HDTV information resource - HD TV plasma television

Traditional analog television has a resolution that's equivalent to about 640x480 pixels. In comparison, an HDTV broadcast has a resolution of up to 1920x1080 pixels.

Yes. In fact you will need both a TV that is capable of displaying HDTV as well an HDTV tuner (if your set is not integrated).

To the human eye, the difference between the two HDTV formats is barely discernible. The "p" in 720p refers to progressive scan, while the "i" in 1080 refers to interlaced. Progressive scans draw every frame in a single pass, while interlaced scanning draws the picture in two passes: one for odd-numbered lines and one for even numbered. Though 1080i provides a higher number of resolution lines, the progressive scan of the 720 format provides what some have called a smoother picture.

For most parts of the country, the answer to this question is yes. More than 1300 local stations broadcast over the air HD signals. This means that 99% of all U.S. households are in range of at least one HDTV station. For digital cable subscribers who live near any of the 100 major markets, you are likely able to receive HD channels from your provider.

No. Digital cable is transmitted in ones and zeroes and is not the same thing as DTV or HDTV. In some cases you are able to get DTV through digital cable subscriptions, however, just because you are getting digital cable, it does not mean you are also able to receive DTV or HDTV signals.

Not exactly. HDTV represents six of the 18 different formats put forth by the ATSC for broadcasting digital television. All HDTV formats fall underneath the umbrella of DTV, however, not all DTV formats are considered HDTV. HDTV formats must have a resolution of at least 720p and has an aspect ratio of 16x9.

No. While the FCC has mandated that all over the air broadcasts must be DTV compatible by the last day of 2006, there is no such mandate in place for cable and satellite broadcasters. Because the HDTV signals take up significantly more bandwidth, it is up to the individual operators to decide if they will take on the challenge of broadcasting in HDTV.