WHAT IS HIGH DEFINITION (HD) TV?

Confused about All Those Technical Jargons in LCD and Plasma TV?

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In this Guide, you'll find all the information you need about the exciting new technology of High Definition Television (HDTV) including helpful hints on choosing the High Definition TV that suits your needs. Whether you’re a novice or an expert, looking for a wide screen direct-view TV, a rear-projection TV, or a flat-panel LCD, you’re sure to find useful information that will assist you in your choice:

WHAT IS THE RIGHT SIZE?  WHAT TYPE OF SCREEN SHOULD YOU PURCHASE?  WHICH TV’S IS RIGHT FOR YOU?
In order to do that, it’s important to know something about the different HDTV picture formats available like “720p”and “1080i”. and the enhancements that HDTV makes possible. This guide is designed to tell you what you really need to know in simple terms. In a nutshell High Definition delivers image and sound quality far superior to standard definition digital and analogue TV, with up to three times the improvement in detail. This means you’ll experience a more realistic natural picture and sound.

The High Definition Advantage
The first thing you need to know about High Definition TV is that is has a 16:9 aspect ratio, capable of delivering the same high quality you see in a movie theatre, making High definition the best picture available on a television screen. The other big selling point is the resolution. HD comes in three different resolutions: 720p, 1080i and 1080p for picture perfect clarity.

What does High Definition Deliver?
To understand what the advantages of High Definition is you need to know a little about how TV works. The images that appear are on your screen are made up of horizontal lines that are constantly being refreshed or scanned. There are normally two types of scanning. These are interlaced (i) and progressive (p). The higher the line count and scanning
rate, the better the image will be.

Does it matter if the resolution is interlaced or progressive?
The type of scan is arguable considering the amount of lines for each HD format. Progressive scan is a better type of
scan because it doubles the amount of times the TV displays the image per one second in comparison to interlaced.
As mentioned, HDTV comes in 720p, 1080i and 1080p resolutions, however, the difference between 720p and 1080i is so
minimal that most people could not detect it. While technically 1080p is better than 720p and 1080i, very few programs
are made in this resolution so it really isn’t a critical factor at this moment in time.

Live the High (Definition) Life
The major benefit of HD is that it will enhance your viewing experience, by enabling you to watch incredible
detail such as the dimples on a golf ball or the bark on trees appearing in the background of a movie or a sports
programme. HDTV offers a smoother more natural look giving you the impression that rather than just
looking at a television screen, you are actually looking through a window to the world.
Did you know that High Definition (HD) captures and processes digital information more efficiently, providing
image and sound quality that is clearer, crisper and more realistic than ever before.

What does HD Ready mean?
Good question and one that many people are confused about. The simple answer is that the TV can show high definition pictures but it does not contain a built-in HDTV tuner. It means that the equipment can show you High Definition pictures broadcast by Free to Air and Pay TV channels, hard drive video recorders, DVD players and games consoles.
There are advantages and disadvantages to this type of TV. The main advantage is of course that it is considerably cheaper. The biggest disadvantage is that you will need a set top box to convert the signals.

The set top box tuner is the way that the unit is able to receive the signals. It then converts them into a form that you can watch on your set. If you want to enjoy all the benefits of the HDTV programming with a HDTV-ready set you will need to purchase an additional box.
Did you know that HD Ready put simply, means that the TV can show high definition pictures but it does not contain a built-in HDTV tuner.

What is integrated HD (DVB)!
Full High Definition is a television or display that has the HDTV tuner built into the set. It does not need a separate set-top box to receive HDTV signals. This option allows you to view High Definition pictures broadcast by Free to Air and Pay TV channels, hard drive video recorders, DVD players and games consoles. The main advantage of Integrated High Definition televisions is you do not require the inconvenience of a set top box. However, it is generally more expensive. The built in tuner is the way that the unit is able to receive the high definition signals. It then converts them into a form that you can watch on your set.

What is Full HDTV (1080p)?
Full High Definition TV is a television or display that offers the maximum available resolution of 1080p (progressive).
1080p refers to one or two 1920x1080 high definition digital TV formats (HDTV) that have 1,080 lines of progressive
scan resolution (the "p"). Full HD is also commonly known as "true HD" and "ultra HD," the 1080p progressive formats provide the maximum lines of resolution and best image quality in the HDTV standard.

Out, In or Both?
A 1080p HDTV set may provide 1080p output, but not necessarily accept 1080p input. Not all TV content provides 1080 resolution. To fill the higher number of lines on screen most Full HDTV sets can up-convert 480i and 480p signals to 1080p. But, they may not be able to accept 1080p signals from a HD DVD or Blu-ray Player.

Digital Broadcasting
Not all Digital Television programming is in High Definition. There are many programs that form part of the Digital TV broadcast content that aren’t broadcast in the highest quality. Multicasting, allows stations to broadcast more shows over the air, using this lower quality resolution. ” Keep in mind” however, that even with reduced resolution, many of
the other benefits of HDTV are still relevant, like the reduced picture noise. No matter what, even the lowest quality Digital TV broadcast will still be better than the best quality from the old signal, which is roughly the same as a DVD
seen on an analog TV.                                       
                                                                           
Resolution
HDTV resolution provides up to 6 times as much density as traditional television. Resolution is the number of pixels
a television can display on the screen. It is typically measured by the number of horizontal lines the pixels fall into.
More lines equal higher resolution and higher resolution means a better picture. Current analogue TV’s are comprised
of 480 horizontal lines (480i resolutions). This may sound impressive, but when compared to the possible 1080 lines
a HDTV can deliver, the inferior performance of an analogue television becomes apparent. Like DVD’s, digital television
brings an enhanced viewing experience into the home. It delivers better picture quality that virtually eliminates
ghosts, static and noise. What you see is a cleaner, more vibrant picture.

Aspect Ratio
HDTV allows you to view programming in widescreen format. Aspect ratio is the relationship of width to height on a TV screen. For example, a traditional TV screen’s square appearance can be more technically described as having an aspect ratio of 4:3. The aspect ratio of an HDTV is referred to as widescreen (16:9) and can be likened to the screen you see in a movie theater. What this means for you, is that when you watch your favourite program the wider view allows you to see more of the action. The picture won’t be truncated on both ends or reduced in size due to letterboxing.

Progressive Scan
Progressive scanning provides a brighter, more vibrant picture. Progressive scan refers to the manner in which the horizontal lines of pixels are transposed onto the screen. Compared to the current standard of interlaced scanning, progressive scanning works independently from resolution to further improve the image quality.
Currently, interlaced scanning scans all of the odd horizontal lines of a TV picture onto the screen first, and then goes back and fills in the even lines. Because progressive scanning scans all of the lines consecutively, all lines are illuminated at the same time. This results in a brighter image, that eliminates the possibility of any flickering. In other words, what you see is a cleaner, more vibrant picture.

Benefits of High Definition (HD)TV
There are many benefits to having High Definition Television. Digital superiority, amazing picture detail, progressive scanning, digital audio, no more ‘ghost’ images and of course a wider viewing area.

Better Picture Quality
The most notable benefit of HDTV is the dramatically improved picture quality. The usual resolution a normal TV can display is 525 scan lines with 480 actually being visible. The usual TV can display a resolution of about 210,000 pixels per image. High Definition TV's can go all the way up to 1920 (horizontal) x 1080 (vertical) pixels, with a total of 2,073,600 pixels per image. That is ten times the resolution and picture quality of usual TV.

Better Sound Quality
HDTV's digital audio sounds better than a standard television's analogue sound, just like digital CDs are superior to analogue radio. All HDTV programs use Dolby Digital sound, which is also used on DVDs. This format is used to transmit two to six channels of audio depending on the program. With these soundtracks driving 6 speakers, Dolby Digital creates a home theatre experience rivaling the best cinema sound.

Future Proofing Your Purchase
With more content becoming available in High Definition and the analogue signal ceasing in 2010, deciding to purchase a HDTV effectively future proofs your investment.Did you know that there are benefits to having High Definition Television. Digital superiority, amazing picture detail, progressive scanning, digital audio, no more ‘ghost’ images and of course a wider viewing area.

Better Sound Quality
Not only does Digital TV offer stunning pictures, it offers stunning sound as well. Dolby Digital surround sound is an
Incredibly realistic experience as sound seems to be all around you.
Did you know that Digital sound significantly increases the audio quality. The digital signal that reduces interference
and improves the quality of a TV’s picture also improves the quality of the sound.
With most of the focus being placed on picture quality, people often overlook the fact that sound quality can make or break the enjoyment of their regularly scheduled programming. Let’s take a look at the audio advantages that are made possible by HDTV.

Digital vs. Analogue
Digital sound significantly increases the audio quality. The digital signal that reduces interference and improves the quality of a TV’s picture also improves the quality of the sound. Analogue TVs currently broadcast sound in stereo FM. That’s right, the same as the radio. The difference in clarity that you can notice in an FM radio and a CD is the same difference in clarity between an analogue and a HDTV.

Surround Sound
Surround sound brings the movie theatre experience into your living room. How do you improve on the clarity of digital sound? Surround yourself in it, of course. Many HDTV’s and digital programs are equipped to provide surround sound. With the inclusion of surround sound speakers in your home theatre, you’ll be able to experience movie quality sound from the comfort of your couch.

Future Proofing
High Definition television (HDTV) is more than just a digital version of the analogue TV programming you view today. In fact HDTV is the future of transmitting high quality video and audio to your TV set .More and more broadcasters, subscription TV operators, and satellite program services are now transmitting high definition TV (HDTV) images.

With these digital broadcasts come high quality Dolby Digital surround audio, and new services such as multicasting (more than one program on the same channel) and data casting (electronic program guides and interactive television). It is also important to remember that from 2010 the current analogue signal will cease. Other issues to consider when deciding to switch to HD include the ability to take advantage of the emergence of High Definition Gaming and Blu-Ray Optical Disc technology, widely tipped to take over from DVD.
By purchasing a HDTV you are effectively future proofing your investment as you will be able to fully access this new technology in all its high quality forms.

Can my television display HD content?
To receive HD programming from your cable or satellite provider you would need to subscribe to their High Definition or Digital package. Only high definition televisions can display the required 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 analogue or standard digital will not be able to display HD content in a HD resolution because they lack the technology to do so.
Does owning a HDTV mean that I am watching in high definition programming!
Owning a high definition television is just the first step in watching HD content. The second step is to acquire a HD tuner. The tuner is either built into the television or is an external set-top box. The set-top boxes can be bought in stores, but most will come via your subscription TV provider. The third step is to either subscribe to a HD package or buy an antenna for over-the-air reception.

THE FUTURE OF HIGH DEFINITION (HD) TV!
We are now at a point in the digital evolution where we are moving from a simple digital signal to a HD digital signal. And this high definition is really the next inventible step in this historical growth. High Definition is more than just a TV signal, it represents an enhanced viewing experience for everything from TV to video (watching and recording), gaming and home theatre. We have seen fundamental shifts in worldwide demand for TVs, with an explosion of growth in demand for flat panel TVs as a proportion of total TV sales. LCD sales are driving the demand in Australia and around the world. People are buying higher value TV models and shifting to higher value panels (such as larger LCD’s) within that TV type.
The future is clear. The future is High Definition (HD). Experience HD across every mode of home entertainment through a breadth of products that deliver HD television, HD movies and HD gaming. High definition captures and processes digital information more efficiently, providing images and sound quality that is clearer, crisper and more realistic than ever before. Imagine a seamless home entertainment system with image and sound so natural it’s like looking through a window. Imagine life in High Definition.

Choosing a High Definition (HD) TV
The most important decision when buying a TV is where you will put it in your house. There are a lot of models to choose from, but not all of them are right for your particular situation. There are two key factors that go into deciding what TV is right for your needs.
What is the right size! What Type of screen should I buy!
Another important factor in purchasing a HDTV is of course your budget. When determining how much you wish to spend consider the following before making your decision:

How often is your current television on at home?
Most Australians have their set on for more than 6 hours a day, every day of the year. It is the primary source of entertainment in our homes; you will use this more often and with greater enjoyment than almost any other product you own with the exception of your bed. Bearing this in mind make sure that your budget accordingly.

Is this replacing your main TV or is it a secondary set?
If your new TV will be the one that is used most often, then it’s worth spending a bit more on it. If it is a secondary set, say for the bedroom or kitchen, while you may not need to spring for a larger picture, you might want to invest in different design and mounting options.

See it for yourself
No matter what set you think is right, it is critical that you look at the set before purchasing. Reviews and other people’s opinions are fine, but you are the one who has to live with the TV. Make sure that it is up to your standards.

CHOOSING THE RIGHT SIZE
If you answer this size question, then many of the reaming issues involved in deciding on a new TV are also answered. For instance, most of the different display technologies are only available in certain sizes. If you work out that the best size for you is between 55 and 60 inches, and then LCD TV’S are not an option being unavailable in these sizes.

How much space do you have?
Start by determining where in the room the set will go. Is the space constrained by the size of the wall or does it need to fit in or on a particular piece of furniture? If this is the case, get the measurements before going any further.

One fifth the distance
If you aren’t constrained by the room, then the rule most experts use is to divide your distance from the front of the set by five. This will give you the screen height. In other words, if you sit 3 metres from the front of the screen a TV that is (60cm) high is recommended. This size is roughly what a movie screen would look like when seen from two thirds of the way back; which is considered the “sweet spot” of a movie theatre. Keep in mind that this number is only a recommendation, feel free to adjust it to taste; lots of people enjoy sitting in the front row. Now that you know the size your choice of display type should already be down to two or three instead of all six. To narrow it down further consider how it will fit in the room. For instance, if you plan on mounting it on the wall, then LCD is your only choice.

Bright Rooms
If you still have a couple of choices, then think about how much light is in the room and how it will affect the picture. If it is bright, then you want a set that is also bright so that it can overcome all the light. Keep in mind that a bright room also means a high chance of glare. Therefore, a TV with a front surface made of glass may not be the best choice. This situation is perfect for LCD.

Dark Rooms
Conversely, if the room is darker or doesn’t get much glare, then something that can give you great detail in the dark areas will probably be better. Plasma will work best in these situations.

How does it look turned off?
Cast an eye on the cosmetics as well. Brochures and online pictures rarely show the real look and quality of the construction. You have to live with the set in your room, even when it is off; make sure that it will fit the look of your home.

Give it some space
When you do look at the picture, don’t stand too close. No matter how good a TV is, if you stand close to the screen you will see flaws. Instead, stand as close as the closest seat will be to the set in your home. If it looks good there, then you’ll be happy with it at home.