The Difference Between HDTV and Standard Television

Are you thinking about upgrading to HDTV? Whenever new technology comes out, it can be confusing to figure out whether upgrading is worth the effort and cost. With HDTV, a great set of new features and standards might make using this new technology a good fit for you. However, if you jump to HDTV without understanding what it will and won't change, you could end up disappointed. Read on for information on exactly how an HDTV will differ from a standard television, and what upgrading to HDTV will do for your media watching experience.

One of the most obvious things that will set HDTV apart from standard television is a higher definition. Standard definition TV broadcasts with 704 pixels by 480 lines at the absolute highest, with the picture from a traditional analog television showing an even lower quality image. High Definition TV shows an image at 720p, which is 1280-720 pixels across. Higher end HDTV can show an even higher definition picture. This difference will allow you to see a greater degree of detail in images, much like watching a DVD instead of an older video cassette.

The next thing is the aspect ratio, this is what makes the shape of what you are watching. The aspect of older style analog TV's is 4:3 meaning the screen is a bit wider than high. But the aspect on a high def television is 16:9 making a wider picture. A benefit to this is viewing movies in the manner that they were filmed minus the horizontal lines. One problem with this is if you are watching on an older television that is 4:3 you may get vertical lines on the sides.

Just because you have the high def television it doesn't mean that everything you will watch will be shown in high definition. There will be a better picture from the movies you already have but the see the best of the HDTV you will have to have movies made in high definition. And to show these movies you may have use Blu ray DVDs and player.

Digital television is currently broadcasting in high definition when TV stations make it available, and most cable and satellite providers offer high definition options that will show HD content when it is available. With content gradually moving toward high definition formats, now is a great time to look into purchasing an HDTV. High definition entertainment looks great, and is becoming common, popular, and easy to get.

by Jason Thomas

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