HDTVHDTV

Michael JamesMichael JamesCOMM 190COMM 190

October 8, 2009 October 8, 2009

Brief HistoryBrief History HDTV technology was introduced in the United HDTV technology was introduced in the United

States in the 1990s by the Digital HDTV Grand States in the 1990s by the Digital HDTV Grand Alliance, a group of television companies and MIT. Alliance, a group of television companies and MIT. Field testing of HDTV at 199 sites in the United Field testing of HDTV at 199 sites in the United States was completed August 14, 1994. States was completed August 14, 1994.

The first public HDTV broadcast in the United States The first public HDTV broadcast in the United States occurred on July 23, 1996 when the Raleigh, NC occurred on July 23, 1996 when the Raleigh, NC television station WRAL-HD began broadcasting television station WRAL-HD began broadcasting from the existing tower of WRAL-TV south-east of from the existing tower of WRAL-TV south-east of Raleigh, winning a race to be first with the HD Model Raleigh, winning a race to be first with the HD Model Station in Washington, D.C., which began Station in Washington, D.C., which began broadcasting July 31, 1996. broadcasting July 31, 1996.

NotationNotation HDTV broadcast systems are identified with three major HDTV broadcast systems are identified with three major

parameters:parameters: Frame sizeFrame size in pixels is defined as in pixels is defined as number of horizontal pixels number of horizontal pixels

× number of vertical pixels× number of vertical pixels, for example , for example 1280 × 7201280 × 720 or or 1920 × 10801920 × 1080. Often the number of horizontal pixels is implied . Often the number of horizontal pixels is implied from context and is omitted. from context and is omitted.

Scanning systemScanning system is identified with the letter is identified with the letter pp for progressive for progressive scanning or scanning or ii for interlaced scanning. for interlaced scanning.

Frame rateFrame rate is identified as number of video frames per is identified as number of video frames per second. For interlaced systems an alternative form of second. For interlaced systems an alternative form of specifying number of fields per second is often used. specifying number of fields per second is often used.

Comparison PictureComparison Picture

Screen size Viewing distance

15" - 26" inches 1.5 - 2.5 meters

26" - 32" inches 2.5 - 3.5 meters

32" - 42" inches 3.5 - 4.0 meters

42" - 55" inches 4.0+ meters

Components of a typical satellite HDTV system:1. HDTV Monitor2. HD satellite receiver3. Standard satellite dish4. HDMI cable, DVI-D and audio cables, or audio and component video cables

HDTV in SportsHDTV in Sports• Vizio is one of the leading LCD/HDTV brands, and their relationship with ESPN has launched them into the forefront of putting sports events in HDTV

• http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IYkcjiWV0Z4

• YouTube now allows users to post videos in high quality, similar to high definition, making it possible to watch highlights and other clips with more clarity than ever

• http://www.hdsportsguide.com/ posts a daily schedule of games/matches you can find in HD

Costs and Future of HDTVCosts and Future of HDTV

Tube (CRT): $500 - $1000 for 30” - 34” Tube (CRT): $500 - $1000 for 30” - 34” Flat Panel: $1500 - $2500 for 37” - 42” Flat Panel: $1500 - $2500 for 37” - 42” Projection: $1000 - $2000 for 40” – 50’’Projection: $1000 - $2000 for 40” – 50’’

iTunes now offers videos in HD – movies and TV shows – all for a large iTunes now offers videos in HD – movies and TV shows – all for a large percentage higher in terms of cost than their standard definition videos.percentage higher in terms of cost than their standard definition videos.

Currently, two formats are competing for the next generation of high Currently, two formats are competing for the next generation of high definition DVD players: the HD-DVD standard, developed by Toshiba and definition DVD players: the HD-DVD standard, developed by Toshiba and NEC, and Blu-Ray, developed by Sony. Each group has a backing of NEC, and Blu-Ray, developed by Sony. Each group has a backing of diverse constituents from the video and PC industries as well as diverse constituents from the video and PC industries as well as Hollywood studios.Hollywood studios.