Understanding True HD

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by Dave Donovan

Understanding "True" HDTV

When is an HDTV not an HDTV? Why, when it's an EDTV of course! Not, this isn't a stupid joke, but it can feel like one if you accidentally purchase an EDTV television thinking that it offers true HDTV clarity. In many cases, the salesmen don't even know the difference. That's why it is so important to do your research before you go out shopping with your hard-earned money! Now, let's look at the primary difference between and enhanced digital TV and a high definition TV.

What is EDTV?

EDTV stands for "Enhanced Digital TV." These television sets are sold under the HDTV banner, usually near the lower side of the price scale. Even still, a consumer may think they are getting a great deal on an HDTV for around $1,000 but in truth, they're not really buying "true" high definition. In fact, they're actually paying too much for a slightly improved picture.

These types of televisions can display a resolution no higher than 480p. True HDTVs can display images up to 1080i, doubling the resolution quality of an EDTV.

So, what happens when someone mistakenly purchases an EDTV when all of their audio and video equipment is configured for true HD? The television has to down-sample the video from 720p or 1080i to 480p, which to the inexperienced may not seem like much, but to a video-connoisseur it's like an audiophile comparing vinyl records with compact discs.

What is True HDTV?

As stated earlier, true HDTV can display images up to 1080i. These television sets feature a built-in ATSC tuner that is capable of translating a direct signal into 720p or better resolution without the help from an external decoder or tuner.

Types of HDTVs

There are a number of different types of HDTVs available for today's shopper to choose from. And for the inexperienced, figuring out which one to purchase can prove to be quite confusing. Here is a list of the different types of HDTVs: