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FAQ of Digital Television Terms

WHAT IS DIGITAL TELEVISION ?

Digital television is a replacement technology for existing free - to - air analog services. It provides better picture quality and reception, plus a variety of new features that enhance the viewing experience.

The digital television industry in Australia is using the DVB standard, first developed in Europe, rather than the American-developed ATSC standard. DVB is proving to be a very high quality system and is being used in many countries around the world. In Australia it will replace the analog PAL system.

Digital television is a far more efficient and flexible transmission system than the current analog system. It allows broadcasters to offer viewers a range of new and different services.

Australian digital television features include:

Ghost free' reception
Widescreen 16:9 pictures
Standard Definition pictures (SD)
High Definition pictures (HD)
High quality audio and surround sound
Multi-channel programming SBS
Closed Captioning of programs for the hearing impaired
Electronic Program Guides (EPGs) with 'now & next' program information for some channels
In selected markets, on-screen program guide channel with today's program information for Nine Network, Seven Network & SBS
In selected markets, HD demonstration channels
Multi-camera views and enhancements during selected programs

Not all features are available at all times, in each market

CAN MY 4:3 ANALOG TV SET DISPLAY DIGITAL TV TO ITS FULL EFFECT ?

No. You can view digital television on your 4:3 analog receiver with a digital set top box, but you will not be able to see widescreen pictures displayed to full effect. Some set-top boxes give you the option of viewing widescreen pictures in 'letterbox' format (black bars top and bottom) or 'centre cut' full screen format (with the 4:3 section 'cut out' of the 16:9 picture).

WILL MY VIDEO CASSETTE RECORDER (VCR) STILL WORK ?

Yes. During and after the simulcast period, you will be able to record the digital channel on view - provided that your set-top box or digital television has an analog output - and VCRs will also continue to play back pre-recorded tapes. Many will find the picture quality of recorded digital programs is better than that of analog programs.

During the simulcast period VCRs will be able to record any analog program while a different digital program is being viewed. However VCRs will not be able to record a separate digital broadcast from that being viewed.

Current VHS video recorders will still only record VHS-quality pictures.

In some cases, as the channel used by the video output may be the same as that used by a digital channel in the area, the video output on your VCR may need retuning or require the use of the audio/video (A/V) connection.

WILL DIGITAL TELEVISONS CONNECT WITH VCRs, DVDs AND SOUND SYSTEMS ETC ?

Yes. Although connection options will vary from manufacturer to manufacturer, all digital televisions are likely to have audio/video (A/V) inputs that accept external devices such as VCRs, DVDs, sound systems and video cameras.

WILL I NEED TO UPGRADE MY ANTENNA ?

In general - no. However if your antenna and antenna cabling is not in good condition you should consider replace the antenna and cabling to receive uninterrupted digital television viewing.

Viewers in areas of poor analog reception may need specialist advice about antenna requirements for digital reception in their area.

DBA recommends that viewers use quad shielded cable from the antenna to the television to ensure electrical impulse noise does not interfere with the digital reception.

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WHY ARE DIGITAL TV PICTURES SHARPER THAN WITH ANALOG TV ?

Analog television can suffer from multipath interference, which results in a 'ghosted' picture on your screen.

Digital television is not affected by multipath interference, 'snowy' pictures (common in areas of poor reception) and picture 'flutter'. So the digital result is a sharper, cleaner and clearer picture.

DBA recommends the use of quality F-type connectors and quad shielded coax cables to ensure optimum picture and sound performance. For expert advice, please contact one of DBA's antenna installer members.

WHEN WILL INTERACTIVE TELEVISION (iTV) BE AVAILABLE ?

To receive interactive TV services the set top box or the digital television requires special software called an Application Program Interface (API).

Nine Network has commenced Nine Sports Active which can be received on digital TV receivers with a HTML browser based API installed.

IS AUDIO BETTER ON DIGITAL TELEVISION THAN ON ANALOG ?

Yes. Australian television has traditionally been broadcast with FM stereo sound.

Digital television will be transmitted with MPEG digital stereo sound and/or Dolby" Digital Sound (6 channels), thereby providing markedly superior audio services.

WHAT IS COMPONENT OUTPUT AND PROGRESSIVE SCAN? CAN I USE IT WITH MY TELEVISION?

PROGRESSIVE scan differs from a standard video connection in two ways. The first difference is in how the on screen image is re-created. With a COMPOSITE video connection (yellow cable) all the information is contained in one cable and the picture is scanned in alternate lines (interlaced). The COMPONENT video system scans every line of the picture on each PROGRESSIVE scan to reduce flicker and improve overall image quality.
The other noticeable difference with progressive scan is the connection itself which consists of 3 separate leads -red, green and blue*. For your television to be able to be connected using this system, it must have these 3 corresponding sockets which are colour matched the same.

THE SOCKETS/CABLES ARE AS FOLLOWS /
Y = GREEN CABLE
Pb = BLUE CABLE
Pr = RED CABLE

Once you have connected your DVD player using these cables you will need to select the DVD input on your television. With the DVD player switched on and a disc playing, you will have to switch your DVD player from INTERLACE to PROGRESSIVE scan. You can do this by pressing the button marked I/P on your DVD player's remote control. You should now have a picture on your television.

*Please note that these cables are for picture only - you will still need additional cables for the audio connections.

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WHAT IS WIDESCREEN ?

Digital television will be broadcast in widescreen mode. Widescreen television has a different aspect ratio (ratio of width to height) than traditional analog. The aspect ratio of a widescreen is 16:9, while Australian viewers have been accustomed to viewing a 4:3 aspect ratio since television began in this country.

Widescreen will, in many cases, literally mean you see more of the picture. Most movies are currently made in 16:9 and are converted to 4:3 to allow us to watch them on television or video, so there is a lot of information that you don't see on your television that you would see in the cinema version of the film. Live sporting events will benefit in particular from the extra detail and wider frame.

For some time now television production has been converting to widescreen, both locally and overseas. Widescreen programming is becoming more readily available and will eventually become the global standard.

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WHAT IS A DIGITAL TELEVISION SET TOP BOX RECEIVER ?

A set top box for digital television receives and decodes digital transmissions into a form suitable for display on analog television sets or other display devices, eg computer monitors or projection screens.

Analog television sets currently in use in Australia cannot display digital transmissions on their screens without being connected to such a set top box converter.

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WHAT DOES A SET TOP BOX DO ?

The capability of a set top box will depend upon its specifications.
A set top box, when connected to a 4:3 analog television set, will usually give viewers an improved signal, better picture quality and multichannelling. Some set-top boxes may also provide viewers with datacasting services and video, audio and data enhancements.

Set-top boxes can provide a picture output to either analog or digital screen displays.

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WHAT IS AN INTERGRATED DIGITAL TELEVISION RECEIVER ?

This is a television set with built-in digital capabilities to receive and display digital transmissions.

Integrated digital television receivers are generally distinguished by wide screens, high-level audio capability and high quality displays. They will not require a set top box for video and audio services.

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WHAT ARE STANDARD DEFINITION (SD) PICTURES ?

SD picture quality is superior to that obtained from analog 4:3 sets, and is 'ghost free' and in widescreen format.

The SD picture resolution is 576 lines x 720 pixels @ 50Hz interlaced (576i).

The Federal Government requires broadcasters to provide a digital SD signal at all times, even when HD programs are being broadcast. This is to ensure that viewers with Standard Definition receivers will always be able to receive a digital television service even when the higher quality HD television signal is being transmitted.

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WHAT ARE HIGH DEFINITION (HD) PICTURES ?

HD pictures have image resolution which is superior to SD pictures and to the existing analog, with up to six times the improvement in detail.

The minimum HD picture resolution is be 576 lines x 720 pixels @ 50Hz progressive (576p).

This means that the benefits of HD pictures are particularly noticeable on larger screen sets and when using projection equipment.

HD pictures are also ghost free and in widescreen format. When viewed on an HDTV screen the viewer can enjoy cinema-quality viewing with Dolby surround sound.

In August 2002, the Government announced that it will seek to change each broadcaster's obligation to broadcast HD programs to an annualised requirement of 1040 hours, including advertisements, and that these obligations will commence from 1 July 2003 or two years after the commencement of digital transmissions in an area. Programs transmitted in High Definition will also be simultaneously broadcast in Standard Definition.

The HD integrated television receiver (HDTV) or the HD set top box (HD-STB) are expected to cost more than SD integrated television receivers (SDTV) or the SD set top box (SD-STB).

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WHAT IS MULTI-VIEW ?

Multi-view lets you select from a variety of camera angles or may provide additional information related to an event. Multi-view is particularly suited to sporting events like cricket, tennis and motor racing.

On additional channels to the main program the viewer can select, via remote control, a different full screen views of the event, alternative audio commentary or related information.

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WHAT IS MULTI-CHANNELLING?

Because a digital signal can carry much more data than an analog signal, more than one channel of television programs can be broadcast in SDTV at the same time. This is known as multichannelling.

The Federal Government has decided that commercial broadcasters are not allowed to multichannel, but that the ABC and SBS may do so.

The ABC and SBS are allowed to broadcast, in addition to their main services, a wide range of programs including educational programs, regional news and current affairs, science and arts programs, children's programs, subtitled foreign programs, foreign language news and occasional dramas.

Currently, SBS provides the SBS World News Channel.
The ABC and SBS are able to transmit their radio services through their television channels, extending the reach of these services. The ABC also broadcasts its internet radio service - DiG - via digital television.

Broadcasters are also offering a number of program guide and information data channels and some are providing High Definiton demonstration channels.

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WHAT ARE PROGRAM ENHANCEMENTS ?

Viewers of digital television will have a wide choice of 'enhancements' to regular programming. Enhancements are separate channels of video, data or audio, which are related to the program on the primary channel.

Sports programs may offer the choice of a different camera angle, altenative audio commentary, action replays, player profiles or other information.

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WHAT IS CLOSED CAPTIONING ?

Closed captioning provides deaf and hearing-impaired viewers with the text of what is being spoken on television. The text is usually shown in a black box at the bottom of the picture. Hearing - impaired viewers will be familiar with current analog captioning which can be received on analog receivers with teletext capability. Captioning is normally 'closed'to viewers but can be accessed by those who need it.

Closed captioning does not interfere with normal viewing.

The Australia digital terrestrial television (DTT) receiver standard is non - mandatory but currently says that all receivers should have closed captioning decoding capability, including the ability to -

(a) decode and display teletext page 801 closed captioning,
(b) decode and display DVB bitmapped Subtitles - (a different system used in some other countries but not by Australian broadcasters), and
(c) pass teletext closed caption data out on the SD video output in the VBI (Vertical Blanking Interval) so that a standard PAL receiver fitted with teletext decoding can display it.

As captions are currently provided in the teletext style with all Australian broadcasters?prime time programs, this is the more important digital set top box (STB) capability to those viewers who wish to see closed captions.

Many digital STBs have teletext closed captioning display capabilities - with these STBs, a TV connected to them doesn't also need to be able to decode teletext closed captions, as the feature is provided by the STB.

There are some digital STBs that do not include closed captioning decoding and display capability. However a few of these do pass the closed caption data out on the video output (via the VBI - see (c) above), and when these STBs are connected to a standard teletext - capable TV set, access to the closed captions can be had by viewers.

Therefore, any consumer intending to purchase a DTT STB and use closed captioning should, before purchase, check on the STB's capabilities.

Closed captioning of programming is incorporated in all English language news and current affairs programs as well as for all prime time programs (6.00pm to 10.30pm).

Of course, when available, closed captions can continue to be viewed on a standard PAL teletext - capable TV set that is tuned to analog broadcasts. However, many more digital TV programs incorporate closed captioning than do analog TV programs.

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WHAT IS AN EPG (ELECTRONIC PROGRAM GUIDE) ?

An EPG is the electronic version of a printed program guide. Using your remote control you will be able to see on-screen "what's on now" and "what's on next" for all free-to-air services. You may also be able to search for a particular program by theme or category, eg sporting programs, movies etc. Extra text and picture information (eg story line, episode description etc) can be called up as well. The EPG is always up-to-date and available at the click of a remote control button.

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WHAT IS INTERACTIVE TELEVISION (iTV) ?

iTV allows the viewer to receive more information from television broadcast than analog can provide. iTV can be one-way (unconnected) or two-way (connected).
One-way iTV delivers information to your receiver that is additional to the main program and that allows you the option to view it or not. The viewer is able to view travel deals, concert dates etc.

Full, two-way iTV enables you to send information back to the broadcaster via a back channel. The viewer is able to vote in a poll, reserve concert tickets, etc.

Both one-way and two-way iTV can be added to commercials as well as programs.

A special icon will appear on the screen to notify the viewer iTV is available.

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IS A NEW ANTENNA REQUIRED TO RECEIVE DIGITAL TELEVISION ?

Generally viewers will have good digital reception for their digital TV set from their existing antenna provided it is in good repair and is connected with good quality coaxial antenna cabling.
If the viewer currently receives good analog reception there should be no reason to buy a new antenna unless and until it proves to be inadequate.

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<WHAT ARE CURRENT ANTENNA INSTALLATION ANOMALIES ?

Now that digital television is under way in Australia, we are gaining experience in making digital terrestrial television work in the installed antenna base.
Experienced television antenna installers and broadcasters are able to identify some installation anomalies already present in domestic and commercial premises.
These anomalies usually involve the use of installation solutions in inappropriate ways. The identified anomalies include
The use of poor quality cabling, connectors and associated components
The inappropriate use of filters - stopping distribution of additional channels while attempting to reduce interference to analog
Failing to reduce Band I (Ch 2) and other channel levels causing overloading in amplifiers and TV tuners.
Failing to reduce FM (Band II) signals causing interference to analog channels in Band III
The use of distribution amplifiers in lieu of masthead amplifiers
The use of masthead amplifiers in lieu of distribution amplifiers
Overloading of amplifiers - inadequate derating of output level and gain
In general carrying out installations without consideration of requirements as set out in Australian standards (AS 1367) for analog TV
DBA reminds installers of the need to be equipped with good quality digital terrestrial field strength meters,to base quotations and installations on surveyed field strengths, to test and take appropriate measurements of work as completed on site, to leave consumers with a written record of the reception characteristics of the site, and to use good quality materials and correct installation methods at all times.

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WHICH FREQUENCY BANDS SHOULD ANTENNAS BE CAPABLE OF RECEIVING ?

Analog and digital television services will use the following frequency bands:
Band 1 VHF Channels 0-2 (Analog Only)
Band 3 VHF Channels 6-12
Band 4 UHF Channels 28-38
Band 5 UHF Channels 39-69
However not all bands will be used in each area. Likewise not all antennas receive all bands or channels.

A typical VHF antenna configuration is:

VHF Band 1 and 3 (providing Channels 2 and 6-12)

The typical UHF antenna configurations are:
UHF Band 4 and 5 (providing Channels 28-69)
UHF Band 4 only (providing Channels 28-38)
UHF Band 4 and Lower Band 5 (providing Channels 28-50)
UHF Band 5 only (providing Channels 39-69)

The typical combined UHF/VHF antenna configurations are:
VHF Band 1 & 3 and UHF Band 4 (providing Channels 2, 6-12 and 28-38)
VHF Band 3 and UHF Band 4 (providing Channels 6-12 and 28-38)
The bands used and therefore the antenna required depend on which transmitters service your area.

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WHAT CHANNELS HAVE BEEN ALLOCATED TO MY LOCAL TELEVISION SERVICES ?

The ABA recommends attempting reception of digital signals with existing antennas to determine whether it is necessary to replace or upgrade the antenna.

In some areas, the ABA has had to plan more than one transmitte - a main transmitter (high power) and a secondary transmitter (low power). The transmitter providing the better reception for your area will determine the antenna required.

In metropolitan areas, for reception from the main transmitters (high power), antennas should be capable of receiving bands 1 (for analog services only) and bands 3 & 4 (for analog & digital services).

In metropolitan areas, for reception from the secondary transmitters (low power), antennas should be capable of receiving bands 4 & 5 (for analog & digital services).

In regional areas, antennas should be capable or receiving band 4 and band 5 and in some cases band 3 (depending on the frequencies allocated to the local television services).

In some areas multiple bands may be used requiring multi - band antennas or multiple antennas depending on the channels currently used in a particular area.

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WHAT CHANNELS WILL BE USED FOR DIGITAL TELEVISION AND DATACASTING IN PARTICULAR AREAS ?

When the Australian Broadcasting Authority (ABA) has finalised their digital television channels plans, Digital Broadcasting Australia will publish the channels made available in each area of Australia on the DBA web site.
The ABA has a planning objective for all digital free-to-air television services to be in the same frequency band as the current analog services in each area of Australia.
So wherever possible, if an analog channel is currently in the VHF band then so will the equivalent digital channel.
The following is an example of the Sydney Television Channel Plan for main transmitters.

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EXAMPLE OF THE SYDNEY TELEVISION CHANNEL PLAN FOR MAIN TRANSMITTERS ?

VHF Channel 2 ABC Analog
   Channel 6 Seven Digital (Main)
   Channel 7 Seven Analog
   Channel 8 Nine Digital (Main)
   Channel 9 Nine Analog
   Channel 10 Ten Analog
   Channel 11 Ten Digital (Main)
   Channel 12 ABC Digital (Main)

UHF Channel 28 SBS Analog
   Channel 29 Unassigned
   Channel 30 ABC Digital (Low power)
   Channel 33 Nine Digital (Low power)
   Channel 34 SBS Digital
   Channel 35 Datacasting Test Channel
   Channel 45 Ten Digital (Low power)
   Channel 48 Seven Digital (Low power)

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