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HDTV Frequently Asked Questions

How do I get HDTV?
Easy. Your existing digital cable service may already include High-Definition (HD) broadcasting. Contact your cable operator to upgrade your digital cable receiver to the Motorola DCT5100 HD Digital Cable Receiver.

Do I need digital cable to receive HDTV?
No, though that's how the majority of people choose to receive their broadcasts. There are integrated satellite converters, off-air HD decoders and sidecar converters, such as the Motorola HDD200 that, when teamed with a Motorola DCT2000, DSR-400 series satellite receiver or 4DTV receiver, decodes HD programming.

What shows are available in HDTV?
Plenty, actually. Movies, sports, travel programs and many of today's hottest weekly shows are broadcast in HD format. Most of the major networks like CBS, ABC, NBC, PBS, HBO, Showtime, ESPN and Discovery also broadcast shows in HD.

Hundreds of local stations are also equipped to broadcast HDTV content or pass through High-Definition from their parent networks. Ask your cable provider what's available in your area.

Do I need one of those expensive plasma TVs?
No. Though if you can afford one, your viewing experience will be greatly enhanced.

All you need to watch HDTV is an HD-ready TV, a signal source (off air, Cable or satellite) and an HD Decoder. The Motorola DCT5100 HD Digital Cable Receiver integrates both the signal source and decoder in a seamless one box solution. The DCT5100 is currently available through many North American cable operators.

Can I use a separate HD receiver?
Yes, you can couple an HD decoder, with some digital receivers. However, the Motorola DCT5100 allows you to receive all digital cable services, and HDTV programming, in one sleek unit. The Motorola DCT5100 allows you to experience services like an onscreen program guide, commercial-free digital music and video-on-demand, where you choose from a library of available programs and watch them on your schedule. You can pause, fast forward and rewind, just like a VCR or DVD player. Future services may include Personal Video Recording, games, instant shopping, Internet access and email.

Are all HDTV sets 16:9 widescreen?
No. Though true HDTV follows a widescreen format with a 16:9 aspect ratio, there are many 4:3 HD sets on the market.

What is YPbPr?
YPbPr represents component video connections, where luminance (Y) is represented by a green jack, separate from the color components blue (Pb) and red (Pr). Most high-definition sets today support this format. These colors should not to be confused as RGB output. Click here for a glossary of other HDTV terminology.

What does ATSC stand for?
The Advanced Television Systems Committee was formed to develop technical standards for advanced television systems, and is responsible for defining the different formats of HDTV. The ATSC specifies MPEG2 for video compression and AC-3 (more commonly known as Dolby Digital) for audio compression. Click here for a glossary of other HDTV terminology.

How will my HDTV set handle SDTV?
For the most part, all HDTV monitors are capable of supporting an interlaced standard-definition TV (SDTV) (480i) signal, some also support 480P. However, not all HDTV monitors can handle both 720P and 1080i HDTV signals. Depending on if you have a widescreen or standard 4:3 TV, you'll need to adjust some settings to get the picture just the way you want it.

What is Motorola's refund policy for broadband products?
Unfortunately, Motorola does not provide refunds for returned products. All requests to return products and obtain a refund must be handled at the place of purchase consistent with the retailer/reseller returns and refund policy. If you believe that the product is defective and is covered under a Motorola warranty as provided in Motorola's Warranty Information Statement accompanying the product, you will need to follow Motorola's warranty return procedures. Proof of purchase is required to ensure the product is under warranty.