HDTV 720p - FInd Out What This Means
HDTV 720p is the abbreviation for high definition television with 720 lines of vertical display resolution. Some people think the p after the acronym refers to HDTV picture. However, the p stands for progressive scan or non-interlaced. This means that the picture frames are broadcast at 60 frames a second - the highest resolution possible under ATSC standards. It reduces the need to flicker out the fine details and therefore 720p is more along the lines of 1080p.
With 720 p, you get a widescreen ratio of 16:9 and a horizontal resolution of 12880 pixels. It is directly compatible with plasma and LCD television screens. High definition means that the formats of the broadcast are referred to using a notation that describes three things:
- the number of lines in a vertical display resolution
- whether or not progressive or interlaced are used
- the number of frames per second
The advantages of high definition TV are that all HDTV channels are digital. You will never see a snowy picture on the screen or experience vertical rolling. All HD programs are in widescreen just like the movies shown in the theater. Because the colors have a greater bandwidth they are sharp and vivid. With the increased clarity, it is much easier to watch a movie or a TV program on a big screen TV.
Even though most consumers have analog televisions, they can still watch high definition programs with a digital box attached to the TV set. The newer televisions coming on the market today are all HDTV ready, but you don't have to rush out and buy a new TV just because you want HDTV. This box will enable you to continue using your television with your satellite or cable provider until at least 2009.