Here are some of the most commonly used terms associated with the switch to digital TV.
Analog is a type of signal that works by transmitting sounds and pictures as a continuous wave. Analog technology is out of date and is being replaced worldwide by digital.
Digital switchover is the point at which the analog signal is switched off in a region and replaced by digital signals only.
Digital TV recorder is a set-top box that can record digital TV.
Electronic program guide (EPG) is an electronic version of the printed television program guide.
Full high definition is an enhancement of digital TV, which refers to the highest quality picture available. It is sometimes shown as 1080i or 1080p, which refers to screen resolution.
High definition (HD) is an enhancement of digital TV, which refers to a higher quality picture and allows you to receive all free-to-air analog channels, SD channels and HD channels. HD is sometimes shown as 720p, which refers to the screen resolution.
Resolution refers to the number of dots or pixels that make up the picture on the screen.
Set top box is a device that allows an analog TV to receive and show digital content.
Spectrum or broadcast space is the space or frequencies used to transmit television, radio and other forms of electronic communication.
Standard definition (SD) is a format of digital television that allows pictures to be received in widescreen format. SD has slightly less resolution or picture quality than HD and is sometimes referred to as 576i or 576p. With SD you get all the analog channels you currently receive, plus all the new free-to-air channels except the HD ones.
Widescreen digital television has a different aspect ratio (ratio of width to height) to traditional analog television. The aspect ratio of widescreen is 16:9, while analog uses a 4:3 aspect ratio.