Background
Digital Television (DTV) is a new broadcasting technology that will transform your television viewing experience.  DTV enables broadcasters to offer television with movie-quality picture and sound.  It can also offer multiple programming choices and interactive capabilities.

Why are TV broadcasters switching to DTV?

• DTV broadcast technology is more flexible and efficient than today's more widespread broadcast technology, which is called "analog."
• For example, rather than being limited to providing one analog programming signal, a broadcaster will be able to provide a sharp "high definition" (HDTV) program or multiple "standard definition" digital programs simultaneously.  Providing several program streams using the digital spectrum is called "multicasting."  The number of programs a station can send using the digital spectrum depends on the level of picture detail, also known as "resolution," desired in each programming stream.  DTV can provide picture resolution, interactive video, and data services that easily surpass the capabilities of "analog" technology.
• Converting to DTV also will free up parts of the scarce and valuable broadcast spectrum.  Those portions of the spectrum can then be used for other important services, such as public and safety services (police and fire departments, emergency rescue), and advanced wireless services.

What is High Definition TV (HDTV)?

HDTV is a type of DTV service.  HDTV provides high resolution programming in a widescreen format.  HDTV programs include Dolby digital surround similar to the sound used in movie theaters and on DVDs.

Resolution
A current analog TV picture can provide resolution of up to 480 horizontal lines.  An HDTV picture can provide resolution of up to 1080 lines, providing improved picture detail.  There are several different formats of HDTV in use today.  This chart shows the most popular formats, beginning with analog TV.

Format Name:  This number refers to the number of lines of resolution.  Usually, the higher the number, the better the picture quality.  If the Format Name has an "i" or a "p," it is a digital signal. 
The "i" refers to an Interlaced Scan--means the TV draws line 1 of the image, then line 3, then line 5, and every odd numbered line from there.  Then it comes back and draws every even numbered line.  This is the way regular TVs work.
The "p" refers to a Progressive Scan--means the TV draws line 1 of the image, then line 2, then line 3, and every line thereafter until it reaches the bottom of the screen. 
A Progressive Scan image looks sharper and clearer than an Interlaced Scan image.

Widescreen Format
Aspect ratio is a comparison of screen width to screen height.  Analog TV has an aspect ratio of 4 by 3, which means the screen is 4 inches wide for every 3 inches high.  Widescreen HDTV format has an aspect ratio of 16 by 9.   

Not all digital TVs are HDTVs

SDTV, or Standard Digital Television, represents the first step in the move away from traditional analog.   Though the picture is significantly superior to analog, it only represents the “basic” level of quality in digital transmission.

EDTV, or Enhanced Definition Television, is a step up from SDTV, but it is not of the quality experienced with HDTV. EDTV describes a television that can display HD content but at lower resolutions than true HDTV. Nevertheless, EDTV displays are still far superior to standard analog displays.

At the top of its class, HDTV provides the highest quality resolution and picture quality of all digital broadcast formats.  Thus, HDTV and DTV are NOT the same thing, rather HDTV is one available format in the class of Digital Television.               

When will the DTV transition be complete?
TV stations serving all markets in the United States are airing digital television programming today, although most will continue to provide analog programming through February 17, 2009.  At that point, full-power TV stations will cease broadcasting on their current analog channels, and the spectrum they use for analog broadcasting will be reclaimed and put to other uses. 

How do I get DTV?

• Non-FMCTC Cable TV Subscriber:  Receiving DTV signals over the air requires an antenna and a receiver than can decode the digital signals.  In general, an antenna that provides quality reception of over-the-air analog TV signals (VHF and UHF) will work for DTV reception.
• FMCTC Cable TV Subscriber:  You need DTV equipment to view our DTV programming in digital format.  We recommend a HDTV set with an integrated Digital Quam 256 Tuner. 

  Many stores feature what they call HDTVs.  Many models claim “HD-ready,” meaning it can support high-definition programming—not that it is ‘ready.’  An HD-ready set has the ability to display HD content, but it still requires an external HD tuner. As we make conversions to a digital system, and if you want to enjoy the benefits of high-definition content, you will need to have a compatible digital tuner.  If you aren’t ready for HD yet, an HDTV-ready set will allow you to upgrade in the future by adding an external HD tuner.

  FMCTV is currently broadcasting the following DTV channels:

  	3.1	KMTV-HD, CBS Omaha
  	4.1	KTIV-HD, NBC Sioux City
  	4.2	KTIV-CW, NBC Sioux City
  	6.1	WOWT-HD, NBC Omaha
  	6.2	620, Omaha
  	7.1	KETV-HD, ABC Omaha
  	7.2	KETV Weather NOW, Omaha
  	9.1	KCAU-HD, ABC Sioux City
  	15.1	KXVO-HD
  	15.2	TVision
  	26.1	NET1 PBS, Nebraska
  	26.2	NET2 PBS, Nebraska
  	26.3	NET3 PBS, Nebraska
  	36.1	KDIH
  	36.2	KDIH-HD
  	42.1	KPTM-HD, Fox Omaha
  	42.2	MyNet

Will I need a new TV if I have an analog TV?

When broadcast stations stop analog service, you still will be able to use your analog TV set with a set-top converter box.  Converter boxes for analog TVs receiving over-the-air broadcasts will be available in retail stores at that time.  These boxes receive digital signals and convert them into analog format for display on your analog TV.  Beginning in 2008, your household may be able to obtain up to two coupons worth $40 each toward the purchase of converter boxes.  The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) has responsibility for administering the coupon program, and will issue rules regarding the coupons in the future.  Additional information will be forthcoming. 

Remember, even with a set-top converter box, your current analog TV will not display the full picture quality of DTV.  To enjoy the full picture quality, you must have a DTV set or a separate DTV receiver and a digital display monitor.  By March 2007, all TVs (and other devices that are designed to receive broadcasts television signals) are required to have digital tuners built in. 

What do DTV sets look like and what will they cost?
Most DTV sets have wider screens than current analog TVs.  The wider screens allow for wider images that are similar to those you see in a movie theater.  DTV sets come in a range of sizes. 

As with most new consumer electronics technologies, DTV sets have become less expensive since their introduction a few years ago.  Prices are expected to continue to fall over time and will vary depending on screen size, display technology, and other features. 

What is the difference between Integrated DTVs and Digital Monitors?
An Integrated DTV set is a digital television with a built-in digital receiver and decoder.  If you have an Integrated DTV and subscribe to FMCTV, you will receive our DTV broadcast programming.  Integrated TVs also can receive and display current analog signals. 

In contrast, a digital monitor is not capable of receiving and tuning DTV programming without additional equipment. 

Will Integrated DTVs and Digital Monitors display HDTV?
Integrated DTV sets and digital monitors do not necessarily display programming in full HDTV format.  Some integrated sets and monitors will display DTV in lower-resolution "enhanced definition" or "standard definition" format.  So although sets may be marketed with labels or descriptions that imply HDTV resolution, check before purchasing if you want HDTV quality. 

Why can't we have both DTV and the TV system we now have?
First of all, the government is requiring the analog-to-digital conversion, and it must be completed by February 17, 2009. 

Broadcast and wireless services depend on the use of the airwaves.  DTV technology is much more efficient than the current analog technology and will allow the broadcast of more program content using less broadcast spectrum.  Transitioning to digital broadcasting will free up resources for public safety and other new and innovative services for American consumers. 

For more information about DTV, visit the FCC's website at www.dtv.gov

Source:  Federal Communications Commission

FMCTC Cable TV is available in the following towns/areas: Corley, Defiance, Earling, Hancock, Irwin, Jacksonville, Kirkman, Panama, Tennant, Westphalia, and Cresthaven, Ridge Road, and Kingswood Lane housing developments.