Panasonic TU-DST50 Operating Instructions Manual

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INFORMATION ON DIGITAL TELEVISIONInformation on Digital TelevisionDigital TelevisionIn April 1997, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) announced that by2006, all television broadcasting will be digital. However, television stations arerequired to continue broadcasting regular TV signals along side the digital signals until2006. Cable and satellite TV are not affected by the FCC ruling.According to the FCC, digital broadcasting must be available from each of the fourmajor networks in each of the top ten markets, covering 30% of households by May1999. By the end of 1999, it must be available in the top 30 markets, covering 50% ofhouseholds.The FCC has allocated to each of the broadcasters a fixed amount of transmitting"space" for digital programming. At the highest resolution, High Definition (HDTV),one (1) or two (2) programs can be tl'ansmitted within this "space." At lowerresolutions, Standard Definition (SDTV), several programs can be simultaneouslytransmitted. Broadcasters will choose their own broadcast formats. For example,they may choose to broadcast day programs in SDT_/and night sports and movies inHDTV. Digital Television (DTV) broadcasting will deliver crystal-clear pictures,approaching the quality of 35mm movies, and compact disc (CD) sound.HDTV (High Definition Television)HDTV signal formats are 1080i (interlaced scan) and 720p (progressive scan). HDTVprovides the highest resolution picture and audio in either stereo or 5.1 channelsurround sound.SDTV (Standard Definition Television)SDTV signal formats are 480p and 480i. SDTV provides lower resolution, yetpresents a very sharp clear picture. Lower resolution allows broadcasters to transmitmultiple programs per channel.Digital Broadcasting and Cable TVThe FCC has not mandated any standards for cable operators or satellitebroadcasters at the time this manual is printed. Some cable companies haveannounced plans to introduce digital cable boxes into their markets. They maychoose, however, to use the digital capability to increase the number of channelsavailable or to provide data capability, such as high speed modem rather than transmitHDTV programming.Contact your local cable provider to determine if digital cable is available andwhether a cable box is needed for converting the signals,Receiving Digital BroadcastsMost households will be able to receive a digital broadcast by regular antenna withVHF/UHF reception capability. However, like regular TV signals, it will depend onlocation, terrain and environmental factors. Outdoor or attic antennas will generally bemore effective than a set-top antenna. For cable, check with your local cable providerto find out if they will carry the DTV signal in your area.[]