HDTV on ABC15

How To Watch KNXV on Digital Television (HDTV)

How is Digital Television different from "regular television"?

Our current analog television system, (NTSC), has been in place for a long time. The current system has served us well, but pales in comparison to the depth of detail and color of digital TV.

Digital TV (DTV) is a new television system that provides over-the-air digital and high definition (HDTV) programming. Instead of a traditional analog signal, video signals are created and transmitted as digital information with no resulting loss in clarity or detail. Consequently, your DTV picture at home is delivered with stunning detail and CD quality sound.

Currently, KNXV broadcasts both a digital and analog signal. Soon, however, DTV will replace today's analog system. The Federal Communications Commission has dictated that television stations both TV signals until February 2009, at which time the analog signal will be abandoned and ALL local television signals will be digital only. So consumers will need to eventually replace their over-the-air analog TV sets with digital-capable receivers, or purchase a set-top box to convert the digital signal. More about that later in this article.

How can I see KNXV-DT?

KNXV-DT, available on digital Channel 15.1, is a free, over-the-air broadcast. There is no need for a cable service or satellite dish. All you need is an HDTV television or a digital tuner and a TV antennae, the same kind you’ve used for your old analog signal. You can check with your local TV retailer for more advanced "smart" over-the-air antennas as well. Again, this is a free service. Any program that you enjoy currently on ABC15 analog is also available FREE over-the-air on KNXV-DT Channel 15.1. ABC15's hi-definition transmitter is located on South Mountain.

What exactly do I need in order to receive HDTV?

For free reception, you’ll need an antenna, and an HDTV compatible television set or projector with built-in digital tuner. If the tuner is not built-in, you’ll need to purchase a separate set-top digital tuner box. Ask your local electronics retailers about availability. Some receivers are “bundled” with cable or satellite services as well. Depending on your location, you may need either a small set-top antennae or a larger unit installed outside. Regarding signal strength, be aware that an HDTV signal is an “all-on or all-off” signal. It doesn’t get weaker or stronger as you tune it in; either it’s all there…or not there at all, depending on distance and signal strength.

What programs can I see in High Definition on KNXV-DT?

Most importantly, all of the local ABC15 newscasts on are available in high definition. You'll find a list of ABC shows available in high definition at ABC.com (scroll to the bottom for What's On This Week).

What’s the difference between analog and digital television sets?

The most obvious difference is the screen size. The current NTSC system uses a 4:3 picture ratio, which is somewhat square. Digital TV, however, uses 16:9 screen format that is considerably more horizontal, much like a movie screen. Consequently, you can view movies in a format much closer to what the film director intended, and view sports events in a much grander scale. Also, in NTSC analog format, your picture is made up of horizontal lines. In digital TV, however, your picture is composed of millions of individual picture elements (pixels) much like a digital camera or computer screen. Consequently, there is a fineness of detail and richness of color that the older NTSC system cannot hope to match. Your result is a stunningly clear television picture in your home. There are two formats available for hi-definition television. First is 1080i, which is an interlaced scanning format similar to your analog television. Currently, CBS and NBC have adopted this format. The second format is 720p (progressive), which is a picture that is composed of pixels; similar to the way your computer screen operates. The ABC and FOX networks currently broadcast in this format. Keep in mind that some digital receiver/monitors that are capable of receiving the highest quality signals sometimes down-convert them to a lower-quality 480p format (SD, or standard definition) for display. Check with you local retailer to make sure you are getting a display capable of true high definition resolution.

What other extra services can I expect from HDTV?

Being a digital format, your HDTV set is able to interface with the Internet and your home computer. You can merely hook up the DVI output from your computer to your large screen display to view your computer’s output.

You’ll also receive other non-traditional programming, such as TV schedule guide information and other data services such as stock tickers, sports scores, news headlines and the like. Some broadcasters may choose to compress their digital signals into lower resolution, or a combination of both HD and SD programs (like public broadcasting) resulting in more channel streams.

As a bridge to the digital future, the federal government will make available a $40 coupon good towards the purchase of a digital to analog set-top converter. This box will enable you to use your old analog TV receiver to display the newer digital format. This will not, however, be a high definition picture. It will downgrade the high definition signal so that your non-digital TV can display the programming in a lower resolution.