HDTV Frequently Asked Questions

(KRQE) - There is a lot of confusion regarding HD television. Here are some frequently asked questions...

How is HD different than digital?
High definition is the top-level resolution offered within the digital television category. Digital cable comes in three formats - standard, enhanced, and high definition. Standard has a resolution of 480i, enhanced is 480p, and high definition is 720p and 1080i. Therefore, HD is digital, but not all digital is HD.

How much do HD televisions cost?
Most television manufacturers make HDTVs in a variety of styles. You can buy HD in tubes, CRT rear projection, LCD, DLP, LCOS, and Plasma. Prices range depending on picture size and technology used, but an average price gap is $500 for a small CRT monitor upwards to $20,000 for the latest in Plasma technology.

Does my cable provider offer HDTV? If so, what do I need?
Many cable/satellite providers offer some sort of high definition programming. Usually, they charge an additional fee and require you to rent or buy a high definition receiver. However, you can lower your monthly cost buy purchasing a HD receiver at retail and online outlets. To find out terms of use and costs, contact your local cable/satellite provider.

I have the HDTV package offered by my cable/satellite provider, but don't receive the HD signal. What gives?
You're receiving the signal, but may not have the tools to get it. First, make sure you own a high definition television and receiver. If so, locate the HD channels on your programming lineup as channels are split between HD and non-HD channels. Also, verify the program you're watching is offered in HD. Many HD channels run a non-HD signal when showing non-HD programming. It's also important to note that you might need to check your televisions configurations to make sure it is set at 1080i or 720p. If it's at 480p, then you're not watching HDTV even though the program is offered in HD as 480p is the resolution of enhanced definition.

What kind of programming is offered in HD?
Programming varies from station to station, and please note that not all television stations feature high definition programming. Some of the larger channels transmitting HD programming include the four major broadcast networks, TNT, ESPN, Discovery, ESPN, and HBO. KRQE News 13 will be the first local news station in Albuquerque to broadcast in high-definition.

What does 720i and 1080p mean?
When you watch television, the picture you see is composed of many independently scanned lines. Put together, they compose the image on the screen. Interlaced and progressive are the two scanning techniques used. Lines of resolution vary for digital televisions - 480, 720, and 1080. Therefore, the resolution of a television is defined by the lines and types of scanning. A 720p resolution is a television with 720 progressive scanned lines. A 1080i resolution has 1080 interlaced scanned lines. Side-by-side, progressive scan will show a clearer picture than interlaced, but you'll notice most HD programming is shown in the 1080i resolution.

What aspect ratio does high definition come in?
A high definition signal is transmitted in a 16:9 aspect ratio. 16:9 is also known as widescreen or letter box - like the screen in movie theatres. You can buy high definition televisions with either a standard (4:3) or widescreen aspect ratio. Really, it's a matter of preference, whether you like the square or rectangular screen. Most programming can be formatted to fit whatever aspect ratio you prefer.

What kind of antenna do I need to receive over-the-air HD broadcasts?
First, don't worry about finding one that's "specially designed for HDTV." As with analog broadcasts, digital TV broadcasts can be either UHF or VHF. It's a good idea to get an antenna that can receive both, because even though most stations broadcast in the UHF band (channels 14-51), a significant number are in the VHF band (channels 2-13).

I'm a cable subscriber. What do I need to watch programs in HD?
There are a couple ways you can watch high-def cable programs. The option that will work best for you depends on the types of HD programs you want to watch, as well as which services are available from your local cable provider (check with them for details on services and pricing). Your options will usually include:

• An HDTV with a QAM tuner: Nearly all recent HDTVs include a built-in QAM digital cable tuner. If you have one of these TVs, you can connect it directly to the cable TV wall jack and watch any unscrambled channels you subscribe to, without using a set-top box. Generally, even your cable company's most basic programming package will offer some HD channels, usually including your local network stations.
• Using a high-def cable box with your HDTV: Cable providers usually encourage their HDTV-equipped subscribers to lease an HD-capable set-top box, which allows access to the maximum amount of high-def programming, including premium (scrambled) channels like HBO or Showtime. These