High Definition TV

HDTV stands for High Definition Television, but what is HDTV?

HDTV sets new standards in your television viewing experience by offering exceptional picture quality. Simply put, HDTV is the inevitable upgrade from today's analogue system.

HDTV uses digital technology to transmit an enormous amount of information in the same amount of space as used for standard 'analogue' TV. A traditional TV would use 576 vertical lines to produce images on screen. When you compare that to the 1080 produced on an HDTV you will see a world of difference.

There are two HD broadcast standards - 720p and 1080i.

What is the difference between 720p and 1080i?

720p stands for resolution of 1280x720 pixels and the little 'p' means the picture is in a progressive scan format. The other HDTV resolution 1080i means 1920x1080 pixels and the little 'i' means the picture is in an interlaced format.

An interlaced picture means the TV shows every odd horizontal line in the scan then every even line in the second scan. However, this all happens so fast that your eyes cannot detect it.

Progressive scan is based on all the horizontal lines being shown on the screen at one time giving a smoother image.

It is generally believed that a progressively scanned picture is more suited to fast moving images such as sports, whilst an interlaced format is more suitable for slower images such as films and documentaries.

How can I receive HDTV?

Sky are offering a High Definition Satellite Receiver for only £299.99 plus installation (although they do offer discounts and special promotions occasionally) plus an extra subscription charge of £10 per month on top of their normal package prices. The BBC has also committed to broadcasting in HD as soon as possible via the terrestrial broadcasts (DVB-T).

Are all digital TV's HD?

No. Digital TV's, generally referred to as IDTV are capable of receiving 'standard' digital signals, and whilst noticeably different to an analogue signal it is not High Definition. Some HD-ready sets are however IDTV and capable of picking up the digital signal currently broadcast on 'Free view'. HD-ready sets can also receive Free view or Sky digital by the use of a set top box.

In short an HDTV does all your existing TV does and more.

What are HDMI, DVI and HDCP?

Both High Definition Media Interface (HDMI) and Digital Video Interface (DVi) are connection types used to connect your source, be it set top box, Blu-ray DVD, HD DVD etc, to your HDTV.
Both HDMI and DVi offer high-bandwidth connectivity capable of carrying the HD signal to the TV. Already widely used HDCP (High-Bandwidth Digital Content Protocol) is the copyright protection that helps to protect against unauthorised recording of HD content. Both HDMI and DVi support HDCP.

DLP, what is it?

Digital Light Processor or DLP is a device which by the use of millions of little mirrors, one for each pixel, creates a very high quality projected image. DLP is widely used in rear projection or front projection units and yes, they can be HD-ready.

I want a High Definition TV but how can I be sure I'm buying the right thing?

Firstly as independent retailers we pride ourselves on product knowledge and ensuring we get the right deal for you. The easiest way is to ask the experts.

Products displaying the HD-ready logo have been officially recognized by the European Standards Association (EICTA) as having all the requirements to receive and display High Definition programmes in all their glory. Please note however, that a LCD or Plasma TV displaying the 'HD Ready' Logo, still requires a High Definition capable receiver in order to display such content (such as a Sky HD satellite receiver for instance).

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