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Frequently asked questions
What is digital television?
Digital television (DTV) is a significant leap forward in television technology compared
to analog television that has been widely available since the 1940s. DTV is delivered
and displayed using digital encoding, similar to the way a computer operates.
By using digital technology, there is no variation in picture and sound quality from the
origination point until it is displayed on your television. You always receive a high-
quality picture without the wavy lines or static that you might get from a weak analog
signal. Another feature of digital television is digital surround sound using Dolby Digital
technology, which is the same technology used to produce the sound you hear in
movie theaters.
What is standard definition television?
Standard definition television (SDTV) is basic digital television programming delivered
by AT&T U-verse. Typically, the SDTV screen is the same, nearly square shape as an
analog television screen. Digital images on an SDTV set are crisp and clear, and
noticeably better than on a standard analog television set.
What is high definition television?
High definition television (HDTV) is an improved way to send and receive television
broadcast signals. HDTV images are made up of pixels that are much smaller and
closer together than those used in standard analog television, and there are millions of
them. Thus, HDTV can display five to six times the detail of analog television to deliver
picture quality that is much more realistic, dimensional, and precise. SDTV programs
can be viewed on an HDTV.
Are local TV stations or other programmers broadcasting in HDTV?
Many local TV stations and programmers are transmitting digital signals. However,
transmitting a digital signal does not mean transmitting an HDTV signal. Some stations
are using the new bandwidth to broadcast several standard definition channels.
Most stations and programmers, once they begin broadcasting in digital, are offering
HD content from their parent network (for example, CBS, ABC, NBC, Fox, and PBS).
Contact AT&T U-verse for more information.
Why aren’t all the shows I watch in high definition?
A high definition program must originate in HD format and be broadcast in HD format.
Having an HDTV system does not mean that everything you watch will be viewed in
high definition. Getting the signal from a digital source also does not mean it is high
definition.
What is HDMI and does it support Dolby Digital 5.1 audio?
HDMI (High Definition Multimedia Interface) is an uncompressed, all-digital audio/
video interface. The Dolby Digital audio format can provide up to 5.1 separate
channels of surround sound, and is the standard used for DVD-Video. HDMI supports
standard, enhanced, or high-definition video, plus multi-channel digital audio, such as
Dolby Digital audio, on a single cable.