As the change from analog to digital television broadcast looms, you may hear some terms you don't know. This glossary should help you prepare for the switch.

Analog: Traditional, less-efficient and lower quality system that uses radio waves to transmit pictures and sound.

Broadcast Digital-to-Analog Converter Box: A stand-alone device that receives and converts digital signals into a format for display on older analog receivers.

Digital Cable Ready TV (DCR): Also referred to as "plug-and-play," this is a DTV or other device for digital cable customers that plugs directly into the cable jack and does not require a set-top box. Used with a CableCARD, it can receive scrambled programming such as premium services.

Digital Converter Box: Also referred to as a "digital-to-analog converter box," it receives, decodes and converts over-the-air digital programming into analog. When connected to an analog television, it permits digital programming to be displayed in analog.

Digital Television (DTV): Digital technology television that uses radio frequencies to transmit computer code and display it as pictures and sound.

Enhanced Definition TV (EDTV): Better digital television transmission than SDTV, with at least 480 progressive lines and Dolby digital surround sound. 480p is the quality of most progressive scan DVDs and players.

High Definition TV (HDTV): The highest-quality digital television, generally widescreen with at least 720 progressive lines or 1080 interlaced lines and surround sound.

Standard Definition TV (SDTV): Basic digital television format closest to traditional analog TV.

Source: DTV.gov, DTV2009.gov