- In this report
- TV types
- Image quality
- Screen size
- Screen shape
- Connections
- Features
ELECTRONICS FORUMS  Get real-world advice from others about choosing a new TV, digital camera, computer or cell phone. |
| Image quality: HD vs. standard definition High definition offers the best TV viewing possible. HD is a digital-TV format that contains more and finer detail than other formats, so images can have almost lifelike clarity. The picture quality can be stunning, especially on a large, wide-screen set. In technical terms, HD images have higher definition, meaning more picture elements (lines or pixels) make up each image. Most HD broadcasts today are either 1080i (1,080 lines drawn on-screen separately in an odd/even pattern, then interlaced to form one image) or 720p (720 lines scanned in one sweep, or progressively). Another HD format, 1080p, has 1,080 lines drawn in a progressive pattern, which potentially yields the finest detail. This format isn't yet being used for TV broadcasts, but some HD DVDs that support 1080p are expected to arrive this year. TVs with 1080p native resolution have already started to appear on the market. You can get HD capability in all types of TVs: LCD, plasma, rear-projection, front-projection, and picture-tube sets. However, simply buying an HDTV doesn't get you HD. You need programming that's created in HD and transmitted the same way, plus a digital tuner (usually supplied by special cable and satellite boxes) that can receive these signals. Standard definition, the type of TV we've watched for years, has much less detail. These are analog signals with resolution of 480i (480 lines drawn onscreen in an interlaced pattern, odd lines separately from even), the format in which TV content is delivered over regular analog broadcasts and basic (non-digital) cable. On the best TVs, the picture quality can be very good or even excellent, but it doesn't compare to the best that HD can offer. Most standard-definition TVs now on the market are picture-tube sets; some smaller LCD sets are also standard-definition. Enhanced definition falls between standard and high definition. ED signals are digital, with resolution of 480p (480 lines scanned progressively).
This is equivalent to DVD quality, which is a little better than standard definition but not as good as high definition. Some
ED sets can accept HD signals, but they convert them to a lower resolution that they can display, so the picture quality won't
match that of true HD. On the best EDTVs, it can be quite good. Most ED sets now on the market are LCD or plasma TVs.
|
