Here's a brief guide to the world of Digital and High Definition TV. CBS 5 hopes you find it useful as a buying tool and reference guide.

What is the difference between Digital and High Definition?

The short answer is that all High Definition is digital but Digital is not necessarily High Definition. Digital TV can be both High Definition and Standard Definition.

If I own an HDTV set, what is the best way to see CBS 5 in High Definition?

As long as you are working with an HD capable set, you can view all available HD programming on CBS 5 through a variety of options. First if you own a UHF antenna you can get an over the air signal on digital channel 5.1.

If you are a cable subscriber most cable companies carry our HD programming as long as you have an HD capable cable box.

CBS 5 is available in HD through these cable providers (remember you must have an HD compatible cable box):

1. Cox Cable Phoenix, Channel 705
2. Quest Broadband, Channel 305
3. Cable One Prescott, Channel 460
4. Western Broadband, Channel 705
5. Orbitel Communications, Channel 905

HD programming is available for satellite subscribers. Check with your provider to confirm your options.

What CBS 5 programs are currently available in HD?

Currently CBS offers most all of its primetime non-news programs in HD. In addition to prime programming you can expect to see sports and specials like the Super Bowl and the Grammy awards in High Definition. The Late Show with David Letterman is also in HD.

Why are there black or gray columns on the side of my screen?

Due to the formatting or aspect ratio of current analog programs which is how we still broadcast many programs we have to up-convert the video for you to view on your HDTV. Most HD sets are the new wide screen format. When programming does not originate in the wide-screen format it will not fill the extra space available on your wide screen TV. The unused space comes across as the black/grey sometimes blue columns.

Why don’t you broadcast all HD programs in the wide screen format? At this point all HD programming provided is wide screen formatted. When we up-convert a standard analog program to the HD format, some TVs may indicate that you are watching HD programming but in fact you are not.

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" 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.

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?

Receiving DTV signals over the air requires an antenna and a receiver that 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.Cable subscribers may need new DTV equipment to view DTV programming in digital format. You should ask your cable provider what you will need and when.Cable subscribers may buy a “Digital Cable Ready” (DCR) or “Plug-and-Play” television that plugs directly into the cable jack and does not require a separate set-top box. In order to receive scrambled programming and premium one-way services, cable subscribers with a DCR TV will need to obtain a CableCARD from their cable company. Alternatively, cable subscribers may lease a separate set-top box from their cable provider or buy one at a retail outlet. Satellite subscribers may need new DTV equipment to receive and view high-definition digital programming. You should ask your satellite company what you will need and when. A list of the operating DTV stations is available at www.dtv.gov. Satellite TV providers and most cable television systems are currently offering DTV programming. Subscribers should check with their service providers to see what programming is available in their areas.

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

When full-power broadcast stations stop analog service, you still will be able to use your analog TV 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. Additional information can be found at www.ntia.doc.gov. If you are a cable or satellite subscriber, contact your provider about whether you will need a converter box for your analog TV.

What about digital receiver availability and FCC tuner requirements?

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. The FCC requires that many new television receivers sold in the U.S. today include the capability to receive digital TV signals. By March 2007, all TVs (and other devices that are designed to receive broadcast 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 live in an area served by a DTV broadcast station, you only need an antenna (preferably an outdoor antenna) to receive over-the-air 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. A DTV set-top box must be connected between the antenna and the monitor to receive and display DTV programming that is broadcast over the air. Also, if you are a cable or satellite subscriber, you may need a new set-top box to receive digital broadcast content. Confirm with your retailer that the DTV receiver or set-top box is compatible and has the proper connectors to interface with the DTV monitor that you are purchasing. Many monitors have a built-in analog receiver and can display analog TV programming. They also can display video from DVD players and VCRs through their connectors.

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 with your retailer before purchasing if you want HDTV quality.

Why can’t we have both DTV and the TV system we now have?

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 go to AntennaWeb.org