HDTV

As HDTV service grows in popularity so does the stress of understanding not only what HDTV is, but also choosing from the different products and services that come with HDTV. With so much advertising on this subject many people find themselves confused with all the choices that are out there. I am going to try to explain and simplify the many subjects surrounding HDTV.  This blog will also discuss LCD, Plasma, DLP, LED, and other HDTV products and services.

HDTV stands for High Definition Television. First, let's explain what makes a TV high definition.
The picture of HDTV's is derived from combination's of smaller pixels, wider aspect ratio, and higher resolution.

• Pixels — Pixels are small elements on a TV. Pixels are three closely spaced dots consisting of red, blue and green. HDTV pixels are smaller and spaced closer together than non high definition TV's. This gives you more visual detail creating much crisper pictures.
  
  
• Aspect Ratio — Aspect ratio is the relationship of the width to its height. HDTV has a 16:9 ratio while standard definition TV has a 4:3 ratio. This gives a wider view of the picture or image being produced.

• Resolution — The pixels are arranged in horizontal lines on a TV. The more lines you have the better the picture quality. Standard TV's produce 480 lines per frame, while HDTV produce up to 1080 lines per frame. Lines are drawn on the TV screen in a process called scanning. There are two kinds of scanning:
  

1. Interlaced scanning — In interlaced scanning every other line of pixels is redrawn at the refresh rate capability of the HDTV. This is often associated with 1080i. The "i" being interlaced.
   
2. Progressive scanning — In progressive scanning every line of pixels is redrawn at the refresh rate capability of the HDTV. In 1080p the "p" is standing for progressive scan.
   

The #1 misconception of HDTV, I have noticed, is that if you buy an HDTV you now have a high definition quality picture. This is simply not true.

In order to have a high definition quality picture you must have two major components:

• Own or purchase a HDTV
  
• Receive High Definition Service either through a cable, satellite, or over the air provider through subscription or free high definition service.
  

One without the other will not produce the high definition picture we all are looking for when investing in a HDTV.

I hope this blog will be informative to you during your search for different HD products out there on the market. Updates will be posted to be informative on these products and services. I would love to have any of your input on the subject or HD products you may have knowledge of.

Has this better helped your understanding of HDTV?