What is HDTV? HDTV (High Definition Television) defines the minimum performance attributes that deliver more than twice the resolution of current televisions. DTV (Digital Television) is an overall term used to describe the digital television system adopted by the Federal Communications Comission (FCC) in December, 1996. DTV includes High-Definition Television (HDTV), Standard Definition Television (SDTV), and other future applications. Digital television will deliver images with four times or more the resolution of your current TV, similiar to looking out a window... better than any picture that a current TV can produce. Broadcasts will be in two screen sizes and several levels of resolution. The highest resolutions in the wide-screen format are called high-definition. Laser-sharp details, vibrant amazing colors, 3-D effects, and five-channel (Dolby 5.1) CD-quality stereo audio. Similiar to black-and-white to color television, from turntables to compact discs, and videotape to DVD, consumers have never passed up the opportunity to take advantage of improved video and audio performance. DTV/HDTV is the next step in improving video and audio in the home. Consumers who have seen the technology are overwhelming interested in its revolutionary video and audio quality improvements, not to mention it's menuing (displaying the channel name, program name, length, etc.) and the interactivity potential. Broadcasting Timetable
There are currently many DTV broadcasts in many markets (see "Local Channels" below). New broadcasting will begin at different times. A station can begin DTV service as soon as it has received its permit from the FCC and has it's broadcasting equipment in place. The FCC has established a schedule by which broadcasters must begin DTV service. This schedule required that stations affiliated with the top four networks (ABC, CBS, FOX, and NBC) in the 10 largest markets begin service by May 1, 1999. Stations affiliated with these networks in the top 11-30 markets must have started service by November 1, 1999. All commercial stations must begin DTV service by May 1, 2002, and all noncommercial educational stations must start by May 1, 2003.

Local Channels A great resource for local DTV channels available in your area is TitanTV.com. You can input your address (or use any address), including your zip code, and you will then view all DTV stations in your area, including current status of operation (with dates!). You can also sign-up to receive e-mail updates on DTV station information for your area.

What are the Costs? The cost for HDTV equipment varies significantly, but set-top-boxes (STB) are very affordable. TV monitors currently vary in price from $3,000-$9,000. Many new TVs, particularly big screen TVs, are "HDTV-ready", meaning they have a higher resolution than normal TVs, and will display HDTV in a better resolution than a normal TV can. The number of screen lines is very important in determining display resolution. An HDTV set-top-box (STB) can be used to receive HDTV signals without having to spend a few thousand dollars on an HDTV monitor, and can even be used with a computer monitor. Most can be connected to your current TV's s-video jack, and while it will not display true HDTV video, it will be a remarkable improvement over current analog video. If your new TV is HDTV-ready, with an increased resolution, you can use a set-top-box to receive and view HDTV signals in great quality. Best of all, these STB's are affordable right now! View More Information

Satellite Channels Used with a Dish Network model 5000+ receiver and an HDTV modulator, you can receive any HDTV channels being broadcast to your Digital Broadcast Satellite (DBS) dish. Information on HDTV channels available to big dish owners is coming soon. See our Satellite Dish Information page.

HDTV Resources (these links will launch a new browser window - you may close the window to return to HDTVMax.com) DTV Information from the Federal Communications Commission Web Site::
   DTV Stations Presently Broadcasting
   Summary of DTV Applications
   DTV Status in the Top 10 Markets
   DTV Status in the Top 11-30 Markets
   DTV Pending Construction Permit Applications and Granted Construction Permits
   General Description of Digital TV from the FCC
   FCC Hot Topic Area (may include DTV information)

Choosing An Antenna
AntennaWeb.org is a web site from the Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) which will help you determine the antenna that you'll need at your location. Does not include indoor antennas, as too many variables can affect indoor reception.