HDTV

Short for High-definition Television, HDTV is a next generation of television first approved by ATSC in December 24, 1996 that offers higher resolutions and clarity. The HDTV standard is currently defined as displaying the picture in either 1080i (1,080 lines of resolution being displayed in an interlaced format), 1080p (1,080 lines of resolution being displayed in progressive format), and 720p (720 lines in progressive). HDTVs are displayed on a wider screen because of the 16:9 aspect ratio although not all wide screen displays are capable of displaying HD. To the right is an example image of a 1080p HDTV, the Panasonic TH-58PZ750U. The last announced date for the analog signal to be terminated and all broadcasts to be moved to high-definition is February 17, 2009.

Also see: 16:9, Blu-ray, DVI, HD DVD, HDCP, HDMI, TV