Digital TV 101

Consumer Tip:
Beware the bargain bin. Obsolete TVs must carry a warning label, advising you that the TV will not work after February of 2009.

Consumer Tip:
Just because a TV is big doesn't mean the picture quality is better. A 50" TV can be only 720, and a 32" TV can be a higher resolution 1080. Look at the 720/1080 screen resolution numbers, not the screen size.

Consumer Tip:
Does "i" or "p" matter to you? Watch several sets side by side. When letters appear on the screen, look at the curves in the letters. Do they seem jagged or clean to you? Look to see if the set you like is "i" or "p," and you'll have your answer.

Consumer Tip:
Learn how to measure a TV. Old sets were measured diagonally, new sets horizontally. But consumer confusion has led to some stores measuring new TVs diagonally too. Your best bet? Take a tape measure and check for yourself. And remember -- the size they list is only the size of the screen, not the TV cabinet.

Q: Will I need a special antenna to receive DTV over-the-air?

A: If you need a rooftop antenna to receive analog TV broadcasts, the same antenna generally will work to receive digital TV broadcasts. You should not have to purchase new antennas that are marketed as "digital ready" or "HD ready."

Q: What about my VCR, DVD player, camcorder, and gaming console? Will I be able to use them with a digital television set?

A: Yes. Digital television sets are "backward compatible," meaning existing analog equipment (VCRs, DVD players, camcorders, video games, etc.) will work on digital TV sets.

Q: Cable and satellite operators offer a digital package. Is this the same as HDTV?

A: No. "Digital" and high definition programming are not the same. If you want to watch HDTV programming on cable or satellite, you will need to subscribe to your provider's HDTV package and view the programming on an HDTV set. You may also need a set-top box or new satellite dish to view HDTV programming. Check with your cable or satellite provider to find out what kind of programming you can receive, and what equipment you'll need to receive it.