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Do you need more information? Here are some additional resources:
Do you have questions about how to make the switch to digital TV?
KBDI is here to help:
- E-mail us (please select how you receive our signal):
- Give us a call
Call KBDI at 303.296.1212 (or toll free at 800.727.8812) weekdays from 9am to 5pm.
DTV Conversion Hotline
If you have questions regarding the DTV conversion, you also may call the DTV conversion hotline provided by the Federal Communications Commission, 1-888-CALL-FCC (1-888-225-5322), TTY: 1-888-TELL-FCC (1-888-835-5322).
Glossary
Take a look at this list of commonly-used terms to help you navigate the new world of digital television:
AnalogThe the standard broadcast technology since the inception of television. Analog signals vary continuously, creating fluctuations in color and brightness.
Aspect RatioThe ratio of screen width to screen height. For HDTV (high-definition TV), the aspect ratio is 16:9 (16 units wide by 9 units high), much like a movie screen. Older television screens are 4:3, or nearly square.
Bandwidth
The range of frequencies over which a TV station is allocated to function.
Channel
The television broadcast frequency. The Federal Communications Commission assigns over-the-air television channels in the VHF (very high frequency) and UHF (ultra high frequency) band.
Compression
Compression refers to the reduction of the size of digital data files by removing redundant and/or non-critical information. Digital TV in the U.S. would not be possible without compression.
Converter Box
A set-top device that connects to a traditional analog television and enables it to receive digital broadcast signals via an antenna.
Digital TV (DTV)
Digital TV is the umbrella term encompassing high-definition television and several other applications, including standard-definition television, datacasting, multicasting and interactivity.
Digital Tuner
A digital tuner serves as the decoder required to receive and display digital broadcasts. It can be included inside TV sets or via a set-top box.
Dolby Digital
This is a digital surround sound technology used in movie theaters and upscale home theater systems that enhances audio. Home theater components with this technology work in conjunction with a "5.1-speaker" system (five speakers plus a low-frequency subwoofer) to produce true-to-life audio that draws the listener into the onscreen action.
Federal Communications Commission (FCC)
U.S. Government agency charged with regulating radio, television, wire, cable and satellite communications.
HDTV: "High-Definition Television"
This is the most superior video picture available in DTV. In the U.S., the 1080i and 720p formats in a 16:9 aspect ratio are the two acceptable HDTV formats. HDTV is a component of DTV.
Multicasting
Option made possible by digital technology to allow each digital broadcast station to split its bitstream into 2, 3, 4 or more individual channels of programming.
Pixel
A pixel is the smallest picture element in a TV image. The more pixels in an image, the greater the resolution.
Resolution
The amount of lines and dots (pixels) that make up a TV image. Typically, the higher the number of lines or pixels, the sharper and more detailed the picture will be.
SDTV: "Standard Definition Television"
Digital formats which do not achieve the video quality of HDTV. SDTV is at least equal, or superior to, current television pictures. It offers the ability to transmit at least four standard-quality programs simultaneously using the digital channel.
Simulcast
The broadcast of the same program simultaneously over two or more different systems or channels.
Widescreen
Widescreen generally refers to an aspect ratio of 16:9, which is the optimum viewing ratio for DTV and HDTV broadcasts. Traditional TV sets have an aspect ratio of 4:3.
Links for Additional Information
General DTV Information:
Connection Help:
Antenna & Coverage Information:
© 2008, TeamSoper-OPB
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