Analog television is the form of television broadcasting that has been used in the United States for the past 50 years. At the time of its invention, it was one of the greatest discoveries of all time. Later, as black and white analog television evolved to color, people were amazed by its ability to transmit such clear and wonderful pictures. But, analog television is quickly becoming the dinosaur as it clears way for the new technology of HDTV.
What is Analog Television?
Analog signals are transported as electronic waves, in which sounds and images are represented through changing voltage levels and frequencies. Transmitters broadcast these signals over the air and they signals are, in turn, translated into sounds and images by the television. The waves shape is, unfortunately, prone to degradation as it travels from the transmitter to the viewer’s home. In addition, factors such as household appliances and planes passing overhead can interfere with television signals. This can result in a less clear picture.
HDTV Produces a Clearer Picture
HDTV needs to be transmitted via digital television. Unlike analog television, digital television is transmitted by dividing sounds and images into small computer information components as binary code. This produces a more consistent signal, which is capable of better resisting interference. Also, there is no possibility of the computer data being misinterpreted, unlike the analog wave. Digital television sets are able to receive data consistently in order to decode it back into sounds and images. Digital television signals are free from interference and, therefore, do not develop “ghost” images or snow, as seen on analog televisions. In fact, the result is a perfect picture that is comparable to studio quality.
In addition, HDTV has much better sound quality. Just like the image, the sound is digital. The difference between analog sound and HDTV sound is comparable to the difference between the sound produced by CD’s and that produced by audiocassette tapes. Furthermore, most HDTV broadcasting offers Dolby 5.1 surround sound, which further enhances the quality of listening.
Basically, HDTV can make the television viewing experience comparable to that of watching a movie at the theatre. Analog television simply can’t compete.
FCC Regulations
Currently, digital television sets are set up to also display analog content. The current FCC plan, however, calls for stations to give up their rights to analog spectrums to the FCC by 2006 or when 85% of the households in the station’s market are capable of receiving digital television. Furthermore, the FCC is dictating that all televisions made after March 2007 have digital tuners. For most television companies, this means phasing out the production of analog televisions altogether.
When this happens, it will be necessary for analog television users to purchase digital-to-analog converters. Without one, the analog television set will be completely incapable of receiving television signals.
The majority of HD tuners currently on the market are capable of making the conversion from digital to analog, but less costly set-top-boxes will most likely be available by the time the mandated digital transition takes place. These boxes will be capable of converting the digital transmission to an analog signal for analog televisions. Still, viewers using analog televisions will not receive the extra quality and sound gained by HDTV technology. In addition, all widescreen programming will be displayed as letterboxed on an analogy television set.
Widescreen Viewing
Analog television is completely incapable of broadcasting in true widescreen format. On the other hand, HDTV’s are set up to accommodate widescreen movies and television shows. Widescreen formatting allows the shape of the picture on the television screen to resemble the shape of a movie screen, which is the way the filmmaker intended it to be seen.
In addition, sports are more enjoyable to watch on an HDTV than on an analog television. In fact, more sports action can be captured with HDTV than with an analog television set. So much of the action can be seen on an HDTV that the entire length of a football field can be viewed on the television, without making it look like the field is a long distance away from the camera.
With so many advantages to HDTV it is hard to understand why so many people continue to hang on to their analog television sets. Furthermore, within the next few years, those still clutching to their ancient analog television sets might find themselves without television unless they finally make that leap into the wave of the future, HDTV.
If you get your HDTV system set-up today, by next week there will probably be another HD channel available for you to enjoy. The FCC is requiring that all TV sets include digital tuners by 2007. They are also requiring that broadcast stations have their digital capabilities set-up by the same time. With this in mind, we all secretly know that we are all going to go digital with our TVs. The problem is that many of us are still hesitant because we do not see the variety of channels in HD that we would like to. Luckily, the more people that buy HDTV’s and products, the more channels will be offered. Cable, satellite and local broadcasting are all racing to compete in the digital and HDTV market. They have every reason to get out as many HD channels as they can, so they can lure you to sign up with them as your provider of TV. If you still need some reasons to convince you why you should have HDTV programming in your house then just see below.
All your favorite networks are becoming available in HD. You do not have to worry that all of your old viewing habits will have to change. Just about every major network is now offering much of their programming in HD. This means that mini-series, movies, the news, soap operas, children’s shows, and sports can be viewed with all of the fine resolution and surround sound of high definition technology. Some networks are currently offering all of their shows in HD, while some are offering certain shows. It will not be long before the entire major networks switch over everything, because once they get through some of the red tape; the technology is making it easier for them to send out the programs in the various formats.
All of your favorite cable or satellite stations are also making the switch. Once you see HD programming, it is difficult to go back to regular digital to watch a show on a channel which you have watched for years. Seeing nature shows in HD will really make feel like you are in the jungle, ocean or desert. Sports fans are amazed at the clarity with which they can now watch their favorite teams. Artistic montages are mesmerizing viewers from young to old. There are also some new shows which are being created especially for HD viewers. From nature-influenced, to computer enhanced history shows which recreate historical events, the amazing qualities of HD are becoming further available to consumers. These incredible quality programs are also spectacular to watch.
It is easy to find out what stations are available and which ones will be so next. All of the companies which provide TV want you to sign up for their service. They want you to be sure that they have your high definition experience at the forefront of their minds. Because of this competition, cable, satellite and local broadcasting stations are putting out as much information about their programming as they can. They are experimenting with color coded charts, schedules and lists, which allow you to find out when and which stations are in HD. You can look up your cable or satellite provider in the yellow pages and ask them to send you a list of their current HD programs. You can also look up the information on their websites, or on general interest websites which have drawn up convenient charts of service available for your area. They will also send out fliers in the mail. Be sure to ask them about what their plans are for implementing more HD channels, so you can truly compare one provider to another.
If you have a friend that already has HDTV, then ask them about which programs they currently have available. Try watching your local stations in HD, or find one of your favorite, old movies to watch in HD. Until every channel can be offered in HD, providers are making sure that the highest interest shows are available in HD. This means that even with a somewhat limited selection, depending on where you live, HDTV providers are making sure that they show you the most popular, visually stimulating and entertaining ones they can.
HDTV is a must for any sports fanatic. Having HDTV is like being there only you don’t have to drive, park, pay admission fee and you can fix your own refreshments! HDTV has revolutionized sports television. ESPN has been a leader in the trend toward broadcasting sports in HDTV. March 30, 2003 marked the first telecast of a Major League Baseball game between the Anaheim Angels and the Texas Rangers. ESPN considered the worldwide leader in sports, has transformed its network to be the world’s leader in sending out HDTV programming. Currently, ESPN is the leader in HDTV covered events along with baseball, hockey, football, and their current programming such as Sports Center and award winning Sports Century series.
The top three reasons why sports fans are switching to HDTV are:
Picture quality and resolution is one big factor that sports fans are turning to HDTV. HDTV makes you feel as if you’re on the 50-yard line and 15 rows up. You can see every inch of the field and the images are so sharp and clear, you’ll swear they’re real. With progressive image technology, the entire screen is filled from top to bottom to make you feel like you are in the seats of a movie theater. Better suited for the motion of sport, HDTV can give you the coverage of the 90-mile an hour fast ball, and just exactly where it sailed over the plate. You can clearly see the one hundred plus mph slap shots in hockey and every inch of the field in that record setting return catch and follow-up touchdown. You can even see the scuffs on the shoes of the players, and see the mud between the cleats of a pitcher. The image seen on a HDTV set has five times more detail than regular analog televisions. It makes you think you’re looking through a perfectly clean picture window with wider rectangular screens like movie theaters. Colors are rich and text is easier to read. You have to see the difference between an HDTV college basketball game and one that is telecast in analog. There is no comparison. No “ghosts” or “snow” will be found on an HDTV broadcast. You’ll see pristine clear, sharp, colorful, a put you in the arena type of broadcast. This leads us to our second top reason sports fans are switching to HDTV.
The sound quality is as advanced as the picture. Remember changing from records to tapes? The white noise is gone, and now that we have our music on CD’s its even clearer. It’s the same with HDTV. Many programs also contain six-channel surround sound so you are able to immerse yourself in the whole experience. Every game you watch will give you movie theater sound quality by surrounding you with the sounds of the game. Hear the slap of basketball shoes running down the court, the swish of the basketball as it sails through the net or the resounding sound of the backboard rebounding from a dunk shot. The sounds of the fans in the stadium or arena make you feel that you are right there. Crisp audio and higher quality supercharges every game you watch. You’ll be there, in the crowd, caught up in the excitement of every sports event you watch.
What is the third top reason sports fans are switching to HDTV? Because they want the very best sports coverage TV has to offer. When did my sports fan husband get his HDTV? Right before the Super Bowl, just like millions of other fans across the country. Digital television service was launched in the United States in November of 1998. Today, in 2005, digital TV sets are out selling the former analog versions. The Consumer Electronics Associates believe that in 2006, HDTV will outnumber the amount of analog TV’s that are sold in this country. The clarity and depth of the picture, according to a sports enthusiast is the two biggest reasons anyone would enjoy watching their favorite sports programs on HDTV. According to many sports fans, you can see the crowd in a dimensional view. It doesn’t look like cardboard cutouts and the game has a three dimensional feel to it.