Is Digital TV High Definition (HDTV)?
No. The Digital TV system used in the UK is the same resolution as analogue – 625 lines. However, the digital technology greatly enhances the picture quality you actually receive using this resolution. HDTV gives an even better picture, but requires new, expensive television sets. The American Digital TV system uses HDTV, and, due to the significantly higher costs involved, is not taking off nearly as quickly as digital TV in the UK. HDTV also requires the programmes to be made using different cameras etc, which means the new technology is only of real benefit on brand-new programmes. Most new programmes in the US are still being made on non-HDTV systems anyway – it is expected to be quite a while before that system is wide-spread.
