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Myth: I already have Digital Television because I have digital cable.

Fact: Maybe yes, maybe no. Digital cable is not necessarily Digital TV (DTV) from broadcasters. DTV is received via free over-the-air digital signals. Digital TV has the capability to offer consumers five times the resolution than that of the current analog signal, and only a few premium cable channels offer this.

Myth: High-definition Television (HDTV) means "Digital Television."

Fact: While HDTV signals deliver the highest quality of DTV visually and aurally, it is only one benefit to DTV. In addition to HDTV, Digital TV can offer a second type of signal, Standard-Definition Television (SDTV). The magic of SDTV is that it gives broadcasters the flexibility to multicast programming, bringing viewers three times more over-the-air content. Digital TV's multicasting ability gives viewers expanded choice in television programs broadcast from the same station at the same time. For example, with multicasting, viewers can choose to watch the news, sports, a sitcom or children's programming coming from the same station at 5 p.m.

Myth: Once broadcasters transition from analog to digital, analog televisions will be obsolete.

Fact: No. Set-top boxes are available now and will continue to be available to consumers after the transition is complete. However, to reap the full benefits of Digital TV, including superior sound and clarity, you must own a Digital TV set. An analog television, with the addition of a set-top box, will still allow viewers to enjoy all of the programming they have always enjoyed in addition to the benefits of Digital TV including multicasting, enhanced sound quality and datacasting available through digital broadcasting.

Myth: You can't see a big difference between analog TV and DTV.

Fact: Viewers can't ignore the dramatic improvements offered by the digital television conversion. Visually, HDTV captures viewers with crystal clear resolution and razor sharp detail. Individual hairs, labels on footballs and the subtle effect of wind blowing through grass are all clearly visible through HDTV. Also, the resolution provides an image akin to movie-theater screens. Combined with the capacity to deliver enhanced Dolby Digital surround sound, HDTV produces an advanced home theater effect. Digital TV automatically provides viewers with sharper images, better sound, and more viewing options than have ever been available over the air.