Standard definition has for many years given us great TV pictures; however, with the introduction of plasma and LCD TVs, High Definition (HD) TV has become possible. The HD experience is a major step forward and has to be seen to be believed.
High Definition produces magnificent picture quality, crisp detail and amazingly vivid colour. It is like nothing you will have experienced before. If you are looking to buy a new television smaller than 37in then a HD Ready TV will give you fantastic results from a high definition source such as a Freesat HD box.
If you are looking for a larger TV and want a true home cinema experience,
then you may want to look out for the next generation of high definition -
1080p HD.
High Definition is reliant on the number of pixels on the screen to display high levels of detail. 1080p HD uses twice as many pixels as a HD Ready TV, taking an already superb high definition picture and adding even more minute detail.
For the ultimate in picture quality connect a 1080p HD TV to a source such
as a Blu-ray™ Disc player or Sony PS3 games console.
| HIGH DEFINITION BROADCAST AND BLU-RAY™ FORMATS | |
|---|---|
| HD 720 | The picture is made up of 720 lines, about 100 more than a traditional TV picture. The image you'll see is much better quality than before. |
| HD 1080i |
1080i gives you even better picture definition, with over a thousand lines making up the image. The 'i' means it saves space on the airwaves by broadcasting only half the signal at a time, first one half then the other – so fast the eye doesn't notice. |
| HD 1080p (Blu-ray™) |
1080p gives you the sharpest, most detailed images of all, since the picture is made up of 1080 lines all broadcast at once (not half at a time like 1080i) meaning fast-moving sports and action scenes are blur-free. No channels are broadcasting 1080 line television programmes yet. But buy a 1080i or 1080p TV, and you'll get the most out of the High Definition DVDs already on sale in Blu-ray™ formats. |
Picture enhancement
Many TV manufacturers also have their own picture enhancing ‘engines’. The software inside the TV enhances the picture by managing colour levels, contrast, brightness and resolution to produce sharper, clearer images with richer and more realistic colour.
TVs with picture enhancement are usually models with lots of other great
features, look out for these throughout our range.
100Hz Picture Technology
If you watch lots of fast moving sports or action movies then you will benefit from a TV with 100Hz technology. The TV smooths the motion, reducing any blurring or judder, giving crisp, smooth action.
 |
|
Standard LCD TV |
LCD TV with 100Hz technology |
Remember, 'Digital' and 'High Definition' aren't the same thing. Digital refers to how the signal is broadcast, whereas High Definition refers to the quality of the image. Even before broadcasts begin, High Definition quality is already available on disc in Blu-ray™ formats.
What is a Blu-ray™ disc?
High definition brings the best possible picture quality to an HD-Ready TV. You can now enjoy this improved picture from a format known as Blu-ray™ Disc. It outputs in the highest resolution of 1080p, giving the ultimate in sharpness.
Blu-ray™ Discs hold significantly more data than a standard DVD disc. Not only does this deliver your favourite movies in high definition, an added benefit of the technology is the ability to include interactive features. This can take the form of director’s commentary, trailers or even ways to interact directly with the movie’s content.
More than the picture
The benefits of Blu-ray™ Disc extend beyond the amazing picture quality. Many Blu-ray™ Discs hold another feature - full 7.1 surround sound. When using a compatible Blu-ray™ player and home cinema system you can enjoy the ultimate home cinema experience. Hear everything as it happens around you, immersing you in the centre of the action. Look out for players that have
7.1 HD audio decoding.
You will need a home cinema system to benefit from the surround sound
available on Blu-ray™ Discs.
Why get a Blu-ray™ Disc player?
If you have an HD-Ready TV then there is no better way of making the most of the improved picture quality available.
A Blu-ray™ player will significantly enhance your viewing experience not only of movies, but also of the many TV series now being released on the Blu-ray™ Disc format. The perfect match for Blu-ray™ is a 1080HD-Ready TV as the output from the disc exactly matches the capability of the television screen, giving you the best picture quality possible. Blu-ray™ disc players can also play all standard DVD discs and will even improve the picture quality of these to a near HD experience.
Making the connection
When using Blu-ray™ technology you will need an HDMI cable to connect the player to your HD Ready TV.
An HDMI (High Definition Multimedia Interface) cable is the modern day equivalent of the scart lead. It transfers data digitally from the player to your TV, reducing any interference and delivering amazingly crisp pictures and sound.
All about HDMI
To make the most of High Definition broadcasts or DVDs you'll need High Definition Multimedia Interface, or HDMI leads. Connectors and cables marked with the HDMI logo can carry both picture and sound at the ultra high quality level needed to make the most of High Definition TV – so your viewing experience will be the most entertaining possible.
Most High Definition flatscreen TVs come with at least one HDMI socket – but the more the merrier, since many digital TV recorders, DVD recorders, camcorders and other technology are adopting HDMI for their connections.
Best of all, HDMI with a High Definition TV makes even normal TV look better. It 'upscales' or improves the image even when the broadcast isn't High Definition! Of course, it won't be as detailed as true High Definition, but you'll still notice the difference.
Argos guide to tv and recording
- Introduction to TV and Recording
- Flatscreen TV explained
- High Definition TV and Picture Enhancement explained
- Confused by the digital switchover? Check out the facts
- Digital recording explained
- See our Jargon Buster for further explanation of technical terms
- www.argos.co.uk