• On mySimon: Pea Coats Are Another Wardrobe Staple

HD and Digital TV: What's the story? Video

To play this video, you need Javascript enabled and the latest version of Flash installed. Install Flash now
HD and Digital TV: What's the story?
Created: 08/07/2008
Video description: In this Quick Tip, Brian Cooley breaks down the difference between digital TV and HDTV, and what it means for you when the U.S. switches to a digital signal in February 2009.

HD and Digital TV: What's the story? Video Transcript

[ Music ] ^M00:00:02

>> There's a lot of confusion around HDTV and digital TV, and how they relate. Let me explain. In February 2009, all over the air TV broadcasts in the US become digital TV. Your old analog television is going to need to a converter like this, or you may just want to buy a new digital TV, which will probably be an HDTV. But remember, a digital TV signal is not necessarily a hi-def signal. There will be lots of standard definition stuff being broadcast on digital TV. So just because you have an HDTV doesn't mean you'll suddenly see everything in hi-def starting February '09. Digital TV and HDTV happily co-exist on the same television, but one looks a lot better than the other. All HDTVs with tuners have digital tuners. Now, in practicality, most TVs, except for some little tiny kitchen and bathroom size sets are HDTVs with these digital tuners. So when you go buy a new TV today, you're typically taking care of both the HD and the digital switch. ^M00:01:07 [ Music ]

Related Videos

Cutting edge HDTV

If you are looking to future-proof your HDTV purchase, then terms such as 1080p and 720p are very important. In this Quick Tip, Brian Cooley breaks down exactly what these terms mean and how it can help you in your HDTV purchase.

Quick Tips: Get ready for Digital TV

In February 2009, the U.S. Converts to digital TV broadcasting. Brian Cooley shows you what to do and what you need so your old analog TV doesn't turn black.

Set your aspect ratio

In this Quick Tip, Brian Cooley runs through the different types of aspect ratios that your HDTV can read.

Optical vs. digital zoom

In this beginner's digital camera lesson, Brian Cooley explains the difference between optical and digital zoom.

HDTV settings demystified

If you feel overwhelmed with the numerous settings in your HDTV, don't fret; Brian Cooley shows you what they mean and how to use them.

Samsung Thin Ground Breaking LED TV

Brian Tong takes a look at the Samsung Thin Ground Breaking LED TV at CES 2009.

The right megapixels

Brian Cooley outlines the rules when deciding how many megapixels are right for you when buying a digital camera.

Make a great PowerPoint presentation

Brian Cooley breaks down the tips on how you can make an engaging and entertaining PowerPoint presentation.

Best-selling hybrids of Q1, 2009

Brian Cooley counts down the Top 5 best-selling hybrids of 2009, and none of them is the Toyota Prius.

Quick Tips: Pick the right size HDTV

Buying the right size HDTV is something people anguish over. In this Quick Tip, Brian Cooley gives you some advice on the right formula to help you make the right choice.