HDTV Service | Notes | Installation | FAQs

What is HDTV and how is it different?
HDTV stands for high-definition television, with the emphasis on high-definition. Currently your television is receiving an analog signal. With analog TV, a 6 MHz signal produces around 500 horizontal pixels (dots). These pixels comprise the picture you see on your screen. HDTV can have a resolution of up to 1920 by 1080 pixels, or greater than 2 million pixels. That’s more than six times the detail of regular television!

What type of audio quality does the HDTV terminal support? Surround sound/5.1 etc?
The audio is Dolby Digital™ encoded, but the presence of true 5.1 surround sound varies with programming.

What is the difference between HD Ready/Capable and HD tuner?
A TV that is HD ready or capable is not a true HDTV by itself. In order to display over the air HD channels, there must be a decoder installed, our HD converter box accomplishes this. An HD tuner TV is capable of receiving and displaying over the air HD channels without the addition of a decoder, since there is one already built in. The easiest way to determine the difference is the price. HD ready TVs are nearly half the cost of the HD tuner TV.

When can I get a High Definition converter box from CPI installed?
Customers can now schedule installs immediately by calling us at 330-345-8114.

How much does it cost?
All customers who wish to view High Definition TV services from Clear Picture need a High Definition converter box from CPI that offers some local broadcast networks in High Definition. If you subscribe to Digital HBO or Showtime, CPI’s HD converter box will provide both these networks in High Definition at no extra charge.  We currently offer High Definition Basic for an additional monthly charge of $4.50 a month.

Is the HDTV programming true HDTV or converted?
Both, some programs are in true HDTV and some have been converted to HDTV.

Are Digital Television and HDTV the same?
No. Digital Television, DTV is a set of 18 different formats for broadcasting television in a digital format put out by the American Television Systems Committee (ATSC). High definition television, HDTV, is six of those 18 DTV formats that has a resolution of at least 720p and has an aspect ratio of 16 x 9. HDTV has a much higher level of resolution and must be received on a digital television set capable of displaying HD. Basically, all HDTV signals are digital, but not all digital signals are HDTV.

Will all television broadcasts be HDTV by 2006?
No. The FCC has mandated that by May 2006 all broadcasters broadcast DTV signals. This pertains to Over-the-Air transmissions and does not mean anything about DTV through cable or satellite companies. HDTV takes up a lot of bandwidth and it is up to the cable and satellite companies to move from sending you regular analog to true DTV signals. This also means that broadcasters can send DTV signals that are of lower resolution than true HDTV. FOX, for instance, is currently broadcasting 480p in many areas and this meets the FCC’s regulation.

What about my existing VCR, will it be able to play back and record the new digital television?
Your existing VCR will be able to play back your library of VHS tapes on the new digital television receivers. However, your VHS VCR will not be able to record the widescreen high definition signal. If you want to record and playback the digital HDTV signal, you will need to purchase a new D-VHS VCR.