HDTV as Simple as It Gets

HDTV does not have to be as difficult as some seem to think. Just knowing a few standard terms (and what they actually mean) will make purchasing an HDTV set a more pleasurable experience. Since all broadcasting in the United States will be digital by 2009, this is a purchase most of us will have to face in the not to distant future.

HDTV is all about the resolution. Traditional analog sets have a resolution of only 480i or 480p. The new HD sets have 720p, 1080i, or even 1080p. This is not a foreign language, although it may seem that way. It is just a technical description of how many lines your picture shows. The resolution is the number of lines x the number of pixels (color points). You need a 1080 x 1920 resolution for the better picture.

The HDTV set that you buy and bring home is on the beginning of the story. Your set can only format to the sources highest setting. In other words, if the broadcast is in 480p, then that is what your set will show – no matter what its settings can handle. This is why the digital experience so reliant on what your cable provider offers in your area.

Understanding HDTV is the key to enjoying your new set and not being disappointed when you get home. These basic guidelines should help you on your path to the ultimate television experience.