Analogue vs Digital Television

With the changes to television signals currently happening, it is important to understand the differences between some of the terms being thrown around. Most people do not know the differences between analogue, digital and high-definition broadcasting. This will serve as a basic overview of those types of signals and how they relate to broadcast television.

Analogue television is considered over the air programming. This means you use an antenna to receive a signal or you use a cable connected to an antenna outside your home to pick up that signal. If you do not have a cable provider, and you plug your TV into the wall, this is considered over the air broadcasts.

Digital television, commonly referred to as DTV in todays age, allows broadcasters to send out multiple signals through a single cable. It allows for clearer, crisper picture quality along with the ability for homes to utilize high-definition televisions. In many countries it will be the standard television signal in the country and analogue signals will no longer be used for broadcasting purposes. Many televisions purchased after March 2007 should be able to receive digital television signal, otherwise you will have to get a digital receiver, be it satellite or terrestrial.

High-definition television, also known as HDTV, is a form of DTV. They use larger, generally widescreen pictures to produce the best possible picture quality and colour available on televisions. The images produced are crystal clear, with a very high resolution allowing you to see almost every details of the picture. In order to view high-def programming, you must have a HDTV and a cable or satellite subscription to get the broadcasts.