple Operation via Firewire from DVR Also Records/Plays Regular Tapes HD Movies Available on D-Theater Tapes for 5 Years

Blu-Ray:
Different Dimensions From DVD Require New Factories To Produce Most Discs So Far Are Single Layer 25 Gbytes/Layer Players Sold 2007: 600,000 (Not Including Playstation) Starting Price: $400.

Digital Television
Collecting HD Programs
HD-DVD: Cheaper Players & Discs

Discs Have Same Structure As DVDs Discs & Players Are Cheaper To Produce Discs Can Be Produced In Regular DVD Factories Most Discs Are Dual Layer 15 Gbytes/Layer More Interaction Capability; Fully Ramped Up from Start Some Dual Discs: SD & HD on Same Disc Players Sold in 2007: 900,000 Player Prices Start $150.

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Blue-Laser-Disc Format War
Studios Supporting Only Blu-Ray:
Columbia Miramax Screen Gems Tristar Fox MGM Sony Pictures Walt Disney Pictures Lionsgate Pixar Touchstone Warner Bros.

Studios Supporting Only HD-DVD:

Bandai Visual DVD International HDNet Interscope Weinstein Dreamworks Dreamworks Animation Image Entertainment Paramount Universal

Studios Supporting Both:

Concert Hot Spot HBO Discovery Channel Magnolia New Line Eagle Rock

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Digital Audio Formats Audio Formats:
Sample Size (Bits) Sample Rate (Samples/Second) # Channels Compression Data Rate (Kilobits/Second) Satellite & HD Radio 16 44,100 2 Lossy 40-60 Dolby Digital 16 44.1 5.1 Lossy 384 mp3 16 44,100 2 Lossy 60-180 dts 16, 24 44,100-96,000 5.1 Lossy 750 CD 16 44,100 2 None 1500 Dolby Digital True HD 24 96,000 7.1 Lossless As Needed SACD 1 2,200,000 2 - 5.1 None 9216 dts Master Audio 24 96,000 7.1 Lossless As Needed DVD-Audio 24 96,000 5.1 Lossless 9216

Video Formats:
Sample Size (Bits) Sample Rate (Samples/Second) # Channels Compression Data Rate (Kilobits/Second)

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Home Theater Questions?