45 Across
NYT Daily • September 8, 2025
4K screen precursor
Answer:
HDTV
Hint:
This high-definition broadcast standard replaced analog TVs in the early 2000s, offering sharper pictures before ultra-high-def arrived.
Explanation:
HDTV" is the answer because it stands for "High-Definition Television," which was the standard for high-quality screens before 4K resolution became common. The clue hints at this by calling it a "precursor," meaning it came before 4K in the evolution of display technology. No wordplay here—just a straightforward reference to how TV tech has advanced over time.