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High definition television (HDTV) is the sharpest form of digital television. It has a 16:9 aspect ratio, which is similar in visual aspect to a movie theater screen. HDTV has a few advantages over the older analog TV format -- the wide screen and the resolution. The wide screen is easy on our eyes -- we see the rectangular wide screen images better than the old square format. Basically, our eyes see better from left/right compared to up/down. The wide screen will also let us see more of the on-screen scene, which is important for sports and movies. Resolution is without a doubt HDTVs greatest selling point. HDTV's resolutions are 720p, 1080i and 1080p -- the number represents the number of lines that create the picture and the letter describes the type of scan utilized by the TV to display the picture. Resolution counts because the more lines signifies a better picture. This is a related concept to digital photos and how dpi specifies print quality.

Which HDTV Format Is Better -- 720p, 1080i, and 1080p? To put the 720 or 1080 lines into view, televisions of yesteryear had 480 lines. Since more lines means a better picture then that alone demonstrates why the HDTV has a nicer picture than an analog TV. More lines is nice but don't forget about the 'p' and 'i' in the 720p, 1080i and 1080p. The letter is an abbreviation for the type of scan the TV utilizes -- 'p' stands for progressive and 'i' stands for interlaced. Progressive scan is better than interlaced because it processes the images twice as fast. This faster scan rate produces better clarity and color in the on-screen picture. The deviation between 720p and 1080i is nominal but the TV industry is using 720p more than 1080i. So, buying a 720p HDTV is recommended over a 1080i HDTV. As far as 1080p, there is no doubt that 1080p is the best resolution on the market. However, there's little to no difference in picture quality between a 1080p and 720p at the 32" and below screen size.
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    What is HDTV?

    High definition television is the sharpest form of digital television. It features a 16:9 aspect ratio, which is the equivalent to a movie theater screen. This is perhaps HD’s biggest marketing point. The other is the resolution. High definition is the best obtainable picture on a television. It comes in three different resolutions: 720p, 1080i and 1080p.

    What do 720p, 1080i and 1080p mean?

    High definition broadcasts are encrypted with a type of resolution: 720p, 1080i or 1080p. The number represents the amount of lines embedded within the signal. The letter identifies the type of scan the TV uses to show the picture. The ‘i’ means interlaced and the ‘p’ means progressive.

    Why does the amount of lines matter?

    The number of lines on a television is significant since it allows for higher detail in the image. This is a similar concept to digital photos and how dpi influences print quality. The type of televisions all of us grew up watching had 480 visible lines on the screen. By repeating the amount of lines in combination with the type of scan, HD basically doubles the quality of image.

    Does it matter if the resolution is interlaced or progressive?

    The type of scan is debatable regarding the amount of lines for each HD format. Progressive scan is a better type of scan since it doubles the amount of times the TV shows the image per one second in comparison to interlaced. Still, the deviation between 720p and 1080i is so negligible that is isn’t an issue at all. Although 1080p is greater than 720p and 1080i, very few programs are created in this resolution so it actually isn’t a factor right at present…and, it may never be.

    Can my television show HD content?

    Only high definition televisions can display HD content in the HD resolution. Enhanced definition televisions can display HD content in a 480p resolution, which is DVD quality. All other televisions that are analog of standard digital won't be capable of displaying HD content in a HD resolution since they lack the technology to do so.

    How do I receive HDTV?

    Anybody that owns a HDTV can get high definition content. You've three options: over-the-air signals, cable or satellite. Over-the-air signals are those that a normal rooftop aerial would receive…only these signals are digital and encrypted in HD. Over-the-air signals are free to pick up. The only price out of pocket would be for the equipment requisite to receive them. To pick up HD programming from your cable or satellite provider you'd need to subscribe to their HD package. This subscription is not free. The provider may require a minimum length of service.

    Does possessing a high-definition television mean that I am viewing in high definition?

    No. Having a high definition television is just the 1st step in viewing HD content. The 2nd step is to acquire a HD tuner. The tuner is either built into the television or an external set-top box. The set-top boxes can be purchased in stores, but most will come from the cable television or satellite supplier. The 3rd step is to either subscribe to a HD package or purchase an aerial for over-the-air reception. When steps one, two and three are in place then it is up to you to turn to the HD channel to get started watching high definition programming. And, this is only if the signal on the HD channel is rendered in high definition.