Bandwidth Limitations

HDTV means a bandwidth of 18 MHz. Therefore, if you decide to move on to HDTV there is a problem, since the current terrestrial channel allocations are limited to 6 MHz only.

This way there are three options available to terrestrial broadcast. First, to change the channel allocation system from 6 MHz to 20 Mhz; second, to compress the HDTV signal to fit inside the 6 MHz; and third, to allocate multiple channels for the HDTV signal. Out of the three options, only the third one allows compatibility.
HDTV: Myths and Realities
There are so many things to consider before buying a HDTV, given the significant amount of confusions it has created. Most of them are simply myths. We have tried to cover some common concerns regarding HDTV.

 

Myth: DTV is the same as HDTV

Reality: No. DTV is just another term for Digital TV. DTV is a technology, in which signal is broadcast or received digitally. HDTV is one type of DTV transmission. Where DTV improves picture and sound over analog signals, HDTV offers the highest resolution picture and sound, all digitally.

 

Myth: Digital cable is the same as HDTV

Reality: No. Digital cable is just an improvement of picture and sound quality over regular analog cable, but in no way it is of high definition.

 

Myth: Non-HDTV programs cannot be viewed in HDTV

Reality: It is not completely true. You can watch non-HDTV programs on HDTV, but picture quality will suffer a little. Black and gray bars may appear on the left and right side of the screen to set the image in 4:3 aspect ratio.

 

Myth: We need to fiddle with a switch or wire when changing from satellite to antenna signal.

Reality: The HDTV automatically detects a HDTV station, whether it is being received via antenna or satellite. You just have to use the remote control to change channels.

 

Myth: All Digital TVs are HDTV compatible

Reality: No, this is not true. Not all Digital TVs are HDTV compatible.

 

Myth: The quality of HDTV varies with satellite, cable, and antenna

Reality: Quality of picture remains the same irrespective of whether you are receiving signals through antenna, cable or satellite.