FAQ: The finer points of HDTV
By Erica OggFeb 19, 2008
1. Introduction
More high-definition television programming than ever will be available on broadcast, cable and satellite TV this fall.
To experience the sharpest picture and sound, you'll need more than just a high-definition TV. Whether you're planning on buying or are just curious what all the HD hubbub is about, here are some answers to common HDTV questions.
What, exactly, is HDTV?
Several types of televisions can be considered high definition. In general, HDTVs are set apart from standard-definition (SD) TVs by their high display resolutions and wide aspect ratios or rectangular displays.
HDTVs come in display resolutions of 720p (720 lines of detail) or 1080i (1,080 lines of detail). A standard TV has 480. The "p" refers to progressive scan, in which each of the picture frames that appear are drawn line by line from top to bottom on the screen, causing on-screen action to appear smoother. The "I" stands for interlaced, meaning that every second line of a picture is drawn in sequence.
HDTVs that display 1080p content are relatively new to the HD world, though they're said to be the best for TV viewing, since they combine the smooth image of progressive scan and sharpness of 1,080 lines of resolution.
Movies, commercials and TV shows filmed in HD have a wider aspect ratio (the ratio of a screen's height to its width) than their SD counterparts. HD display width divided by its height is denoted as 16:9 compared with SD's 4:3 ratio. The net result is a rectangular, widescreen format for HDTV panels and content.
Can I watch my favorite shows in HD?
Most likely, yes. While only a handful of Asian countries such as Japan are broadcasting in HD, many are currently evaluating or running trials in preparation of the transistion. Most broadcasters are going with 1080i, according to the Digital Entertainment Group, which promotes HD entertainment.
What equipment do I need to get HDTV?
To see the mutilated corpses of CBS's CSI in stomach-turning detail or to count freckles on the faces of the Grey's Anatomy cast requires an HD-ready TV, an HDTV tuner and an antenna. An HD-integrated TV needs only the antenna.
Cable and satellite services offer HD programming, too. For HD cable, you need cable services and an HD-integrated TV or cable services, an HD cable box and an HD-ready TV. Satellite requires an HD satellite receiver, a satellite antenna and an HD-ready TV.
