According to Barr, "We are proud to once again lead the way in cutting edge technology by being the first station in town to broadcast local news and programming in high definition. Just like the transition from black and white to color, HD broadcasting infuses a sense of excitement for our viewers. As the Chicago station with the most HD local programming, ABC7's audience will enjoy the "wow" factor that comes with such a high quality viewing experience."
This cutting edge conversion of 4:3 Standard Definition television to 16:9 High Definition television translates to 33 hours of weekly local news in vivid, crystal clear pictures.
ABC7 will provide more hours of HD programming than any other television station in the market. In addition to HD local newscasts, ABC7's High Definition broadcast of local news, sports, entertainment and community focused programming and specials, combined with its extensive network and syndication HD lineup, will make ABC7 "Chicago's premiere HD station."
ABC7 has paved the way with technological firsts including having the only HD helicopter in the market as well as being the first station to provide video and audio podcasting as well as making up-to-the-minute election results available via web enabled cell phones and wireless devices.
Kal Hassan, Vice President of Engineering said, "ABC7 has one of the most advanced, all digital facilities in the country, pioneering the way here with an all HD infra structure that includes HD control rooms, HD studio and remote cameras, HD graphics weather system and HD capable live trucks. Broadcasting from our Emmy Award winning news set, we will be providing 16: 9, pictures that will fill the screen with stunning clarity. ABC7 viewers will now have a front row seat to a brand new technology."
High Definition will change the way you watch TV, and ABC7 is at the forefront of this revolution in television.
ABC7 News HD: Frequently Asked Questions
What is HDTV?
How do I get ABC7 News HD?
What makes HDTV different than a standard Television signal?
Do I need a new television set to watch HDTV?
Is HDTV replacing standard television?
What is HDTV?
High-definition television is a new format for broadcasting TV programming. The existing format is called NTSC (National Television Standards Committee) and is analog. By contrast, HDTV is high-resolution digital television format called ATSC (Advanced Television Systems Committee) combined with Dolby Digital surround sound. How do I get ABC7 News HD?
You can watch ABC7 News in HD on a set equipped with an ATSC tuner (or with an external ATSC tuner) using a standard antenna; or via digital cable or satellite: CABLE: Comcast Channel 187 WOW Channel 200 RCN Channel 512 SATELLITE: DirecTV Channel 7 or 963 on older receivers DISH Network Channel 7 and Channel 6312 What makes HDTV different than a standard televsion signal?
HDTV results in crystal clear, noise-free pictures and CD quality sound. It provides either 720 or 1080 (depending on your set) lines of resolution compared to the 525 lines viewers are accustomed to in the United States. Aspect Ratio
Most televisions that viewers have today were manufactured in a 4 by 3 aspect ratio, almost like a square. But theatrically released movies are usually in a wider aspect, taking advantage of the human field of vision (which is wider across horizontally, like a rectangle). HDTV signals are sent in a 16 by 9 aspect ratio, mimicking the wide scope of movies. HDTV's aspect ratio makes for a more immersive and intense viewing experience. Do I need a new television set to watch HDTV?
Although HDTV is available over the air using a standard antenna or via digital cable or satellite, you must have a high-definition tuner and monitor to properly decode HDTV signals and display them accurately. ABC7's programs are also broadcast in standard format, so today, no programs are ONLY for HDTV users. Your regular television set simply ignores HDTV signals that are being broadcast, however the quality of your picture will be dramatically better whether or not you have an high definition television set. Is HDTV replacing standard television?
Not immediately. ABC7 and other broadcasters will continue to offer programs in the standard format for at least the next several years. By February 2009, every TV station in the U.S. will be required by law to "switch off" their analog or traditional television signal and begin broadcasting only in digital. ABC7 is ahead of the game and taking it one step further by going high-def. For more information on HDTV, visit www.cnet.com
