What is Hdtv?

Hdtv is High-Definition Television. What does that mean to you? Well most of us are used to Sdtv (standard-definition television). That is the equivalent of what we have been watching on tube televisions for 40 years or so. To understand Hdtv we must first know what Sdtv is. Sdtv is up to 480 lines of detail. A dvd is a good example of 480 lines of detail. A dvd is a fairly crisp and clear picture. Yet dvds do not have anything on a Hdtv picture. Hdtvs have at the minimum 720 lines of detail. Along with the 720, there are also 1080 lines as well. Most Hdtvs these days come with three options 720p, 1080i, and 1080p. The 1080p is considered true Hd. The difference in pictures between 720p and 1080i is very debatable. The reasoning is what the p and the i stand for. The "p" is for progressive and the "i" is for interlaced. While the 1080i has more lines it's not necessarily the better picture because of the interlaced resolution. The interlaced resolution means the picture flashes half the lines then the other half faster than your eye can see. The progressive resolution means all 720 lines are being displayed evenly and at the same time. So there are more lines with the 1080i but the 720p can deliver a smoother picture with less distortion during movement. I have seen both formats and cannot really recognize a major difference in the two. With that even said 1080p is the best you can get. It combines the advantages of both.

I can tell you honestly because I work in the industry. Cable and satellite providers only display their Hdtv programs in either 720p or 1080i. So buying any Hdtv will work just fine. If you go for a used or older new model your not behind at all. If you want to be ahead of the game spring for a 1080p.  The 1080p display is so ahead that of the game that Blu-ray and some video games is really the only source using it consistently.

Widescreen is another difference between Hdtv and Sdtv.  Sdtv are a standard letter box format (4:3).  Your Hdtv is 16x9 format or widescreen.  What this translates to is more picture for your eyes to see. :)

Lastly, the sound quality of Hdtv is far superior than Sdtv.  When I first watched a HD-Dvd (before they dismantled) I was amazed at the clarity of the sound.  This is a detail most people overlook including myself.