Thirteen HD showcases the razor-sharp image quality and surround-sound audio of digital television, providing a continuous 24-hour venue of feature programming produced by Thirteen/WNET New York and other PBS producers nationwide using digital technology.

Here are some answers to frequently asked questions about high-definition 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, the signals in HDTV are digital. The digital signals result in crystal clear, noise-free pictures and CD quality sound.

Do I need a new television set to watch HDTV?
Yes. You must have a high-definition monitor to properly decode HDTV signals and display them accurately.

What do I need to receive HDTV?
In most areas, HDTV is available as both an over-the-air broadcast signal and through your digital cable provider. Thirteen HD is carried by the following cable companies:

iO digital cable ...... ch. 713
comcast ...... ch. 240
RCN (Man. & Qns) ...... Ch. 189
RCN ...... ch. 713
time warner ...... ch. 713
patriot media ...... ch. 165
verizon fios ...... ch. 803

Is HDTV replacing standard television?
Not immediately. Thirteen and other broadcasters will continue to offer programs in the standard format for at least the next several years. However, the federal government hopes broadcasters and consumers adopt the new format by 2006. Thus, the next few years will be a transition, as television networks add more digital broadcasting to their offerings.