How can I see WXYZ in HD for free, over the air?

WXYZ-DT, available on digital Channel 7.1, is a free, over-the-air broadcast. There is no need for a cable service or satellite dish. All you need is an HDTV television or a digital tuner and a TV antennae, the same kind you’ve used for your old analog signal. You can check with your local TV retailer for more advanced "smart" over-the-air antennas as well. Again, this is a free service. Any program that you enjoy currently on Channel 7 analog is also available FREE over-the-air on WXYZ-DT Channel 7.1.

How is Digital Television different from "regular television"?

Our current analog television system, (NTSC), has been in place for nearly 60 years. The current system has served us well, but pales in comparison to the depth of detail and color of digital TV.

Digital TV (DTV) is a new television system that provides over-the-air digital and high definition (HDTV) programming. Instead of a traditional analog signal, video signals are created and transmitted as digital information with no resulting loss in clarity or detail. Consequently, your DTV picture at home is delivered with stunning detail and CD quality sound.

Currently, WXYZ broadcasts both a digital and analog signal. Soon, however, DTV will replace today's analog system. The Federal Communications Commission has dictated that television stations both TV signals until February 2009, at which time the analog signal will be abandoned and ALL local television signals will be digital only. So consumers will need to eventually replace their over-the-air analog TV sets with digital-capable receivers, or purchase a set-top box to convert the digital signal. More about that later in this article.

What exactly do I need in order to receive HDTV?

For free reception, you’ll need an antenna, and an HDTV compatible television set or projector with built-in digital tuner. If the tuner is not built-in, you’ll need to purchase a separate set-top digital tuner box. Ask your local electronics retailers about availability. Some receivers are “bundled” with cable or satellite services as well. Depending on your location, you may need either a small set-top antennae or a larger unit installed outside. Regarding signal strength, be aware that an HDTV signal is an “all-on or all-off” signal. It doesn’t get weaker or stronger as you tune it in; either it’s all there... or not there at all, depending on distance and signal strength. The way you position your antenna is important. To help you receive the HDTV signal, you should know that WXYZ's transmitter is located in Southfield, near 10 Mile and Evergreen Roads.

What programs can I see in High Definition on WXYZ-DT?

Most importantly, all of the local Channel 7 Action News newscasts on Channel 7 are available in high definition. You'll find a list of ABC shows available in high definition at ABC.com (scroll to the bottom for What's On This Week) In addition, on WXYZ digital channel 7.2, you’ll find an ongoing, highly useful weather channel highlighting local radar, current conditions and local forecasts from the Doppler 7 Weather Team.

What’s the difference between analog and digital television sets?

The most obvious difference is the screen size. The current NTSC system uses a 4:3 picture ratio, which is somewhat square. Digital TV, however, uses 16:9 screen format that is considerably more horizontal, much like a movie screen. Consequently, you can view movies in a format much closer to what the film director intended, and view sports events in a much grander scale. Also, in NTSC analog format, your picture is made up of horizontal lines. In digital TV, however, your picture is composed of millions of individual picture elements (pixels) much like a digital camera or computer screen. Consequently, there is a fineness of detail and richness of color that the older NTSC system cannot hope to match. Your result is a stunningly clear television picture in your home. There are two formats available for hi-definition television. First is 1080i, which is an interlaced scanning format similar to your analog television. Currently, CBS and NBC have adopted this format. The second format is 720p (progressive), which is a picture that is composed of pixels; similar to the way your computer screen operates. The ABC and FOX networks currently broadcast in this format. Keep in mind that some digital receiver/monitors that are capable of receiving the highest quality signals sometimes down-convert them to a lower-quality 480p format (SD, or standard definition) for display. Check with you local retailer to make sure you are getting a display capable of true high definition resolution.

What other extra services can I expect from HDTV?

Being a digital format, your HDTV set is able to interface with the Internet and your home computer. You can merely hook up the DVI output from your computer to your large screen display to view your computer’s output.

You’ll also receive other non-traditional programming, such as TV schedule guide information and other data services such as stock tickers, sports scores, news headlines and the like. Some broadcasters may choose to compress their digital signals into lower resolution, or a combination of both HD and SD programs (like public broadcasting) resulting in more channel streams.

As a bridge to the digital future, the federal government will make available a $40 coupon good towards the purchase of a digital to analog set-top converter. This box will enable you to use your old analog TV receiver to display the newer digital format. This will not, however, be a high definition picture. It will downgrade the high definition signal so that your non-digital TV can display the programming in a lower resolution.

What Is HDTV?
HDTV stands for High-Definition Television, an all digital format for broadcasting and viewing TV programming. With HDTV, you’ll see images at a resolution that’s more than twice as detailed as standard analog TV. It is also capable of delivering multi-channel, movie-theater-quality surround sound.

Why is the resolution so important?
Resolution, or picture detail, is the main reason why HDTV programs look so good. The standard programming we’ve been watching for over 60 years, aka, Analog TV, has a resolution that’s equivalent to 640x480 pixels, whereas HDTV has as many as 1,920x1,080 pixels, more than six times as sharp.

What are pixels?
A pixel is generally thought of as the smallest complete sample of an image reproduced as dots or squares. Pixels in an image can be reproduced at any size without the appearance of visible dots or squares. The more pixels used to represent an image the sharper the picture. 720p and 1080i have more than 900,00 pixels, 1080p has up to 2 million pixels for a razor sharp picture.

I keeping hearing the terms 720p, 1080i and 1080p, what is the difference?
The numbers 720 and 1080 refer to horizontal pixel counts, while the letters p and i refer to the picture-scanning method (progressive or interlaced, respectively). For 1080i broadcasts, the 1,080 lines of resolution are drawn in the picture in two passes at 540 lines each. With a progressive scanned set (720p or 1080p), the lines of resolution are drawn in the picture in a single pass, making for a smoother picture.

Do I need an HDTV to watch HDTV Programming?
Yes, in order to get the full effect of HDTV programming you will need one of the following. Either an HDTV-capable TV which has a built-in high definition tuner or an HDTV-ready television which requires an external tuner to watch HDTV. Both types of sets require an off-air antenna and/or an HD set top box available from your cable or satellite provider (Check with your provider for availability and cost). You can also find satellite HDTV tuners at ABC Warehouse.

How much do HDTVs cost?
Less than 10 years ago, you couldn’t find an HDTV for less than $5,000. Today, you can find an HDTV set at ABC Warehouse starting under $500.

What kind of HDTV should I buy?
There are many factors which go into buying your HDTV. Mostly it depends on the budget and size of screen you will need. Consult with your ABC Warehouse HDTV expert to find out which set best fits your budget, lifestyle and needs.

Why are HDTV screens wider?
We grew up with sets that had what is known as a 4:3 aspect ratio. Most HDTV screens come in an aspect ratio of 16:9, meaning that TV shows shot in a widescreen HDTV format will look more like a movie theater screen. Also, most movies will fit better on an HDTV screen eliminating letterboxing (horizontal black bars at the top and bottom or the screen).

Why is everyone saying I can’t use my analog TV for much longer?
The federal government mandated that all TV signals be converted from the current analog signal to a much improved, efficient digital delivery system that is taking shape today. The deadline for the complete switch to digital broadcasting is in less than 2 years, when the analog system will be turned off. By law, as of March 1, 2007 almost all TVs being manufactured are to include a built-in tuner that can receive high-definition programs over the air just by simply connecting an antenna.

Will everything I watch on my HDTV look better than analog?
While HDTV programming will look better much better than standard-definition programming, an HDTV compatible TV set or projector does not improve the quality of conventional TV channels.

How do DVDs look on an HDTV?
They look great. Though at 450 to 480 lines of resolution, most DVD players are very high-quality image sources compared to analog broadcast sources. And if you pair your new HDTV set with a Blu-Ray or HD-DVD player, you can enjoy DVD content at the highest resolution available. To find out about Blu-Ray or HD-DVD players, ask your ABC Warehouse HDTV expert.

WXYZ-TV, Channel 7, is Detroit's #1 rated television station and the home of some of the most popular shows on TV, such as Good Morning America, Live with Regis and Kelly, The Oprah Winfrey Show, Entertainment Tonight, Desperate Housewives and Extreme Makeover: Home Edition, just to name a few. Click here for information on TV, internet or mobile advertising >>