High Definition HDTV
Market research suggests that more than 4.5 million households in Europe will switch on to HDTV by 2008. HDTV gives superior quality images compared with standard definition TV images, but they need to be filmed on special cameras. The HDTV market is associated with expensive flat-panel televisions. But HD signals can also be received for about one-third of the price on HD-capable cathode ray tube sets, which are forecast to form the bulk of sales in Europe.

Viewers also have to buy an HD-compatible set-top box.

What is HDTV?
High definition television (HDTV) is a new kind of television system that involves improvements in both the production and reception of television broadcasts. The most distinguishing features of HDTV are the aspect ratio and increased lines of resolution. HDTV's aspect ratio is 16:9 (Width:Height) as opposed to 4:3 of the current NTSC system. This will make the home theater atmosphere exactly as it was meant to be. Films will retain their original size and resolution, and the sound can be delivered in "digital-quality" 5-channel digital audio.

What do "analog" and "digital" mean, and how are they different?
Analog refers to the signal format used to transmit today's television, also called NTSC. Digital signals also can transmit television, but they are much more efficient and can carry many times more information than analog. The highest quality digital TV signals will be high-definition or HDTV, are defined as either 720 lines or 1080 lines of vertical resolution. While the signals are different, today's analog sets will be able to receive the new digital signals by using a TeVCA adapter box.

Who is going to broadcast the new digital TV programs?
The FCC has authorized and mandated all U.S. TV stations currently broadcasting analog television to set up and operate second channels for digital television. This means that your local analog channel 4, for example, also will provide digital programming on another channel. You'll still be able to watch channel 4, but the same station will have digital programs for HDTV on its other channel. Every station will be able to operate two channels until 2006 when, the FCC will phase out our current analog TV broadcasting.

Should I wait before I buy a new TV?
Conventional NTSC analog broadcasting will continue for some time up until 2006 when analog broadcast will cease. Any NTSC TV bought today will be able to work well beyond the digital deadline of 2006 with use of a set-top box, giving you the best sound and picture performance it has to offer. The cost of set top boxes and complete digital televisions are likely to come down over the next several years.

Why would I want to buy an HDTV set?
Digital television and its centerpiece application, HDTV, represent an advance in TV technology even more significant than the introduction of color. Besides delivering much clearer images and six-channel surround sound, HDTV lets you watch motion pictures the way they were intended to be seen: on a wide 16-by-9 screen, one-third wider than today's 4-by-3 screens. In addition to its entertainment and home theater uses, digital TV will offer a variety of interactive applications. With a wider picture, over 1000 lines of resolution, and more than five times sharper than today's television, digital TV is capable of delivering virtually any combination of video, audio and data to the home. ®

Related Link
http://www.hdtv.net/faq.htm