For the first half-century of the medium, almost all televisions were analog televisions. But as of 2009, they have now largely been replaced by digital TVs, which can pick up the digital signals that all U.S. stations started broadcasting this year. Some of the most telling differences between the two lie in the screens.
Pixels
Analog TVs include 525 lines of pixels, only 480 of which are visible. Digital TVs can hold far more pixels--up to 1080 lines in some cases.
Clarity
The increased number of pixels on digital screens means they can broadcast in high definition, which analog screens can't.
Size
The clarity of digital screens means that they can be much larger than analog screens.
Bulk
Most analog screens use a cathode ray tube to create the image, making them very boxy. Many digital screens are much thinner, allowing them to be placed in a room more readily.
Signal
Unlike analog TVs, whose picture is affected by a weak broadcast signal, digital TVs produce the same picture quality no matter how strong the signal is.
Tags: analog screens, digital screens, digital screens means, screens means