The use of HDTV (High Definition Television) is increasing in the United States, Australia, and Japan.
How is this different from a standard TV? The main differences between HDTV and the standard TV are higher picture resolution, multi-channel audio, and a wide screen 16:9 aspect ratio. This means sharper and clearer pictures along with accurate and detailed sound.
How do the various HDTV models differ?
Some models can deliver images that are up to six times sharper than what the standard televisions display. The images we see on a television are made up of horizontal lines. These lines are scanned continuously to form an image. The standard television typically has 480 lines. In comparison, HDTV can contain 1080 lines. Unlike standard TVs, HDTV does not scan one line at a time to make the image, but delivers the whole image at once. This results in much greater detail and more realistic colors.
Aspect ratio is another difference between standard TVs and HDTV. Current day TVs use an aspect ratio of 4:3, making them look almost square. This is rapidly being replaced by the HDTV aspect ratio of 16:9. The bigger aspect ratio results in a wider screen. Due to increasing popularity of home theater systems, HDTV uses the same aspect as the screen in a movie theater. A wide screen means that the TV does not have to cut off the sides when you are watching your DVDs.
Another movie theater influence in HDTV is that audio is now presented using the Dolby Digital Standard. Currently, surround sound involves tricks to simulate the origin of audio. With the Dolby Digital Standard, the audio experience is as thrilling as the video.
Do I need any additional 'stuff' with an HDTV?
A special receiver is needed to view programs in HD format. There are many choices available in the market today. The safest choice is to get a receiver that can accept HD format as well as standard format. This can become important because not all programs are currently available in HD. Simply connect the receiver into your HDTV and you are on. With the rise in the popularity of HDTV, the number of programs available has also been steadily increasing.
Another result of this widespread use is that the HDTV’s are quite inexpensive. Some networks have packages that include HDTV for as little as $50 a month. Since the trend has caught on and is making money, it is only natural that more and more options will soon be available to consumers. Within a year or so, HDTV could be available at the same cost as that of standard TV today.
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