What is High Definition Television (HDTV)?

High Definition Television provides the ultimate in picture and sound quality. HDTV is a digital television format, which combines high-resolution video and digital sound to create a movie theatre-quality TV viewing experience. HDTV also requires the purchase of a separate television and receiver. Notable characteristics of HDTV are:

1. The Ultimate Picture Quality

An HDTV image contains approximately 5 times as much picture information (picture elements or pixels) as displayed on a conventional TV.
The net result is an image far superior to those available today.
2. A wider, movie-theater-like picture. The picture of an HDTV is wider using a 16:9 aspect ratio as opposed to the 4:3 aspect ratio standard we use today. This results in an image similar to that found in a movie theater.

16:9 HDTV Image Shape

4:3 NTSC Image Shape

3. Better sound quality. The sound format adopted for HDTV is Dolby Digital. CD-quality movie-theater-level Dolby Digital 5.1 sound can be achieved (when present in the soundtrack).

4. Available today - Bell ExpressVu Model 6100 and 9200 High Definition Receivers. Up to 27channels available and growing with the addition of the new Nimiq 2 Satellite that is now active.

Currently Bell ExpressVu offers 27HDTV channels. Already this year the company has broadcast many special events in HDTV, The 50th NHL All Star Game, The Masters Golf Tournament, Discovery Channel Eco-Challenge and Over Canada, An Aerial Adventure in HDTV format. In addition to high definition broadcasts, the Model 6100 and 9200 will allow Bell ExpressVu customers to enjoy the company's vast digital programming line-up including local, national and specialty channels as well as Vu!, Bell ExpressVu's Pay-per-View service with more than 55 channels of movies, sports and entertainment.