Guide To Understanding Digital Tv And Monitors

By Author: Lucy Carter
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In a nutshell, digital television technology uses digitally compressed television signals instead of the traditional analogue signals to deliver an enhanced broadcast reception and viewing quality. The tremendous popularity of digital TV is largely due to the ever increasing availability of digital TV monitors. The type or model you decide on will depend on your individual lifestyle, such as the available space you have in your home and whether you're a movie enthusiast or a gamer.

The following guide will let you understand the ins and outs of digital TV and monitors, so you can make the best possible choice for your needs.

The difference between digital and analogue broadcasting

Analogue TV broadcasts function largely in the same way as radio signals, they convert television feeds into electronic signals which are then sent through the airwaves. This type of broadcast not only supplies a reduced viewing quality, but also allows for less channels and available frequencies.

In contrast, the process of receiving a digital TV broadcast begins with the TV broadcaster. Similar to how online videos are ...
... streamed via the Internet, they digitally compress their broadcast using MPEG-2 compression. These signals are then sent via cable or satellite to your home, where they are interpreted using your digital TV monitor or analogue TV which has a converter box. Using this method, your viewing quality is vastly improved and hundreds more channels are made possible.

How it works

In understanding how digital TV monitors display images, it's important to know that there are two main types of technologies used. Cathode ray tube (CRT) is the traditional form. It uses a tube filled with specialised gas that is pressed against the television display screen. As the digital TV signal is received, a laser transmits the data back and forth in horizontal lines against the television monitor to interpret images. As the laser lights up the tube gasses, colours are displayed. Even though the laser only illuminates one horizontal line at a time, it moves so rapidly that the human eye interprets an entire picture instead of a series of lines.

The second and latest type of digital TV monitor is known as Liquid crystal display (LCD). It is fast becoming the standard way to go as it takes up less space because it doesn't require a tube of gas or a laser, allowing for a much lighter and slimmer design. The image quality is also significantly enhanced using this technology. LCD uses a thin layer of liquid crystals which light up when electricity passes through them. As the digital TV signal is received, the monitor shoots the images at the liquid crystals and they then display the image.

The option of converting your analogue monitor to receive digital TV

If you have an analogue TV monitor instead of a digital one, you can always convert it to receive digital broadcasting until you're ready to upgrade using a converter box. This device, bought relatively cheaply, is simply attached to your TV monitor to allow it to receive and display digital television broadcasts. While these converter boxes can be purchased on their own, most digital TV broadcasters provide their customers with set-top boxes that achieve the same task. The drawback in doing this however is that a converted analogue TV monitor will not have the same enhanced features of a digital TV monitor.

Conclusion

These days, digital TV is generally a must-have for the average viewer as it offers a wealth of added channels to choose from and a much improved broadcast quality. As technology continues to advance, the digital TV monitor is rapidly evolving in picture clarity and functionality to enhance your home entertainment capabilities better than ever before.
Barry Knightly owns a TV monitor and electronics repair business.