DTV: Digital Television
 

Digital television (or DTV) replaces the older, traditional analog signal with a compressed digital television signal that that is decompressed by certain TV’s. Both digital satellite and digital cable (requiring a digital cable box) are increasingly common. DTV signals are smaller and carry more information, allowing more channels for a given bandwidth.

 

The obvious advantages of a digital signal are: more channels, a higher-quality and larger picture, a viewing guide menu (normally), and the ability to set show reminders (normally). Furthermore, most digital signals use a different aspect ratio, replacing the traditional 4:3 with the digital widescreen 16:9. This is much closer to a movie theatre look and also the natural human perspective. Digital television channels require certain pieces of hardware: a digital television and a digital cable box or digital satellite. These are quickly becoming today’s standard.

 

DTV is an important part of an htpc’s value because the digital signals used can be easily stored on the htpc’s hard drive. This allows for the recording of tv shows which can be saved and replayed without commercials or at a more convenient time.

(see also internet television)