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HDTV > How does it work?
HDTV provides a sharper picture and better sound than standard television, but an in-depth look at HDTV's advantages will help you understand why it will revolutionize your TV viewing experience.
Aspect Ratio
You've probably heard a TV announcer say "this programs has been brought to you in HDTV." And you may already know that HDTV brings you a sharper picture and better sound than standard television. But it's when you really understand all that HDTV offers that you can truly begin to appreciate how much more enjoyable it makes your television viewing experience.
Fortunately, you just have to learn a few important terms in order to understand what HDTV is all about. Read on to learn everything you need to know about aspect ratio, pixels, resolution and Dolby® Digital 5.1 surround sound.
Aspect ratio describes the width of the TV screen in proportion to its height. When people talk about wide-screen TVs, they are referring to the 16:9 aspect ratio. Most HDTV programs are delivered in this widescreen format. A 16:9 aspect ratio fills more of your natural field of vision and creates a more cinematic experience. In comparison, standard TVs have an aspect ratio of 4:3, slightly wider than a square. In many instances images are cropped to accomodate your 4:3 screen, resulting in a loss of picture.
Pixels
The picture elements that make up the images onscreen are called pixels. More pixels mean more detail. The highest pixel count is available with high definition television (HDTV), where up to two million pixels can be displayed.
Resolution
Resolution is displayed on-screen by horizontal and vertical pixels that make up the on-screen image. The number of pixels determines the resolution, and the best resolution on a digital television is available with an HDTV set. For example, lines of resolution you see on older, analog television sets are 705 (width) x 485 (height), at best. In comparison, HDTV offers screen resolutions of 1280 (width) x 720 (height) or 1920 (width) x 1080 (height).
HDTV resolution is available in two formats: 720p and 1080i. The "p" and "i" refer to the scan methods, or how the lines of resolution are delivered on-screen. Progressive "p" scanning means that pixels on the screen are refreshed simultaneously. Interlaced "i" scanning refreshes pixels in alternations, first the odd lines, then the even lines. In order to display the HD, you need to have a 720p or 1080i signal coming into your TV, and an HDTV set capable of displaying a resolution of 1280 x 720 or higher.
Dolby® Digital 5.1
HDTV also offers remarkable sound quality, with 5.1 channels of Dolby® Digital surround sound, the same system used in many movie theaters. Those with a home theater entertainment set up will be able to appreciate shows delivered in Dolby® Digital 5.1 surround sound.
Older, analog television sets offer only two channels of audio, left and right. Dolby® Digital 5.1 sends a digital audio signal to 6 speakers that can be arranged throughout the room, enveloping you with the rich sound from every angle. Besides five full-range channels (left, center, right, left surround and right surround), a sixth channel handles low-frequency effects (LFE). This sixth channel represent the .1 in Dolby® Digital 5.1.
Interested in purchasing a high-definition television? Visit OptimumStore.com.
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