| What is HDTV HDTV and SDTV Compared
To better understand why you see such a crisp beautiful
picture with HDTV here are some key technical specification comparisons between
"Standard Definition Television" (SDTV) and High Definition Television
(HDTV). When shopping for an HDTV display this is the kind of information that you
should know. Of course, an HD set with a built-in ATSC tuner can receive television
channels and programs in all formats. An HD-Ready set can do the same, when connected to a
cable or satellite HD set top box.
|
Analogue |
Standard Definition |
High Definition |
| Visible Pixel Count |
253,000 +/- |
480,000* |
920,000 @ 720p
2,000,000+@1080i |
| Horiz. Scanning Lines |
480i |
480i or 480 p |
720p or 1080i |
| Aspect Ratio |
4 x 3 |
4 x 3 or 16 x 9 |
16 x 9 |
| Progressive Scan |
No |
Yes |
Yes |
| Interlaced Scan |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
| Audio |
2 channel |
2 channel digital ** |
Dolby Digital |
| Broadcast Formats |
1 Analogue (NTSC) |
12Digital Formats |
6 Digital Formats |
* Approx. total, including Y, Pr, Pb
** Off-air, certain cable and satellite
services may offer 5.1 channels.
HDTV provides a new level of viewing
satisfaction that must be experienced to be fully appreciated! |
